Where are the best tea houses in Kyoto?

• Totaro 

• ONN Kyoto Gokomachi

• Nota Dorayaki and Black Tea

• Rokujuan

• Mandaracha

The cultivation and consumption of tea has a long history in Kyoto, the cultural center of traditional Japan. The city served as the royal capital for more than a millennium and developed into a hub of cultural refinement, which included the creation of the Japanese tea ceremony. During the Heian period (794–1185), tea was brought to Kyoto from China and developed into a complex ritual that symbolizes peace, harmony, respect, purity, and quiet. The city's verdant surroundings, especially in the Uji area, made it possible to grow premium tea leaves, which resulted in the creation of matcha and sencha, which are still prized within Japan and around the world today.

This strong connection with tea means that, into the modern day, Kyoto is home to a strong roster of tea houses, varying from the most well-established and traditional to more new-wave establishments looking to put a contemporary spin on the long-consumed indulgence. Here are some of our favorite tea houses in Kyoto, each of which is well worth a visit the next time you find yourself in the ancient capital!

• Totaro

〒600-8182 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 101-2

Located near Gojo Station, Totaro is a reinvention of Kyoto’s traditional tea culture. The standing room-only tea house operates out of an old renovated machiya, with much of its exterior being original from the last few decades. The more minimalistic design elements flow seamlessly with the more traditional decorative points, a nice contrast between old and new. 

Matcha is the tea house’s calling card, with their expertly crafted lattes being an especial highlight, and every drink comes with two small baby castella cakes. However, there are a number of traditional Japanese desserts available for order, such as shiratama mochi glazed with different sauces and served with ice cream. 

• ONN Kyoto Gokomachi

341-1 Iseyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8066

Opening in November of 2023, ONN Kyoto also embraces the city’s traditional practices and architecture, being built out of a 100-year-old traditional Machiya in the Gokomachi area. The tea selection is unapologetically simple, featuring earthy matcha brewed with the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” mentality. 

On the more extravagant end, however, are the teahouse’s signature daifuku, mochi rice cakes with specific fillings. The daifuku at ONN are small works of art with gorgeous detailing and unique flavors. The strawberry daifuku in particular is a fun play on the staple flavor, with white frosting on top that is laid on with a detailed floral motif. Owner Suzuka Yamaoka learned to make confectionary from a master of wagashi (Japanese sweets), so rest assured that they taste as delicious as they look. 

• Nota Dorayaki and Black Tea

〒604-8217 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishirokkakucho, 101

Black tea (known as kocha in Japanese) takes mainstage at Nota in the Nakagyo Ward in Kyoto. Specialty teas from all over Japan are available on the menu and served alongside the shop’s signature dorayaki, a type of traditional Japanese pancake. These dorayaki are a canvas for rich toppings, such as whipped cream, matcha powdered sugar, and sweet potato! The signature dorayaki changes by season, making it great for repeat visits!

The shop itself is a bit hidden away from the main road and is out of an old storehouse for a prominent family out of Kyoto. It is only a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station. Nota is typically open seven days a week, but their Instagram account will have their monthly business schedule posted. 

• Rokujuan 

 〒604-8217 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishirokkakucho, 101

Artistry and aesthetics are at the forefront at Rokjuan, located in Nishi-rokkakucho. Even before entering, the stylish exterior is elegant and understated, a great representation of Kyoto as a whole. In fact, the storefront operates out of the historic Kubo Family Residence that has been a protected property of the city for over a century. 

The tea house’s offerings are largely seasonal, highlighting different key ingredients throughout the year, but matcha and hojicha are staples. Served alongside the teas are the tea house’s iconic hanawarabi mochi, a jelly-like confectionary. At Rokujuan, the warabi mochi is serenely clear with edible flowers placed inside, looking almost like a piece of glass artwork, but is fully edible and mixed with different types of powder! These hanawarabi mochi can also be bought as a souvenir! On the savory end, roast duck and rice, a staple of traditional Kyoto cuisine, is also on the menu!

• Mandaracha

〒605-0831 Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Yamashiro-cho 278-1

Mandaracha is a teahouse made for the most passionate of tea drinkers. On the website, a map outlining where the teas are sourced from within Japan and around the world is available for viewing, and at the store itself, an extensive and impressive display of teas can be seen from behind the counter. Black teas, roasted green teas, ground matcha, nitrogen-infused teas and more can be chosen from the extensive menu, served alongside mooncakes, matcha creme brulee, and other great desserts!

Mandaracha is located just south of the popular Gion District in Kyoto and was founded by Alexandre Nicolau, who originally hails from France. Despite not being a native of Japan, he fell in love with the country’s tea culture and opened the shop in 2019, serving as a hub for the world’s finest teas in a city filled with people with a high appreciation for it. 

Witness tea culture in the region where the best Japanese teas are cultivated

If Kyoto is so associated and revered for its tea culture, it's because the region is famed for the tea it grows on lush, green tea fields spreading as far as the horizon. Most notably, two places are worth a detour in rural Kyoto Prefecture if you want to elevate your tea experience in Japan. Uji, located halfway between Kyoto and Nara, is a picturesque city with a rich history. But it's also the epicenter of tea culture in Kyoto Prefecture, the small city having given its name to one of the most revered green tea varieties. In southern Kyoto Prefecture, Wazuka is another highlight of the region's tea culture, the city and surrounding areas producing almost half of the green tea in Kyoto. 

Experience the rich tea culture of Kyoto firsthand with a tea ceremony!

Of course, aside from all the great tea stands and teahouses throughout the ancient capital, the most traditional and authentic way to see this city's strong connection to tea culture is with an interactive tea ceremony experience! A traditional Japanese tea ceremony is as much about the ritual and spectacle as it is the actual tea being served, with the art being highly treasured and extensively practiced throughout centuries. Take a look at seeing a tea ceremony when visiting Kyoto for the full Japanese experience!