ran Hotei — Restaurant in Kyoto

This nice little traditional cafè in Kyoto is really lovely, I wonder why it isn't more known. The owner is a Tea Master from Canada, who spent 30+ years in Japan mastering traditional arts such as Calligraphy, Martial Arts and Matcha Tea ceremony. He uses and sells his own tea brand, which is really delicious and high quality (I've been living in Kyoto for 7+ years and I can tell you this is not always the case. Many fancy places in Kyoto serving matcha aren't actually that good, and this was a rare and pleasant exception). Plus, he's a native English speaker so he can perfectly explain you everything about Tea Ceremony in the easiest way, especially if you are a foreign tourist/expat.

Other strong point: they have GLUTEN FREE cakes made with tofu and tea! This is not very common to find in Japan! And they might be the only place serving matcha soda! It was delicious, totally worths a try! You won't regret it!

The area is also very convenient to reach, you can choose between Metro, JR, Hankyu or bus. For all the tea-loving tourists or expats in Kyoto, this place is totally...

RanHotei is a 100 year old renovated Kyomachiya house located in the heart of an old shopping district in Kyoto near Nijo Castle. The Owner, Tea Master, and Martial Arts expert Randy Channell Soei has created an amazing cafe experience that no tourist should miss. Delicious cakes are always available as-well-as many more treats! I prefer to sit in the back where I can get a great view of the zen garden or the front seat and people watch! Perfect place if you are looking to relax and enjoy japans cafe culture. After a busy day of non-stop shrines and shopping my wife and I enjoyed cake, tea, and coffee! We tried the green tea cheesecake and Maple Kinako cake + green tea and coffee. Everything was fantastic. If you are looking for a real tea experience book a Japanese tea ceremony ahead of time and learn about Japanese culture! Randy does an amazing job of...

I recently attended a tea ceremony, and it was an incredible experience. The host was extremely knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the history, traditions, and intricate details of the practice. What truly stood out was how engaging and interactive he made the experience. Not only did he explain everything in a fun and informative way, but he also had us actively participate in the ritual ourselves, which made it even more immersive.

To top it off, he took photos throughout the ceremony, capturing the special moments so we could remember and reflect on the experience. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed, making it easy to appreciate the artistry and mindfulness behind the ceremony. If you’re looking for an educational yet enjoyable introduction to the world of tea, I highly...