Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store

Ippodo Tea is one of Kyoto’s most historic tea companies, founded in 1717. Its main store, recognizable by its traditional noren curtain, makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time — offering a wide variety of teas to enjoy on-site or purchase to brew at home.

Inside you’ll find all types of Japanese teas which you can buy by the bag or can. If you’d prefer something easier to brew, there are also one-pot tea bags and drip tea bags available. Prices start at ¥700 and go up to ¥6,000 for a 180 g can of Rimpo (a type of gyokuro).

As well as the tea itself, you can buy utensils such as a chasen (bamboo whisk) and teapots (kyusu). If you’d like to learn more about the different teas and brewing techniques, the staff are always on hand to advise. English menus and pamphlets are also available.

There is also the option to enjoy some tea in the Kaboku Tearoom. Prices there start from ¥1,320. Each tea comes with a small sweet, so you can enjoy the full traditional tea experience.

How to get there

It’s a 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Hall Station (on the Tozai Line), or a 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station (on the Karasuma Line).

If you are taking the bus, get off at Kyoto City Hall or Kawaramachi Marutamachi Bus Stop. From either stop, it’s a 5-minute walk.