Experience the Art of Connection and the Uji Tea at Nakamura Tokichi Honten Shijo Store
Thank you for visiting the Nakamura Tokichi Honten website.
Hello, this is Jun from the online staff.
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our stores. We currently welcome guests from both Japan and overseas at a total of nine locations: two in Uji (including the Main Store), four in Kyoto City, one in Osaka, and two in Tokyo.
Today, I will focus on the Shijo Store.
A Space to Share the Japanese Tea Experience
We designed the Shijo Store not only as a comfortable space for you to enjoy a wonderful time but also as a place to "share" the essence of Japanese tea. Our menu features not just exquisite Matcha sweets, but also premium leaf teas like Gyokuro and Sencha. The interior is shaped with soft curves, creating an atmosphere where people meet, mingle, and connect naturally.
A Sophisticated Hideaway in the Heart of Kyoto
Upon arriving at the shop on the 3rd floor of Kyoto Takashimaya S.C. (T8) facing the bustling Shijo Kawaramachi Street, you are welcomed by a large, circular display—reminiscent of a sphere cut in half—showcasing Nakamura Tokichi products available for purchase. Behind this stands a large Noren curtain dyed with our house crest, the "Maruto" (cross in a circle). Passing through it, you will find yourself in a glass-walled cafe that offers a direct view of Shijo Kawaramachi Street below.
The interior is a gentle space grounded in warm wood textures. Plaster-finished curves evoke the silhouettes of a Kyusu (teapot) and Yunomi (teacup), while white tables recall the beauty of white porcelain. At the heart of the room lies a grand round table, three meters in diameter. This layout creates a natural balance, allowing guests to maintain personal space while enjoying the comfort of sharing a moment in time.
A Bowl of Tea Bridges the Gap Between People
Just as a host cherishes the "Ichigo Ichie" (once-in-a-lifetime encounter) in a tea room, we hope you feel a sense of connection (縁/En) with those around you here. To visualize this 縁/En, we minimized straight lines, designing the space with circles and seamless curves—symbolizing our wish for smooth, lasting connections between people.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten’s tea is born from the dedication of farmers, the craftsmanship of artisans, and the art of Gogumi (blending) refined over many years. To highlight this "cup like a work of art," we designed the space to resemble a "Hinoki stage" (cypress stage), grounded in white and wood tones. Tasting tea in this dignified atmosphere allows it to permeate your body more deeply and quietly than ever before.
A Taste of Luxury: Exclusive Gyokuro and Parfaits at Shijo
The Shijo Store takes pride in its particularly extensive selection of Gyokuro. We also offer special parfaits that can only be enjoyed here, making your visit truly unique. We hope you will take the time to experience the richness of Japanese tea while shopping in Kyoto.
