Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store — Restaurant in Kyoto

Update: tourists have ruined the store. There’s just way too many tourists to have a pleasant experience here. Staff speak very limited English and are just waiting for tourists to hurry up, buy something and leave. Very transactional. I also feel the cafe prices are a rip off.

Lovely gorgeous store. I did not purchase matcha as I already have too much in stock but I did purchase all 3 of their sencha teas, Good Fortune tea, the hojicha on my last trip. Their Good Fortune tea that is sold during the New Year comes in a cute can and makes a lovely gift. The tea inside is genmaicha and is nice.

I did a taste test of the senchas recently and was surprised. Even the lower end sencha was nice. If I had to buy loads, I would probably get the midline priced blue bag. There were noticeable differences in the first flush and of course, I gravitated towards the purple and blue bags. But when it came to the second flush, they were nearly identical, though the more expensive purple Sencha had a stronger flavour still coming through.

Of all the teas I have purchased from them through the years, I did not like the Hojicha. The colour of the tea is nearly blackish and scary looking to drink: think carcinogens. Nevertheless, this store sells quality teas and is always a sound favourite for gifts back home.

This tea is also sold in all the major department stores, and Takashimaya and many others offer 5 percent off as well. Must take passport to visitor center to get the discount card. Tax free also when you spend over X amount. The kiosks in these department stores do not have a tasting center though.

If you have a lot of money, get the matcha and gokyuro. If you want to buy good tea with a friendly budget, go for the sencha (blue bag is mid tier and brown bag is lower tier but still pleasant and will put a smile on your face for everyday tea. If you want to try and have an absolute poor man’s budget, try the genmaicha with the roasted rice inside. It’s also lovely and lower in caffeine. I still buy a bag of this whenever I can and drink it towards the end of the day when I know I need to be wary of caffeine intake.

Lastly, I don’t necessarily brew my teas at some of the recommended temperatures. I experiment with different temps and usually gravitate towards lower...

What could I possibly say about Ippodo that hasn't already been said? I'll let the others describe the incredible tea, staff, ambience, and history of this Kyoto / national institution and instead make some suggestions that may help English speaking visitors become lifelong fans. I noticed that despite the exceptionally attentive staff who instruct in English, there are a lot details that are lost in preparing your second and third brewing of Sencha and Gyokuro.

While there is quite a bit of a difference in price for the premium teas, do yourself a favor and go with the Kyoto Premium Select Sencha or Tenkaichi Gyokuro. The grades below are noticeably more bitter, while the Kyoto Premium and Tenkaichi are sublime in their clean umami flavors. You may end up with a sort of "what's the big deal" reaction with some of the more bitter sencha and gyokuro grades.

The servers will prepare your first cup of sencha or gyokuro for you, so no need to worry there. While I noticed that middle grade teas are most ideal in their second cups, with Tenkaichi and Kyoto Premium Select, the servers expertly preparing your first cup should ensure you get what you really should be experiencing.

I noticed many people misunderstanding the servers regarding the 60 seconds of timing: that is not the time you should be steeping your tea or leaving it in the water, but rather the time you should be leaving a cup full of plain hot water (from the thermos they provide) to lower in temperature a bit, and after sixty seconds have passed, you should pour that slightly cooler water into the Kyushu (tea pot) and pour it immediately into the other empty cup. Let the tea, every last drop, fall naturally from the Kyushu to your cup (shaking it disturbs the leaves and brings out a bitter flavor, and the last few drops have some of the most intense flavors, so don't neglect them or waste them!)

I frequent Ippodo at least once or twice a week on my frequent trips to Kyoto, and on my final visits, take advantage of their duty free shopping to take back to Korea a plentiful supply of Rimpo and Kyoto Premium Select to hold me over until my next visit.

Highly, highly...

If you're on the hunt for the finest Japanese tea, particularly matcha tea, look no further than this remarkable tea place. This hidden gem is truly a haven for tea connoisseurs seeking the pinnacle of quality and flavor. While the prices may be on the higher side, rest assured that the experience is well worth it, especially if you value authentic Japanese teas for their potential health benefits.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the matcha tea. Sip after sip, I was captivated by its exquisite taste and vibrant green hue. The matcha tea served at this tea place is the epitome of excellence, offering a harmonious blend of rich umami flavors and a hint of natural sweetness. It was truly a delight for the senses, and I couldn't help but feel rejuvenated with each cup.

In addition to matcha, I would also highly recommend indulging in their Darjeeling tea, fondly referred to as the "champagne of teas." This enchanting brew carries a delicate yet distinctive character that showcases the craftsmanship and dedication of the tea artisans. Its floral notes and muscatel undertones make for an exceptional tea-drinking experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

While the prices may initially seem steep, the quality and authenticity of the teas offered here justify every penny spent. Investing in your well-being and savoring the genuine flavors of Japanese teas is an experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you're a tea aficionado or someone looking to explore the world of fine teas, this tea place is a destination you won't want to miss.

The ambiance of the tea place is serene and inviting, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff ready to guide you through their impressive selection. Their expertise and passion for tea shine through, creating an atmosphere that fosters appreciation and...