Miyagawacho, Kyoto. This is one of the entertainment districts with a quiet and modest atmosphere that is slightly different from the glamor of tourist spots.

Hanamachi is a traditional entertainment district where geisha and maiko perform their arts, and is a place where traditional Japanese culture has been alive since ancient times. Walking down the stone-paved alleys away from the hustle and bustle, you can feel the time passing slowly.

As you pass through this quaint townscape and head into the residential area, you will come across a hidden tea salon called Kyoto Tea Club.

This tea specialty shop has been loved for over 30 years for its carefully selected tea leaves and attentive service, and has also become a popular place of relaxation for the maiko (apprentice geisha) who practice dancing in the area.

Listening to customers' opinions and providing a cup of coffee just for them

Upon entering the store, the owner, Mr. Kurashige Yoro, will warmly greet you.

Kurashige's encounter with tea dates back to his junior high school days, when he was invited by a British family who lived nearby and was served real tea for the first time.

From then on, Kurashige-san became fascinated with black tea and studied it on his own. When he moved to Kyoto after getting married, he had a connection with a black tea shop and started a tea leaf wholesale business in Kiyomizu, Kyoto.

When he offered several types of tea and Japanese sweets to tourists visiting the shop, they were very pleased. This experience led him to want to "carefully provide people with the opportunity to enjoy tea," and he decided to open "Kyoto Tea Club" in Miyagawacho, near his home.

"I want to create a tea time experience that is just right for each individual," says Kurashige.

They will chat with you and suggest a cup that suits your tastes and mood, asking questions such as, "Do you want regular black tea, flavored tea, or milk tea?" and "How much sugar would you like?"

An original blend that captures the essence of Kyoto

In addition to Kurashige's carefully selected tea leaves from around the world, the store also offers a large selection of original blends.

Apparently, each fragrance was created through repeated trial and error in response to requests from regular customers, including maiko from Miyagawacho, who said, "It would be nice if there was a scent like this."

In some cases, the customer who requests the original blend ends up naming it after them.

"If people like the scent, we sometimes ask them to give it a name," Kurashige says happily.

The menu is full of attractive names such as "Daydream" and "Strawberry Meeting," which were named by maiko, and "Gion Komachi" and "Sannenzaka in the Afternoon," which have a Kyoto feel to them, and just looking at the menu will lift your spirits.

Warm scones served with homemade yuzu and blueberry jam go perfectly with straight tea.

The refreshing taste of peach and peppermint from our original blend "Whisper of the Wind" matches perfectly with the gentle sweetness of the scones, bringing a smile to your face with every bite.

Selecting items to brighten up your tea time

Another great service only available at Kyoto Tea Club is the ability to choose your favorite teacups and pot covers.

The shelves are lined with a variety of tableware, from classic British-style cups to teacups with a Japanese flair.

The pot covers also come in designs that you'll want to pick up, such as retro floral patterns and calming Japanese patterns. Asking yourself, "How do I want to feel while drinking tea today?" is sure to enrich your tea time.

"Drinking tea from a teacup may seem unorthodox, but as long as you enjoy it slowly, that's fine," says Kurashige with a laugh.

The free and comfortable atmosphere created by his easygoing personality may be the reason why Kyoto Tea Club has been loved for so long.

Souvenirs that will make your heart flutter, and you'll want to take them home with you as memories

A popular item at the Kyoto Tea Club is the "Tea Candy," which was created in response to requests from maiko who said, "I want to enjoy delicious tea even when I'm busy."

These candies are made using carefully extracted tea leaves sold in the shop, and just one piece will fill your mouth with the rich aroma and flavor of black tea.

The tea candy, packaged in a paper bag with an illustration of a maiko's back and a tea set, is adorable to look at and will make your heart flutter.

What's more, when you purchase tea leaves, they will also offer a service where you can have them placed in a drawstring bag of your choice, whether it be a Japanese or Western design. It's perfect not only for yourself, but also as a souvenir to choose for someone special.

The warmth of gentle tea as a memory of your trip

For over 30 years, Kyoto Tea Club has been listening to the voices of its customers and providing support to them. The aromatic tea and the warm hospitality of the owner will help you ease away the fatigue of your travels.

Take a break from sightseeing, treat yourself, or spend some time chatting with someone. Your own tea time will surely add a touch of color to your memories of your trip to Kyoto.

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京都紅茶倶楽部
電話：075-551-4856
住所：京都市東山区柿町通大黒町西入ル東川原町508番地
アクセス：京阪線「清水五条駅」より徒歩5分 
HP：https://www.kyotokouchaclub.net/
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