Hidden Gem of Kyoto – A Must-Visit Tea Cafe
While wandering the charming streets of Kyoto, we stumbled upon a delightful little tea cafe that turned out to be an absolute hidden gem. This tiny establishment may be easy to miss, but once you step inside, you're transported into a world of tea like no other.
The owner’s deep knowledge of tea is immediately evident. They passionately explained the various types, levels, and grading of teas, making the experience not just about sipping a cup, but truly understanding and appreciating the nuances of this ancient beverage. The cafe offers a fantastic selection of tea leaves for purchase, as well as beautiful teapots and accessories for those who wish to recreate the experience at home.
Despite its modest size, the ambiance is cozy and inviting. However, the star of the show is undeniably the Black Tea Ice Cream. It's a unique and exceptional treat that perfectly captures the rich flavors of black tea in a creamy, refreshing form. Each bite is a testament to the cafe's dedication to quality and their expertise in tea craftsmanship.
If you find yourself in Kyoto, do yourself a favor and visit this little tea haven. It's a rare find that promises an unforgettable experience for tea lovers and curious...
Read moreHere you'll find the jewel of Kyoto's tea culture: Excellent artisanal teas and kind, world-class service in an intimately curated shop that's worth a special journey. I have cupped tea all around the world and no space or brand (including my own!) holds a candle to what you'll find here. It was such an honor to meet Kenji-sama, a true tea person and deeply knowledgeable teacher who honors the craft and heritage of Japanese and international teas in such a thoughtful, attentive, and magical way. He has a remarkable selection of rare and wonderful teas to transport you, and he is gifted in many languages. There is an in-store menu of drinks available to order and the smoked bancha on ice served with oat milk is life-changing. Days later, we are still marveling at it, and I cannot wait to taste all the teas we purchased to remember this destination. Thank you Kenji-sama and team, grazie mille di cuore! 🍵✨🫶🏼 We hope to...
Read moreThis place was amazing! Having lived in China for a while, I loved all their tea selections. The tea smelled incredibly fresh (indicating proper packaging) and there was good variety.
I tried their Kirari matcha latte, and it was DELICIOUS. I finished it in about 5 minutes unexpectedly lol. It’s smooth, yet you still get that true matcha flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Also, the lady working there (Hiyiro? I’m so sorry if I spelled her name wrong) was so sweet! She was very informative in regards to selecting the best matcha option, and we had a great conversation. Wishing her all...
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