Photo by Dmitry Romanoff on UnsplashGion's Back Streets — Tearooms a Step off the Main Avenues
Quiet tearooms tucked into Gion's lanes and machiya, a step away from the crowds.
A step deeper, away from the bustle
Gion is known for the bustle of Shijo-dori and Hanamikoji, but step into a side lane and you find tearooms where you can sit quietly with a sweet. This article introduces three tearooms set back from the main streets.
A lane-end tearoom by Kagizen Yoshifusa — ZEN CAFE
ZEN CAFE is a cafe run by the long-established wagashi house Kagizen Yoshifusa. Tucked at the end of a Gion lane, it serves its signature kuzumochi and seasonal fresh wagashi in a modern space.
In a former teahouse machiya at Gion Shinbashi — Gion Komori
Gion Komori is a sweets shop along the Shirakawa stream in Gion Shinbashi. Set in a machiya that once served as a teahouse, it offers dishes such as a warabimochi parfait.
A Uji-tea wholesaler founded in 1861 — Gion Kitagawa Hanbee
Gion Kitagawa Hanbee is a tearoom run by a Uji-tea wholesaler founded in 1861 (Bunkyu 1). Opened in a Gion machiya in 2018, it lets you enjoy tea tastings and comparisons in a calm setting.
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Before you go
Seating is limited at all three and they can fill up. Some are hard to find down the lanes, so check each shop's official channels or Google Maps for location and hours.