

A short walk from Gion's lantern-lit streets,
there is a machiya that has stood for centuries.
Here, the craft of tea lives on —
in the scent of fresh matcha,
in the warmth of hand-thrown ceramics,
in the silence between sips.
KINSAI is a small matcha café
where ancient Kyoto breathes quietly.
Whenever you feel like it,
step inside.
A new moment awaits you.

Nestled in the historic Higashiyama district, just steps from the stone-paved lanes of Gion, KINSAI occupies a restored 100-year-old machiya townhouse. The building's original wooden lattice, earthen walls, and inner garden have been preserved — a quiet testament to Kyoto's enduring craft culture. Uji matcha, the finest in Japan, is sourced directly from tea farmers who have tended their fields for generations.
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Access
Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan)
5 min walk
Kyoto Station
Bus 15 min
In the restored rooms of our machiya, time moves differently. The morning light filters through shoji screens. The scent of fresh matcha fills the air. Each bowl is prepared with intention, each sip an invitation to be present.
We offer traditional matcha ceremonies, seasonal wagashi pairings, and private tea experiences for those who wish to go deeper.

Matcha Ceremony
抹茶点前体験
A 45-minute guided tea ceremony in our private tatami room. Learn the art of preparing matcha from our tea master.
¥3,500 / person
Seasonal Pairing
季節の和菓子
Our signature matcha served with two seasonal wagashi, crafted daily by a Kyoto confectioner.
¥1,800 / person
Private Experience
プライベート茶会
An intimate tea gathering for small groups. Includes ceremony, pairing, and a take-home matcha set.
¥8,000 / person

Our café opens onto the inner garden, where you can enjoy a bowl of ceremonial-grade matcha alongside seasonal wagashi sweets. We also offer matcha lattes, cold brew matcha, and a curated selection of Kyoto teas.
In our small shop, find hand-picked ceramics, single-origin matcha tins, and Kyoto craft objects — each chosen to bring a piece of this place home with you.
Matcha
Traditional bowl of Uji ceremonial-grade matcha
Ceremonial matcha with steamed oat or whole milk, hot or iced
Ceremonial matcha with two seasonal wagashi