Taihoan

Built to promote Uji tea and spread the culture of the tea ceremony, this authentic tearoom is kept by the city of Uji in its setting just along the Uji River, named for its position facing the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple.

Enter into the tearoom for a chance to join a tea ceremony casually, even without formal knowledge of the procedures. Tea is served by a tea master and paired with seasonal sweets, allowing visitors to savor the rich aroma and creamy umami of authentic Uji tea. The matcha menu offers the standard usucha (thin tea), along with a limited-time set of koicha (thick tea) and usucha served together. On Sencha Day, held about four times a month, guests can also enjoy "sencha" (steeped green tea) with its refreshing aroma and elegant bitterness, or take up a cup of "gyokuro" (the highest grade of green tea), known for its mellow umami. Tickets for the same day are sold at the adjacent Uji City Tourist Center.

For novice travelers, the ever-popular and beginner-friendly "Otemae Experience” offers guests the chance to try making tea themselves after watching a demonstration by the teacher, is popular among those new to the tea ceremony. This hands-on experience, as well as the "Thin and Thick Tea Set" and the "Gyokuro and Sencha Set", require reservations at least three days in advance, which can be made online or by phone.