【Nearest Station】5 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station 【Budget】Up to 999 yen 【Overview】A cafe located about a 5-minute walk from Gion Shijo towards Yasaka Shrine! You can enjoy a relaxing time with Kyoto's specialty matcha roll cake, sweets, and tea or coffee. The specialty is the matcha roll cake!! When it comes to sightseeing in Kyoto, I always want to hear the thick Kyoto dialect. The proprietress here has a cheerful and kind demeanor. She speaks in a gentle Kansai dialect, making you feel like you've truly come to Kansai. It's a tourist spot, but it has a homely atmosphere that is characteristic. 【Menu】 - Iced Coffee 【Note】During my Kyoto trip, I visited this cafe to take a break while exploring Gion. The charming exterior and the vintage furniture such as tables and chairs that have been used for a long time were lovely. Please note that taking photos at the counter inside the shop is not allowed! The deeply roasted, refreshing iced coffee pairs well with the sweets and cakes. Thank you for the meal.

On the final morning of my trip to Kyoto, I visited Rokkaku-do temple and then enjoyed some food and shopping at Nishiki Market. After crossing Shijo Ohashi Bridge, I walked to the Gion area. It was a busy holiday weekend due to the start of the Go To Travel campaign, and both Nishiki Market and Gion were crowded. Feeling exhausted, I finally took a break in the middle of Hanami-koji at a café. The café offered ordinary items like matcha roll cake and matcha sets without any fancy decorations or high prices, which was surprisingly calming amidst the hustle and bustle. I relaxed with a cup of coffee and green tea, watching the crowds on Hanami-koji. It was a peaceful oasis, different from the high-end restaurants and popular dessert shops in Gion. Thank you for the meal.

As the season of autumn leaves arrives, Kyoto is also crowded with tourists at its peak. Even Hanamikoji Street is overflowing with visitors, but the Tea Room Hanamikoji, located in the middle of the street, seems to escape the attention of many due to its small exterior. I visited this place almost 20 years ago and tried their Warabi Mochi during early summer. I remembered that Angel S, a MyReviewer member, had also reviewed this place before, so I decided to give it a try. Upon entering through the traditional lantern-lit entrance, I found a counter and table seating inside. The owner, who was at the counter, seemed to be bidding farewell to regular customers, so a young lady brought me the menu. She had a refined and elegant demeanor typical of Gion. I ordered a lemon tea for 550 yen and a cake for 450 yen. Unfortunately, they did not have Warabi Mochi this time. The cake I received was a roll cake with a generous amount of cream, not too sweet, but with a rich matcha flavor. The tea, although a bit light, had a fragrant taste without any bitterness. As I was leaving, I mentioned that I had visited the place 20 years ago, and I was told that the same owner had been there all along and used to serve Warabi Mochi as well. Despite the hustle and bustle of Hanamikoji Street, the Tea Room Hanamikoji provided a calm and relaxing space hidden behind its lattice doors.

A tea room located in the middle of Hanamikoji Street. The traditional townhouse blends Japanese and Western styles, with a refined appearance that fits in with the street. Despite the serene atmosphere typical of Gion, this shop has gone unnoticed for a long time due to the presence of more famous establishments. The quiet straw-colored door opens to reveal a modern space with subdued tones. There are no extravagant decorations, but the intricate lighting and unique chair designs exude a feminine sense of style. The sound of a koto fills the air, making the outside hustle and bustle seem like a distant memory. The only other customers are a middle-aged foreign couple, greeted graciously by a subtly made-up hostess. I take a seat at a table near the entrance. The menu offers drinks like coffee and food options limited to cakes and toast. I choose the coffee, which is brewed using a paper filter. It has a rich, fragrant taste. Through the lattice door, I can see people passing by and catch glimpses of the flower district charm. This hidden gem in the heart of Gion truly allows you to experience the essence of the neighborhood.