Savor the Finest Tea at a Riverside Tearoom in Kyoto
Ai Kazeki
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- Savor the Finest Tea at a Riverside Tearoom in Kyoto - 2017/06/19
Tearoom in Kyoto
Are you looking for somewhere to sit down and have a cup of tea?
Well, here’s a perfect tearoom where you can enjoy tea and cool down gazing at the river.
■Tea and Sake Room “Tasuki” by PASS THE BATON
PASS THE BATON is a general store located on Gion Shirakawa Street, and “Tasuki” is a tearoom inside the store.
The street is famous for it’s beauty in all seasons. Right now, it is the season of fresh green, and you can see beautiful hydrangeas in bloom. In spring, you will be able to see cherry blossoms. If you’re lucky, you may see Maiko walking along the street.
Here at Tasuki, you can enjoy fine Japanese tea and a beautiful view of the river, but that is not it. This tearoom is famous for “Kakigori”, Japanese style shaved ice.
“Kakigori” is recently a hot trend among young Japanese women. More and more cafés are introducing it to their menu, and the variety is increasing rapidly.
What is so special about Japanese style shaved ice is, it’ s softness. It is more like cold cotton candy, rather than hard ice. The cold and sweet sensation has made many people addicted to it.
■“Kakigori” at Tasuki
So, here’s what it looks like.
This is the most standard flavor, Matcha (green tea) syrup with condensed milk. The ice used here is naturally made in Mt. Fuji, so the ice doesn’t give you a brain freeze.
When you pop it in your mouth you’ll sense a pleasant coldness, and feel the sweet and bitter green tea flavor linger on your tongue.
Other than Matcha, there are roasted green tea, and 2 seasonal flavors. The flavors in June are coffee jelly and lemon pie. You might want to try those as well.
■The Atmosphere
The atmosphere here at Tasuki is very relaxing and quiet. Once you enter the tearoom, you will feel the faint scent of roasted green tea. It is a perfect place to enjoy your shaved ice.
Other than shaved ice, there are several types of Japanese tea and sweets. Surprisingly, you can also enjoy tea-flavored alcohols. For more detail, check the menu below. If you don’t understand anything, the staff will kindly give you an explanation when you visit.
■About the teahouse
Unfortunately, since this teahouse is popular, most of the time there is a queue to get a seat. However, unlike other places where you have to stand in line, here at Tasuki, you can receive a numbered ticket from the staff.
Once you get the ticket, all you have to do is scan the QR code and enter your email, and then you will receive an email when it’s your turn. The average waiting time is 1-2 hours, but it depends on the season and day.
Therefore, I strongly recommend you get the ticket first, and sightsee while your waiting. If there are not much people in line, it might be a good idea to use your time to take pictures by the river or on the bridge. It is a nice photo spot.
However, if you still don’t want to wait for so long, it might be a good idea to visit in the evening after 18:00 on weekdays!
■Opening hours
Monday-Saturday 11:00-20:00 (L.O. 19:00)
Sunday/Holiday 11:00-19:00 (L.O. 18:30)
http://tasuki.pass-the-baton.com/
Beyond the tranquil moments sipping tea by the river, Kyoto’s rich tapestry of traditions offers more to explore, such as the Hochoshiki Knife Ceremony. This elegant ritual symbolizes the beginning of new endeavors, where the precision and artistry of knife handling are celebrated, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail that defines Japanese culture.
https://www.hochoshiki-knifeceremony.com/
A sacred place for Japanese food, a treasure house of ingredients, Minami-Boso Takaya Shrine Kitchen knife ceremony "Ryumon-no-Koi" long story: edited by Minamiboso City Tourism Association Channel
