Discover 5 Refreshing Tea, Coffee, and Meditation Havens – A Perfect Blend for Relaxation and Renewal!

Kyoto’s flat geography makes it perfect for long strolls.

During my three-month trip in May, I found it incredibly easy to navigate the city using bustling Shijo Street, also known as Shijo-dori.

I covered almost 130 miles on foot, from running errands to exploring popular attractions like Nijo Castle and Kiyomizudera.

Kyoto’s traditional businesses and ancient temples were amazing, but I couldn’t help but notice a new trend.

There has been a rise in artisanal shops, many of which are located close to the city’s famous landmarks.

Here are five of my favorite discoveries:

Curiosity led me to visit O’Chill, where visitors can enjoy both tea and hookah.

Inside the zen-like ceremony room, guests can experience a traditional tea ceremony with matcha. Afterward, they are offered hookahs filled with tea leaves instead of tobacco.

Co-founder Kiruta Wataru explains that the tea leaves remove the stigma associated with smoking, while the burning leaves act as incense. This experience is a form of “shiko-hin,” or self-nurturing ritual, according to Wataru.

“We believe that any lifestyle is good as long as it brings happiness,” Wataru said.

As I took my first puff, the aroma of the tea leaves filled the air, providing a sweet and woody flavor. I shared the pipe with co-founder Daichi Isokawa and two other guests.

The 90-minute experience includes a guided meditation and refreshments.

Amidst the fame of the nearby five-story pagoda, it’s easy to overlook Rokuhichido. This shop specializes in Japanese paper products made using techniques like silk screen printing and paper cutting.

The brand initially gained popularity for its postcards and has expanded to include playful paper balloons and miniature figurines shaped like marine animals or iconic places such as Mount Fuji.

The designs are inspired by Japanese traditions, the four seasons, and landscapes, according to manager Shota Yamada. Their ukiyo-e postcards, featuring classic motifs like geisha and shogun, are particularly popular.

“Depending on the product, a single craftsman can only produce a few dozen per day,” Yamada explained.

There is certainly no shortage of matcha cafes in Kyoto, but Gokago offers a unique experience. Their finely ground green tea is whisked right in front of guests and used in a variety of drinks, donuts, and even ice cream.

The company’s director, Kazuaki Nakanishi, explains that tea ceremonies are a beloved Japanese tradition. “Since participating in a traditional tea ceremony can be intimidating, we wanted to offer it in a more casual style to make it accessible to as many people as possible,” Nakanishi said.

While Gokago’s experience may not fully emulate a traditional tea ceremony, it is still a great place to enjoy an authentic matcha brew while visiting Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. Guests can witness the precise movements and formal presentation of the ingredients, which are an integral part of the ritualistic grace found in a formal ceremony.

While traditional restaurants are abundant in Kyoto, Kaji Kyoto offers a unique twist.

“I want guests to leave Kaji Kyoto and see how Japanese people who left Japan had to adapt and create delicious dishes using different ingredients,” said head chef Keone Koki.

Koki brings his Peruvian heritage to Japanese cuisine, using ingredients like passion fruit from Okinawa as a marinade for tiradito, an onion-free ceviche. “It’s a bit different since most sashimis are typically only eaten with shoyu,” Koki explained.

The restaurant, with only eight seats, is housed in a traditional merchant house with a small kitchen dividing the seating area. The setup creates an intimate atmosphere, similar to a performance, where Koki and his crew of five engage with guests through light banter.

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