I haven't really been to a tea specialty shop before, and the ones I have visited so far have a vibe that I'm not really fond of. I don't have much knowledge about tea, so I was hoping to find a place where I can enjoy tea without feeling intimidated. When I arrived at this place, the exterior and interior gave off a casual café vibe. Inside, there was a small blackboard menu that said "Please refrain from staying for long periods" and "Please avoid speaking loudly," but taking photos of the food was allowed. The atmosphere changed when the older couple left and the two young women started chatting. We ordered seasonal teas - I had the "Autumn Harvest Darjeeling" and my companion had the "Summer Harvest Assam." I also ordered the "Banana Cheesecake" while my companion had the "Orange Chiffon Cake." The cheesecake had a great combination of flavors with the banana, and it went really well with the tea. The chiffon cake also had a nice orange flavor. The owner asked if we wanted to keep the tea leaves in the pot for the second cup, and suggested trying it with milk for the second cup. It was clear that we were tea novices. The tea was enough for three cups and the flavor got richer with each cup. We followed the owner's advice and added plenty of milk for the last cup. I'm still not sure if this place fits my idea of a "casual tea specialty shop," but it's a place I would consider revisiting.

Tea Holic is a tea specialty café located in Ichijoji. The café is housed in a renovated old house, giving it a slightly vintage feel. The atmosphere is decent and the hot and iced teas are delicious! Especially the hot tea, as they serve a generous amount, enough to enjoy about three cups!

It's a cute shop located in a residential area. The prices are reasonable at ¥1300, so you can enjoy without feeling pressured. The cakes are delicious and the scones, although small, are crispy (the cream was not clotted, but still good). The tea comes in a pot. However, the service from the female staff was questionable. It seemed like she didn't understand Japanese, and even when I asked questions, she just pointed to what was written. I won't be going back. Service is just as important as the taste. The male staff, on the other hand, were very friendly.

[Rating Score] The food was delicious, the atmosphere of the restaurant was nice, but a certain interaction with the staff completely turned me off. I was planning on giving a better rating, but that incident changed my mind. ★2.4 [Trigger/Purpose] I had some time to have lunch in Ichijoji, so I searched on Tabelog by the number of reviews. Even though there weren't many reviews, I found the comments intriguing, so I decided to go to this restaurant. [Location/Waiting Time/Seating/Ambiance/Clientele/Wifi/Toilet/Smoking/Baby Strollers, etc.] It's about a 15-minute walk from Ichijoji Station, quite far from the station. It's near Tenkaippin Head Office. I didn't have to wait much, as it was a weekday. There are about five tables in the restaurant. The ambiance is like a cute tea specialty shop, creating a nice atmosphere. The cat signboard outside the store was also cute. Besides me, there were four ladies, probably locals. [Cuisine] (Order Reason, Taste, Portion, Waiting Time, etc.) - Tamago Sand (¥850) with Scone (+¥150) As someone who loves Tamago Sand, tea, and scones, this set was a favorite of mine. I had to order it. However, even before ordering, I had a bad feeling. I wanted to have iced tea, but the female staff came with a vibe like "We have very little iced tea," so I opted for regular tea. It took some time, but the Tamago Sand arrived and looked delicious! I was waiting for the tea to be served. Then, the female staff asked, "Will you have it with tea?" I said "yes," and she started speaking rapidly in a way that was hard to follow. The pace of eating should be up to the customer. It was just a miscommunication that I hadn't started eating yet. The Tamago Sand was delicious, but because of this incident, everything suddenly felt bland. The scone had a cute cat imprint, but my mood was already dampened. [Service] As mentioned in the food section, I felt a sense of discomfort in the way that female staff acted and spoke. The man at the register (the owner?) was very polite and had a pleasant demeanor. I entered this restaurant with high hopes because I love tea, but I ended up feeling very disappointed. [Posted Rating] ★: 3.42 Reviews: 21, Saves: 1223

I found out that there is a place where you can enjoy afternoon tea in a casual atmosphere, so I came here right away. The location is a little off from Kitaoji Street, with a British-style exterior that is easy to spot. The interior is filled with cats and imported furniture, creating a lovely space. On this day, I was the only one there, so it felt a bit tense rather than relaxing. It would be nice to have some relaxing background music. The food was very delicious. - Afternoon Tea Set (1300 yen) The two-tiered afternoon tea set includes ham and cucumber sandwiches on the bottom plate and two cakes on the top plate. - Ham and Cucumber Sandwich Simple yet delicious with good quality ingredients. The bread was moist and fluffy, and the combination of crispy cucumber and ham was classic and tasty. A perfect break from the rich cakes. - Orange Pound Cake The buttery and moist cake with a hint of bitterness from the orange peel was a nice touch. - Banana Cheesecake (you can choose) A dense cake resembling quiche with a mellow sweetness from the banana and rich flavor from the cheese. - Two Scones The scones were served warm and came a bit late. Split them in the middle while they're still warm and spread cream and strawberry jam. The crispy texture of the scone, slightly sweet cream, and tangy jam harmonized well. - Candy Spring Picking Tea (650 yen) This place is certified by the Japan Tea Association. They have passed the test for delicious tea once every three years. The menu features a variety of tea leaves I had never heard of before. The menu also provides detailed explanations on how to enjoy the tea. Plus, for milk tea lovers, you can enjoy plenty of milk served in a pitcher. A cafe where you can enjoy not only tea but also cakes, scones, and sandwiches. They also offer a weekly pasta menu for pasta lovers. A great place to enjoy afternoon tea casually.

Located in a residential area near the intersection of Shirakawa Street and Kitaoji Street in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The exterior blends in with the surroundings and has a quiet appearance, with a natural theme in white. The interior is cozy and warm, with a homely country-style decor. The menu offers a wide variety of teas, as well as sweets and pasta for lunch. The Afternoon Tea Set, priced at 1250 yen, includes a pot service of high-quality tea. The set includes sandwiches, scones, and a choice of tea and dessert. The two-tiered tea stand presents the scones separately, and the tea can be left with the tea leaves in or strained upon request. The dessert of the day is a moist orange cake, with a choice of another sweet treat. The top tier includes banana cheesecake and moist orange cake, while the bottom tier features a simple ham and cucumber sandwich. The scones are served warm with blueberry jam and cream on the side, offering a crumbly texture. The Dimple tea is a mellow yet slightly astringent black tea, providing a refreshing taste and floral aroma. This tea specialty shop, certified by the Japan Black Tea Association, offers over 20 types of black tea at reasonable prices, making it a popular spot for regulars to relax and enjoy their time.

Ichijo-ji Temple is a place I rarely visit, and it has been over 10 years since I last visited for medical treatment. This time, I decided to revisit this charming little cafe that I used to frequent. It's located a bit east from the main street, and it's so small and cute that you might easily overlook it. When I arrived, I was relieved to see that the exterior and the couple running the place were just as they were over 10 years ago. I first fell in love with Croque Monsieur at this cafe, and it was the reason I became obsessed with this dish (back when it wasn't as popular in other places). I initially planned to order the Croque Monsieur again, but then I discovered that they now offer an afternoon tea set! So, I decided to go for the afternoon tea instead. I ordered the regular version, but they also have a petite size perfect for light eaters. The set included salmon and cucumber sandwiches, hot scones, pound cake, a choice of cake, and your favorite tea. This place is known for serving delicious tea, and this time was no exception. I enjoyed a pot of flavorful tea to my heart's content (they even asked if I wanted to leave the tea leaves in or take them out, which I appreciated). The pound cake and cake were made with such wholesome ingredients that you could taste the goodness in every bite. Simple, yet delicious. And all of this for only 1200 yen – what a great deal! It's not easy to visit this place often, but it's so nice to see that the same lovely cafe is still here, unchanged.

Head east from the intersection of Shirakawa Street and Kitaoji Street, passing by some interesting shops like "130" along the way. Less than a hundred meters down on the left side, you'll find a stylish little shop called "TeaHolic," a tea specialty store. The interior is cozy with about five small tables, run by a couple. It's always busy, but everyone enjoys their tea quietly. I had the Assam pot of tea for 550 yen today. The teaware and cloth products like pot covers are very stylish. The pot of tea serves about three cups. They also offer an Afternoon Tea Set for 1250 yen (includes 550 yen tea) with sandwiches, cake, scones, and tea. Everything is delicious. It's a very calming place, but since it's not very spacious, one might hesitate to linger for a long time. TeaHolic 075-724-0370 19-7 Ichijoji Hinokuchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto Opening hours: 11:30-20:00 Irregular holidays.

※No photography allowed. Only food photos are allowed. Located just up the street from Tenkaippin Honten on Kitashirakawa Street, this cafe is like the final boss in a cluster of cafes. Upon entering, I saw a regular gentleman dining alone. The cozy interior is very charming, and it feels welcoming even for solo male diners. The lady was handling the service, while the gentleman was brewing tea. Despite being a tea specialty shop, they also offer lunch items like pasta. Since it was lunchtime, I ordered the "Croque Madame" set which came with a cup of tea. You can even choose the type of tea you prefer. I like strong teas, so I chose "Kenya". Sorry for the blurry photo ^^; The tea was served in a generous portion in a Wedgwood cup. It was incredibly delicious! It was even better than Grace in Gojo, or maybe even better. The Croque Madame was ordinary, but the silverware was also Wedgwood. It felt elegant to enjoy the meal, and the bill was around 1,000 yen with change. Am I a tea-holic now? Despite the name, the atmosphere of the shop is soft and inviting. I recommend it to tea lovers. It was delicious. Bon appétit!

I can only drink black tea, so this shop makes me happy. It's my second visit. A black tea specialty shop in Ichijoji. The exterior is just adorable. Small planters and cute miscellaneous goods are displayed. The interior is small, not particularly fancy, but has cute curtains and wooden tables. It feels like visiting a friend's house and is very relaxing. However, photography is not allowed inside, so please be careful. (Taking photos of the food is okay) As expected of a black tea specialty shop, they have a wide variety of black teas. I ended up choosing a black tea that is perfect for milk tea and some scones. The atmosphere is just to my liking. A place to visit when you want to relax without any pretense and spend some leisurely time.

When you turn off Shirakawa Street, you will see a cute little tea room painted white in a residential area. Run by a tea instructor certified by the Japan Tea Association, the owner's wife, the tea room exudes a foreign atmosphere with a rabbit sign and herbs at the entrance. The exterior, like the interior, features white walls and white wooden tables and chairs. The warm interior with a touch of Southern European flair has a girly, handmade patchwork theme with light brown natural tones. The tableware adds a soft and gentle touch to the atmosphere. I ordered cabbage pasta and Nilgiri tea. The cute dishes were filled with root vegetables and leafy greens. The pasta was simple but had a homely taste with mild saltiness. The tea was delicious, with a clear and fragrant aroma. The location makes it feel like a special place, where gentlemen enjoy their tea with a book in hand. This hidden gem in a residential area is definitely worth a visit.

During the holiday season in September 2013, I came across a tea shop with an intriguing name, Tea Holic, located in Shirakawa Kitaoji. The shop is nestled among other great restaurants like Issho Ramen, Frau Piltz, and Anonima. Upon entering Tea Holic, I was charmed by the white house-like appearance, cute cat illustrations, and cozy interior. The atmosphere was serene, with soft background music playing, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy their tea in peace. I decided to try their Afternoon Tea set, which included sandwiches, dessert of the day (banana cheesecake), orange cake, freshly baked scones, and a pot of tea. The presentation was lovely, with a two-tiered tea stand filled with delicious treats. The sandwiches were simple yet tasty, and the scones had a perfect texture, not too dry. The standout for me was the thinly sliced orange cake, which was moist and flavorful. The banana cheesecake was also a delightful surprise, with a perfect balance of banana and cheese flavors. Overall, the Afternoon Tea experience at Tea Holic was delightful, with each item complementing the others perfectly. The combination of sweet treats and a pot of tea made for a relaxing and enjoyable afternoon. I would highly recommend visiting Tea Holic for a lovely tea time experience.

◇March 2013 Lunch Revisit◇ We had lunch at TeaHolic in Ichijoji with my mother and daughter. The interior is filled with cute accessories, making you feel happy just by looking around. The Afternoon Tea Set (1200 yen) includes two types of cake, scones, sandwiches, and tea. My mother had Assam tea, while I had Nilgiri tea. We enjoyed the hot tea in the pot until the end. My mother chose the souffle cheesecake, and I chose the grapefruit chiffon cake. Both were not too sweet and had a fluffy texture. The sandwiches were freshly made with a homemade touch. The warm, crispy scones with berry jam and whipped cream were delightful. Both our hearts and stomachs were fully satisfied. We will definitely visit again. Thank you for the delicious meal! ◇Delicious Food in Kyoto (http://kumako9030.blog94.fc2.com/) is where this content is originally posted from.

I love black tea, so I'm happy that there are so many varieties of black tea available! It's a joy to be able to drink plenty of it from a teapot (///∇///) The butter cake was moist and delicious with a unique twist! The banana cheesecake was rich and tasty too. I often visit with friends after school and we always have a great time! I haven't tried the afternoon tea set or pasta yet, so I'm looking forward to trying them next time I visit! The staff are very friendly and it's easy to visit alone as well.

Teaholic @ Ichijoji Madame? Two of us went to enjoy afternoon tea. On the two-tier plate, there were two types of cakes on the top, and ham and cucumber sandwiches on the bottom. And the third plate. The warmed scones plate came with jam and cream. We were asked if we wanted to leave the tea leaves in or take them out. We chose to take them out as we wanted to stay longer. The atmosphere of the shop was very homely, and everyone except us seemed to be regular customers. However, there was no sense of snobbishness, and it was warm and welcoming even in the middle of winter. The shop seemed to be run by a couple, a man in the kitchen and a woman serving, and I think their personalities must be reflected in the whole shop. It was small but charming, clean, delicate, modest, and sincere. As for the opinion of my picky friend, she thought the sandwiches were enough with four pieces, and having all six pieces with the same filling made it a bit boring. She would have been happier if there was a bit of lettuce included. The cheesecake was also enough in a two-thirds size, and although the first bite was delicious, the effort to finish it left a disappointing feeling. In other words, it was a good value for money with a full volume. It might be just the right amount for Mademoiselle. As for my opinion, first, the scones: ☆☆ No powdery texture, more of a crispy type (a recipe suitable for Japanese taste?). I would have been happier if it was clotted cream instead of whipped cream. (Again, maybe more suitable for Japanese taste?). Sandwiches: ☆☆☆ Simple and delicious without being too fancy. However, the thickness of the bread, although it may be unavoidable in Kansai, I prefer it a bit thinner. Cakes: ☆☆ The texture of the orange cake and the filling of the tart clashed a bit... The cheesecake was also a bit heavy and creamy, so I thought a lighter chiffon cake would have been a better choice to pair with the orange cake. And the tea: ☆☆☆ It was delicious. If I were to be nitpicky, the smell of garlic coming from the kitchen was a bit distracting from the tea aroma. It may be inevitable due to space constraints. In conclusion, I had a very positive impression. For example, compared to Urasaburou in Nishijin, another tea specialty shop, the two have completely different personalities. If I were to bring tourists, I would choose Urasaburou, but if I wanted to enjoy tea by myself and relax, I would choose Teaholic. Thank you for the delicious tea.

Get off at Kyoto City Bus stop "Kamishucho Kyoto Zokei Geidaigaku-mae" and walk a little off the main street to find the shop. I visited this cute shop after enjoying the autumn leaves in Ichijoji area. The exterior and interior are both in a country style, very charming. I ordered the afternoon tea set. You can choose any tea for under 550 yen, and they ask if you want to leave the tea leaves in or take them out. I chose Java and had the tea leaves removed because I don't like it when the bitterness comes out as time passes. For the cake, you can choose one from the cakes of the day. I chose the apple tart. The cake stand has two tiers, with cucumber sandwiches and ham sandwiches on the bottom plate, three pieces each. On the top plate, there was the apple tart and orange butter cake. Additionally, two warm, small scones were served on a separate plate with whipped cream and cranberry jam on the side. The sandwiches were a bit dry, which was a bit disappointing, but everything else was delicious. The apple tart had a hint of apricot jam, giving it a refreshing aftertaste. The orange tart was light with a subtle sweetness, balanced by the slight bitterness of the orange. The scones were crispy. The whipped cream seemed to be freshly whipped for each order. The Java tea was smooth and easy to drink, without any bitterness or strong flavor. There were four generous servings. While luxurious afternoon tea sets at hotels are nice, I found this casual and enjoyable afternoon tea set to be quite delightful.

My beloved wife loves black tea, so we stopped by for a break in the afternoon. When we entered the shop, the old lady brought the menu and when I asked about the set combinations, she just pointed to what was written. There were various brands of black tea available, along with set menus including chiffon cake. Despite being able to enjoy delicious black tea, the atmosphere felt gloomy and unpleasant, so we left feeling uncomfortable.

I entered the tea room on a holiday. There was a male customer, possibly a regular. I ordered the afternoon tea set for 1200 yen instead of the 1000 yen one, as we were sharing. The set included cucumber and ham sandwiches, an orange cake, a banana cheesecake, and two warm scones with a pot of tea. The sandwiches were a bit dry, but I remembered that in England, bread is sliced thinly which may explain it. The moist bread was delicious, and the sandwiches were cut into small squares for easy eating. The orange cake was tasty, though I felt it had more orange in it last time. The banana cheesecake was not too heavy and had a great texture. The scones were well-made and delicious. The tea was good too. My companion ordered tea in a cup, which came with a generous milk pitcher for a discount. We shared the food and tea, spending around 1700 yen in total. I miss the orange cake with lots of orange, but the current offerings are still delicious. The atmosphere of the restaurant made me feel like I was being watched, but the staff seemed to try to make us feel comfortable. Despite this, I would like to visit again as the food was tasty and the place had a cozy feel.

On a sunny afternoon, I visited this place alone because I wanted to relax. It is located near the intersection of Shirakawa Street and Kitaoji Street. If you head east along Shirakawa Street and take a small path south from Kitaoji Street, you will find it immediately. You can park your bicycle, motorcycle, or car there, but smoking is not allowed. When you peek inside the shop, it doesn't seem too crowded, but it may be a little intimidating to enter. However, once you're inside, you'll find a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with wooden accents and a white base. The background music is soft, creating a truly quiet ambiance, so it may not be suitable for those looking for a lively atmosphere. This time, I ordered the Cassis & Rose Tea with an apple chiffon cake set, which cost 770 yen. When ordering tea, you will be asked if you want to leave the leaves in or remove them. Leaving them in will intensify the flavor and allow you to experience different tastes. However, if you want to leisurely enjoy your tea without it becoming too bitter, it's recommended to have the leaves removed. The tea, certified by the Japanese Tea Association, was undeniably delicious! Both the tea and cake were soft, slightly sweet, and complemented each other well. The felt mascot displayed in the shop was also cute. The magazines in the shop were all about tea, so they were a bit too specialized for me as a novice. I plan to invite friends next time and visit again.