Sakamaruyama is a quiet little tea house tucked away in a corner of Maruyama-koen Park. Here you can enjoy specialty teas and traditional Japanese sweets, in a tranquil but friendly atmosphere.
Sakamaruyama exterior – image © Michael Lambe
The interior of Sakamaruyama is laid out simply in a classical Japanese teahouse style, with earthen walls, paper windows, and wooden and bamboo furnishings.
Sakamaruyama interior – image © Michael Lambe
Coffee, wine, champagne and beer are all on the menu, but it is really the tea that you should enjoy here. But be warned that this is not a place to grab a quick drink. The preparation takes time, but is wholly worth it for a refreshing taste of authentic Japanese tea.
“fukanmushi” sencha – image © Michael Lambe
The charming host, Emi-san, recommends the matcha powdered green tea, and also the “fukanmushi” sencha. Sencha is made using tea leaves rather than powder, and the “fukanmushi” sencha is a special blend only available in this shop. Having chosen your tea, you can then choose your own pot and watch the tea making process.
“houshoumaki” black bean pastry – image © Michael Lambe
To complement your tea, try a sweet sesame-flavored “goma dofu”, or a black bean pastry called “houshoumaki”. A little tricky to find, Sakamaruyama is located on the west side of the park, just north of the exit to Jingu Michi Street.
“goma dofu” – image © Michael Lambe
Name in English:
Sakamaruyama
Name in Japanese:
茶菓円山
English address:
620 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区円山町６２０
Opening hours:
11am-7pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Price: Mid-range
Non-smoking area: Completely non-smoking
Nearest Transport:
14min walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Keihan line.
Telephone: 075-551-3707
Website: Official Site (Japanese)
Near To Here:
Sakamaruyama is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Written by: Michael Lambe
Michael Lambe is the author of the Deep Kyoto blog and chief editor of the Deep Kyoto: Walks anthology. Text, video and photographs are all by Michael Lambe.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
