A tea stop can fit between trains or become the reason for a longer pause. Across these four Kyoto places, takeaway counters, a workshop and a veranda offer different ways to enjoy hojicha. Please check current opening details, menus and serving arrangements before visiting.
Uji and Kyoto Station
HOHO HOJICHA’s Uji main store offers both eat-in and takeaway service. Its Kyoto Station Hachijo exit store is takeaway only. The official menus are arranged separately for the two branches.
Uji suits a visit with time to sit down; Hachijo offers a cup to take along between trains. The choice of branch can follow the pace of the day.
Roasting in Gosho-minami
Tokyo Wasabo’s official site describes its move from Tokyo to Gosho-minami in Kyoto. The shop says it roasts in-house to share the aroma of freshly roasted tea. Its three roast levels, LIGHT, MEDIUM and DEEP, give names to the differences it offers.
The shop brings together a workshop and tearoom, with hojicha at the centre, and also offers hojicha roasting classes. The Tokyo name remains, though the place to visit is now in Kyoto.
Tea and a veranda in Wazuka
Okeriki Chaten is a shop specialising in hojicha in Wazuka. It describes a wide selection of teas produced by local tea farmers through to the roasting stage, sold in small quantities from 30 g. There is room to choose a little of several teas rather than one large pack.
The shop says it began engawa kissa, or tea on the veranda, to offer visitors time to take a deep breath and relax. Choosing tea in its producing area and staying for a cup can become one part of the same visit.
A stop that becomes part of the day
Uji, Hachijo, Gosho-minami and Wazuka each offer a different setting for hojicha. A cup carried on a journey and one enjoyed while sitting down have their own places in a trip. There can be room for either.