February 2024: Please note Yukei Salon de The has now permanently closed. Please see Downtown Kyoto for other places to eat and drink in this area.
If you’re a fan of the Tawaraya aesthetic, you might want to check out this lovely little tearoom curated by the famed ryokan. It’s not cheap, but the tea and sweets are superb and the room is very relaxing.
Warabi mochi and matcha tea – image © Chris Rowthorn
One of the highlights of the menu is warabi mochi, which is served with fine matcha tea. There’s no point in translating “warabi mochi,” because it sounds horrible in English (Google it if you want). But, it’s actually very good – and much less cloyingly sweet than typical Western pastries. At Y2,620, it costs at least twice what you’d pay at a typical tea room in Kyoto, but you’re paying for the cachet of the brand here – and, to be fair, it’s a damn tasty version of this classic dish.
Yukei interior – image © Chris Rowthorn
The interior is stylish and spare, and echoes the aesthetics of Tawaraya (the famed ryokan), which is just around the corner.
Yukei menu – image © Chris Rowthorn
The menu is posted in the entryway and it’s written in both English and Japanese.
Yukei exterior – image © Chris Rowthorn
The shop is located in a beautifully restored Kyoto machiya. Look for the plants out front.
Name in English:
Yukei Salon de The
Name in Japanese:
遊形 サロン・ド・テ
English address:
288 Nakahakusan-cho, Anekoji-dori-Fuyacho-higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区姉小路通麩屋町東入ル中白山町288
Opening hours:
11am-6pm
Closed Tuesday
Price: moderate
Non-smoking area: completely non-smoking
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Tozai subway line
Reservations:
No Reservations
Telephone: 212-8883
Website: none
Near To Here:
Yukei Salon de The is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- 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
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- 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
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
