Welcome to the Vibrant World of Japanese Tea

Kyoto is Japan’s representative tea capital. In the past few years, the number of great places to relax and enjoy tea has been increasing in Kyoto City.
We recommend the following Japanese tea cafes, Japanese tea stores, and Japanese-style cafes. These cafes are full of unique Kyoto-style stores, such as elegant cafes in renovated Kyoto machiya townhouses. There are also matcha cafes where you can enjoy authentic matcha lattes and matcha sweets. We hope you will visit one of these cafes during your sightseeing in Kyoto.

1. YUGEN

YUGEN is a Japanese tea specialty shop that opened in 2018 near Kyoto Imperial Palace. The entire four-story building has been renovated to express a refined and unique sense of aesthetics, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Japanese tea that YUGEN creates.

The menu offers a lineup of teas, primarily sourced from Kyoto, including sencha, matcha, hojicha, and black tea, each showcasing the distinctive characteristics of their varieties. The sencha, in particular, focuses on single origin tea leaves from individual farms.
At YUGEN, tea is served in combination with sweets. The sweets are prepared by staff members who have trained in traditional kaiseki cuisine and Japanese confectionery. They incorporate elements of kaiseki cuisine to create special sweets that enhance the flavors of Japanese tea, resulting in a gentle and delightful taste.

The second floor features a tea room, while the third floor serves as a gallery space. Various events are held at YUGEN, including tea ceremonies and kintsugi(technique of repairing broken ceramics) workshops.

Details
Address: 146 Kameya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-708-7770
Opening hours: 11am-6pm 
Open seven days a week
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2. MA

MA is a unique shop located near Toji Temple in Kyoto, a designated World Heritage site. It combines various cultural elements such as tea, sweets, dining, art, fragrance, and music. Opened in 2019, MA underwent the renovation of a Kyoto machiya, a traditional townhouse dating back approximately 100 years, creating a nostalgic and atmospheric space that exudes the essence of Kyoto.

The tea room at MA revolves around the theme of “savoring the essence of Japanese tea through time” and offers curated tea experiences. MA offers a selection of 200 teas, including 180 varieties of Japanese tea alone, such as matcha, gyokuro(shaded greeen), sencha, kamairicha(pan-fired tea), Japanese-style oolong tea, and Japanese black tea. Each tea showcases the unique characteristics of its origin and variety.

In addition, MA offers a tea and confectionery pairing course called “MA’s CHAJI – Tea and Sweets,” featuring three specially crafted sweets designed to complement the tea. It is an attractive menu that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of MA.

Details
Address: 59, Nishi-Kujo Hinagajo-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-748-6198
Opening hours: 11am-5pm 
Closed on Wednesdays
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3. Aotake

Aotake is a tea cafe situated just a 6-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station. Housed in a renovated 100-year-old machiya (traditional Kyoto-style townhouse), it offers a unique and charming atmosphere. The interior exudes the distinctive ambiance of a machiya, creating a comfortable space where you can leisurely enjoy tea.

At aotake, you can savor various types of tea, including Japanese tea, Chinese tea, and black tea. The Japanese teas are sourced from single-origin tea leaves grown by producers in Kyoto’s regions such as Kyoto Tanabe and Wazuka.
They offer a selection of hand-picked gyokuro, kabusecha, hojicha, and more. For the first infusion, the owner, Takako Tanaka, carefully prepares the tea. From the second infusion onwards, you can enjoy the tea at your own pace using the provided hot water.

The second floor features traditional tatami seating where you can relax and unwind while enjoying your tea. Guests are invited to take off their shoes and make themselves comfortable in this cozy setting.

Details
Address: 485 Zaimoku-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-748-6198
Opening hours: 11am-5:30pm 
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
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4. Kaikado Cafe

Kaikado Cafe is a cafe operated by Kaikado, a long-established tea caddy maker, located in Kyoto. The cafe is conveniently situated about a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
The first floor of the store is a cafe. The interior is bathed in natural light streaming through large windows, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. The warm wooden decor adds to the charm of the space.

They offer a selection of Japanese teas from renowned Kyoto establishments such as Marukyu Koyamaen, Rishouen Tea Shop in Uji, and the innovative tea brand EN TEA.
One highly recommended café menu item is their aromatic Kamairi-cha(pan-fired tea) Additionally, they offer refreshing cold-brewed green tea, iced matcha lattes, and Kaikado’s unique hojicha latte, among other Japanese tea specialties.

On the second floor’s gallery shop, you can explore and purchase Kaikado’s wide range of tea caddies, which are renowned for their craftsmanship and timeless beauty.

Details
Address: 352 Sumiyoshi-cho, Kawaramachi-Dori Shichijo, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-353-5668
Opening hours: 11am-6:30pm 
Closed on Thursdays and Year-end and New Year holidays
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5. Kissako Wazuka

Kissako Wazuka is a Wazuka tea café located about a 6-minute walk from Shichijo Station in Kyoto city. It is a tea café renovated from a 100-year-old Kyoto Machiya traditional townhouse.

Wazuka Town is a major tea-producing region located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful tea fields and the production of high-quality tea. Kissako Wazuka offers a menu of sencha and matcha directly sourced from tea farmers in Wazuka. They also provide sweet treats such as ice cream made with Wazuka matcha.

Kissako Wazuka offers various tea experiences as well. Visitors can enjoy tea tasting sessions and casual tea ceremony experiences.

Details
Address: 5-182 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-741-6377
Opening hours: 12am-6pm 
Closed on Mondays
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6. Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store

Fukujuen Kyoto Flagship Store is located along Shijo Street, which is the central district of Kyoto city. It is the flagship store of Fukujuen, a renowned traditional tea company specializing in Uji tea, established in 1790.
The store offers various tea experiences across its different floors, from the basement 1st floor to the 6th floor (with the retail floor up to the 5th floor), each floor featuring a different concept.

On the basement 1st floor, you can participate in the creation of original blended tea using sencha, kabusecha, and gyokuro, as well as enjoy tea tasting sessions.

The 2nd floor houses “Saryo FUKUCHA,” a café with the concept of casually and joyfully enjoying traditional Uji tea. The 3rd floor features “Maison de Matsuda Fukujuen,” a French restaurant where you can savor authentic French cuisine infused with Uji tea, bringing together the fusion of Uji tea and French culinary traditions.

On the 4th floor, you can enjoy seasonal Japanese confectionery along with matcha, gyokuro, and sencha in a cozy tea space. The 5th floor offers a selection of Fukujuen’s original tea utensils and tea ceremony tools for sale.
Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store provides a comprehensive experience where you can explore and enjoy the world of tea through various offerings and concepts on each floor.

Details
Address: Corner of Shijo & Tominokoji, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 050-3152-2901
Opening hours: 11am-6pm（Varies by floor）
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7. Saryo Suisen Takatsuji Main Store 

Saryo Suisen Takatsuji Main Store is a traditional Japanese-style cafe located about a 5-minute walk from Kyoto’s subway Karasuma Line Shijo Station.
At Saryo Suisen, they use carefully selected matcha curated by Mr. Morita, a renowned tea master and certified Japanese tea appraiser from Kyoto.

They offer a menu of matcha-based beverages made with premium Uji matcha from Kyoto and the highest-grade, quality tea leaves. The interior of the cafe has a charming atmosphere of a traditional Kyoto townhouse, creating a calm space inspired by Japanese tea rooms.

Their signature menu item is the “Suisen Parfait,” and they also offer matcha lattes with milk foam jelly, Mont Blanc, shaved ice, and a wide variety of authentic matcha sweets.

Details
Address: Kyoto Takatsuji Building 1F, 521 Inari-cho, Higashinotoin, Takatsuji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-278-0111
Opening hours: 10:30am-6pm
Open seven days a week
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8. 7T＋

7T+(Seven Tea Plus), a tea leaf retail store located in the Kawaramachi area of Kyoto city, offers a wide variety of teas, with a focus on Japanese and Chinese teas. They have a collection of over 80 different types of tea leaves available for purchase.

The owner, Mr. Nakano visits tea-producing regions to discover and introduce teas that captivate him. The teas are categorized into seven categories based on their production methods and unique characteristics, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and white tea. They source Japanese teas from various regions across the country, including Kyoto, Shiga, Saga, Kumamoto, and Saitama.

The store also provides a collection of domestically produced black teas, which have been gaining attention in recent years. They also offer Japanese oolong tea, kamairi-cha(Pan-fried teas), and Awaban-cha(post-fermented Tea).
Additionally, the store features a tea stand where customers can enjoy the teas from  7T+ through takeout service.

Details
Address: 73-1 Shioyacho, Ayakoji-dori, Tominokoji-higashiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City 
Phone: 075-708-7199
Opening hours: 11am-7pm
Closed on Thursdays
View Website 

9. Fuya-Ryuryoku

Fuya-Ryuryoku is a shop located in the Kawaramachi area of central Kyoto, with a focus on teas from Minamiyamashiro Village, Kyoto Prefecture. On the first floor, it operates as a shop representing Minamiyamashiro Village, the only village in Kyoto Prefecture. 

They offer single-origin, single-variety teas that showcase the unique characteristics of each tea farmer in Minamiyamashiro Village. They also sell Japanese black teas, such as Benifuki and Saekari, allowing customers to choose from different varieties of Japanese black tea.

The second floor features a Japanese tea cafe supervised by Chef Sugihara from the Tokyo-based French restaurant “naturam.” They serve innovative sweets made with teas from Minamiyamashiro Village and seasonal ingredients, providing a unique culinary experience.

Details
Address: 439 Shirakabe-cho, Rokkaku-agaru, Fuyacho-Dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-201-7862
Opening hours: 11am-6pm
Closed on Wednesdays 
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10. Ippodo Chaho Kyoto Main Store

Ippodo Chaho is a renowned traditional Japanese tea specialty store in Kyoto, founded in 1717.

Ippodo Chaho Kyoto Main Store is located approximately a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line, the shop has a nostalgic charm with old tea jars lining the walls. They offer a wide variety of teas, with a focus on matcha, gyokuro, sencha , and hojicha.

The shop also has a tea cafe called Kaboku where customers can relax and enjoy their tea. The space features counter seats and table seating, creating a quiet atmosphere with a warm wooden touch. The tea menu includes over ten options, including matcha and gyokuro, which can be enjoyed alongside traditional Japanese sweets as a set.

Details
Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-Dori Nijo agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-211-4018
Opening hours: 10am-5pm
Closed on Year-end and New Year holidays, 4th Wednesday of the month
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11. Zenkashoin Kyoto Muromachi Main Store

Zenkashoin Kyoto Muromachi Main Store, located in the Karasuma-Oike area of Kyoto, is a confectionery shop that opened in 2009 after renovating a 300-year-old traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse from the Edo period.

The spacious interior houses a confectionery retail space, a tea room, as well as a gallery, a confectionery factory, and a courtyard, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of Zenkashoin.
At the tea room called Zen Cafe with a view of the garden, you can leisurely enjoy Japanese tea along with Zenkashoin’s confections.

The most popular sweet treat is the special Castella cake called Zen Castella, made with eggs from chickens raised on black beans and baked in the in-house factory. Using only egg yolks, it achieves a rich flavor and a moist texture that is truly delightful. 
A recommended menu item is the Satei no Zen, a set that combines popular confections with tea. You can choose from sencha or matcha, and the staff will carefully prepare each cup for you.

Details
Address: 271-1 Takoyakushi-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-211-4018
Opening hours: 10am-6pm
Open seven days a week
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12. Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Store 

Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Store is a specialized Japanese tea shop located in the Karasuma Oike area, the heart of Kyoto city. It is a directly managed store of Marukyu Koyamaen, a prestigious tea wholesaler with a history of 300 years in Uji, Kyoto.

They offer a wide selection of various types of matcha, sencha, and other teas that are available. The shop has been renovated from a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse, and it houses a Japanese tea cafe within its premises. In this serene ambiance, you can enjoy a relaxing tea time while gazing at a small courtyard garden.

Furthermore, an authentic tea room has been set up, providing a luxurious space to enjoy tea. The cafe menu includes not only matcha but also other representative teas of Marukyu Koyamaen, such as gyokuro and sencha. They can be enjoyed with traditional Japanese sweets as a set.

Details
Address: 561 Nishinotoin-cho, Sanbo, Oike-sagaru, Nishinotoin-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-223-0909
Opening hours: Shop 9:30am-6pm Cafe 10:30am-5pm
Closed on Wednesdays 
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13. Rokkaku Chikiriya Chaho

Rokkaku Chikiriya Chaho is a specialized Japanese tea shop located in the heart of Kyoto city. It is conveniently situated a 4-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station, in an area surrounded by offices and restaurants. The shop has gained popularity among locals due to its close connection with the community and its welcoming and casual atmosphere.

With a history of over 110 years, the current owner, Daiko Wakabayashi, is the fourth generation to run the shop. One of their popular teas is “Karigane Hojicha,” a roasted tea made from tea stems, known for its aromatic and mellow flavor. They also offer Kyoto-grown sencha, gyokuro, and stem tea.

On the second floor, there is a dessert space where you can leisurely enjoy your tea time. They serve tea-based sweets such as matcha parfait, which perfectly complements their prideful teas.

Details
Address: 226-2 Sanmoncho, Higashi-iru, Rokkodori Higashi-do-in, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-221-5948
Opening hours: 9am-6pm 
Closed on Sundays and Public holidays
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14. Gion Kitagawa Hanbee

Gion Kitagawa Hanbee is a charming traditional Japanese café located in the nostalgic atmosphere of Gion in Kyoto city. It is operated by Kitagawa Hanbee Shoten, a tea merchant in Uji city of Kyoto established in 1861.

The café is housed in a renovated 100-year-old Kyoto machiya traditional townhouse and exudes a blend of Japanese and modern aesthetics. The first floor features stylish counter and table seating, while the second floor offers cozy sofa seating for relaxation. 
Their menu of Japanese tea includes carefully selected matcha, sencha, gyokuro, as well as domestically produced Japanese oolong tea and Japanese black tea.

At this café, you can indulge in the pairing of Japanese tea and sweets. One highly recommended menu item is the Chayomi set, which includes five different teas and bite-sized confections. It allows you to compare and appreciate the flavors of matcha, sencha, roasted tea, Japanese black tea, and Japanese oolong tea while enjoying specially crafted sweets that complement each tea.
After 6:00 PM, the café transforms into a night café. The ambiance changes to that of a bar, and they also serve tea-based cocktails, offering a unique and different experience from the daytime.

Details
Address: 570-188 Gion cho minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-205-0880
Opening hours: 11am-10pm 
Open seven days a week
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15. Mandaracha

Mandaracha is a tea house that specializes in Japanese tea with a selection of Taiwanese and Chinese teas. It is located in the charming Higashiyama area of Kyoto, just a 6-minute walk from Shimizu Gojo Station. The shop is curated by Alexander, a French owner, who has traveled to tea gardens across Japan to carefully select a range of tea leaves. Their lineup includes teas from various regions, from Kyushu’s Kumamoto and Saga to Kyoto, Nara, and Shizuoka.

They offer a wide variety of tea types and cultivars, providing an enchanting assortment that allows you to explore the diverse and profound world of Japanese tea. The tea prepared by Alexander himself in the shop is exceptional. As you savor the tea, take the opportunity to listen to his valuable stories about tea. The café menu also includes sweets that pair well with tea, allowing you to enjoy the art of tea and its harmonious combinations.

The interior of the shop exudes a Japanese ambiance with a touch of oriental atmosphere. It provides a serene environment enveloped in the warmth of wood, allowing you to engage with tea in a calm and peaceful manner.

Details
Address: 70-188 Gion cho minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City 
Phone: 075-205-0880
Opening hours: 10am-6pm 
Closed on Wednesdays  and Thursdays 
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16. Hatoya Ryouyousha 

Hatoya Ryouyousha is a matcha cafe located in Arashiyama, a renowned tourist destination in Kyoto. It is conveniently situated just a short walk from the Randen Arashiyama Main Line’s Kurumazaki-jinja-mae Station.
At Hatoya Ryouyousha, only the highest quality hand-picked matcha from within Kyoto Prefecture is used. They offer seven distinct varieties of matcha sourced from various producers, each with its own unique character.

The most popular menu item is the Matcha Latte, which features a lineup of three different types of matcha. The Matcha Latte with Roasted Matcha offers an extraordinary blend of the rich flavors of matcha and the sweetness of milk, enhanced by a subtle roasted aroma. Topping the Matcha Latte with Matcha Ice Cream, which is homemade using an Italian gelato machine, intensifies the delightful taste of matcha. It is recommended to slowly savor the ice cream as it melts into the latte.

Another beloved matcha sweet at Hatoya Ryouyousha is their Hatoya Pudding, which has been popular since the shop’s opening. This exquisite dessert combines a milk-based custard pudding with homemade matcha and roasted matcha bean paste sauce. Eating it with the accompanying shiratama (sticky rice dumplings) enhances its deliciousness.

Details
Address: 22-66 Saga-Asahi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-881-1881
Opening hours: Weekdays 11am-5pm  Weekends 10am-5pm
Open seven days a week
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17. Kumonocha kiyomizusannenzaka Store

Kumonocha kiyomizusannenzaka store is a Japanese tea cafe located on Sannen-zaka, the approach leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It reopened in March 2022 with the concept of “Relaxing with Tea in Kyoto”.

At the cafe, you can enjoy matcha and matcha lattes made with high-quality Uji matcha from the renowned Uji tea shop Horiishichimeien. They also offer delectable sweets such as Kumo no Mousse, which contains matcha mousse, and matcha pound cake baked with generous amounts of matcha.

The interior of the cafe combines traditional Kyoto elements with modern design, creating a unique ambiance that reflects the city’s essence.

Details
Address: 3-317 Kiyomizu, Sanneizaka Matsubara-agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City 
Phone: 075-551-5570
Opening hours: 10am-6pm  
Open seven days a week
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