A tranquil tearoom connected to Minamiza kabuki theatre, Toraya is the perfect alternative to international coffee chains when you need a break while exploring Gion or downtown. Just be warned: It’s not a place to enter with shorts and sandals!
Warabi mochi set © Chris Rowthorn
I’ve already introduced Toraya Ichijoji, a larger branch of this famous Kyoto sweet and tea shop chain located near the Kyoto Gosho. The Toraya Minamiza Store is a great iteration of the brand and it’s located right on the edge of Gion. In fact, it’s actually connected to Minamiza Theatre, Kyoto’s main kabuki venue. Given the high-culture setting and well-heeled patrons of that art, it’s no surprise that Toraya Minamiza is a little formal, but that’s exactly what you want in a nice tearoom in Japan. Of course, you don’t have to dress up to come here, but smart casual is definitely the move, while “sloppy touristy” is going to feel a little out of place.
Toraya Minamiza interior © Chris Rowthorn
This is a great place to sample traditional Japanese sweets like warabi mochi (a tasty treat made from bracken starch and covered with black sugar syrup), kinako anmitsu (a traditional sweet made with agar jelly cubes, sweet red bean paste, and a topping of kinako), and kuzu-azuki kan (a sweet layered jelly with subtle sweetness). These are served with excellent matcha tea (hot or cold). As you might expect for a high-end tearoom like this, prices are higher than at typical cafes: sets that include matcha and a sweet average around ¥2000. Also, for those hot summer days, they serve an Uji kintoki (shaved ice treat made with matcha syrup) for ¥1650 – they are sublime!
Toraya Minamiza entrance © Chris Rowthorn
When Minamiza theatre is open, you can enter via the theatre, but for most people, it’s easier to enter via the street entrance on Yamatooji-dori Street, just south of Shijo-dori. Look for the stark black entrance.
Name in English:
Toraya Kyoto Shijo Minamiza Theater Store
Name in Japanese:
とらや京都四條南座店
English address:
Yamatooji-dori-Shijo-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区大和大路通四条下ル
Opening hours:
10:00am-6:00pm (last order 5:30pm)
Price:
Around ¥2000 for tea and a sweet
Non-smoking area:
Yes
Nearest Transport:
2-minute walk from Gion-shijo Station (exit 6), Keihan Line
Telephone:
+81-75-561-5878
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Toraya Minamiza Store 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.
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