Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store was renovated and reopened in December 2023.

At this shop on Teramachi-dori, you can experience the charm and warmth of historic tea.

Ippodo Tea Shop has more than 300 years of history

The predecessor of "Ippodo Tea Shop Kyoto Main Store" was "Omiya", a shop that sold tea, pottery, etc., which was opened in 1717.

After that, the tea sold by Omiya gained a reputation, and at the end of the Edo period, the Yamashinanomiya family gave the store the name "Ippodo," saying, "The tea you sell is delicious, so from now on you should just focus on tea." This was the opportunity for the store to become one that specialized in tea leaves.

Nearly 300 years have passed since then, and while the tea at Ippodo Tea Shop has changed with the times, it has continued to make it with the same passion and care, and its tea is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Friendly product displays that overturn the impression of formality

Due to its long history and prestigious atmosphere, some people may feel it is intimidating to just casually enter Ippodo Tea Shop.

However, once you step inside, you'll feel a warm, everyday atmosphere that gives off the feeling of a "town tea shop."

According to Kawagoe, who we spoke to for this article, "We don't just get tourists who say, 'I wanted to come here,' but many people who drop in in their everyday clothes while walking their dogs and ask, 'Can I have my usual tea?'"

So, if you're visiting for the first time, it may take some courage, but just go ahead and open the door.

The warm atmosphere inside the store and the friendly personalities of the staff create a soft, gentle atmosphere that will gradually help you ease your tension.

The newly reopened "Kaboku Cafe"

All of the teas at Ippodo Tea Shop are made with great care and love, but with over 30 brands, many people may have trouble deciding which one to choose.

When that happens, we recommend you visit "Coffee Shop Kaboku," located in the back corner of the store.

This place, which reopened in December 2023, allows you to learn how to brew tea, taste its deliciousness and deep flavor, and find the tea that suits you best.

The taste of tea can change dramatically depending on how it is brewed, such as the temperature and the amount of time it is left in place.

"It tasted good when I had it made at the store, but when I make it myself it just doesn't feel right..."

I'm sure some of you have had similar experiences.

So, this tea room was created as a place to teach customers how to brew tea so they can enjoy the deliciousness of tea at home.

You can have the staff brew the first cup for you, or you can brew it yourself, learning from the beginning.

A taste exclusive to the Kyoto main storeat this tea shop

There are a total of 10 brands of tea available to try in this tea room.

The photo shows "Special Sencha" which is only available at the Kyoto main store.

The clear colour is captivating and the refreshing scent brings to mind tea fields in early summer.

I was so impressed that I was drawn to it, and when I put it to my mouth, it had a rich, deep flavor, like dashi stock, that was beyond what I could have imagined from its appearance.

Special Sencha is made from the freshest, softest, and freshest new leaves among the new tea leaves.

While you can strongly taste the sweetness and umami flavor unique to new shoots, it is not too strong and has a smooth mouthfeel.

Moreover, as you brew it a second and third time, the tea leaves open up and the taste changes while the aroma remains the same.

Ippodo Tea Shop has many teas that are unique to this place, including the rare "Special Sencha" that can only be purchased at the Kyoto main store.

Please come and experience its charm for yourself.

Enjoy a relaxing time with Ippodo Tea

Ippodo Tea Shop continues to be a part of people's lives through tea, creating fulfilling moments for the soul.

The greatest attraction of this store is the kind attention to detail and kindness shown to each and every customer, even thinking about how they will enjoy their purchase at home after purchase.

After having tea in the tea room, tasting the tea, or taking it out and drinking it outside the shop,

Even after you leave the shop, the subtle bitterness and lingering aftertaste of the tea, along with the refreshing astringency, will linger in your mouth, reminding you of the warm atmosphere and soothing you as you soak up the aroma.

Ippodo Tea is a long-established tea shop that has been dealing with tea for many years, and even today it continues to touch the hearts of its visitors through its tea.

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Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store

電話番号：075-211-4018

Address: 52 Tokiwagicho, Teramachi-dori Nijoagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915

Access: 6 minutes on foot from HOTEL RESOL TRINITY KYOTO, approx. 10 minutes on foot from Kyoto City Hall Station

Official website: https://www.ippodo-tea.co.jp/

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/ippodotea/