Going to Japan in a month...

[SlientSipper]

So yeah, I'm going to be touring Tokyo with my father (native Japanese... err sorta... long story)
Anyways, Do any of you know any good matcha houses in Kyoto?
Or any good place to find traditional Japanese tea in Japan?

Any recommendations?
Anything to avoid?

Thanks in Advance.

[Xell]

Only can say what to avoid, it's big shopping chains with fancy packages. Even if they do have good tea it will cost way too much. Best bet probably would be to ask local people.

p.s.
When you will be in Kyoto, search for tea from Uji, quite famous for it's nice taste. As far as i know, Yame and Uji are considered best tea production regions

[Oni]

Ippodo, Marukyu-Koyamaen, Tsuen, Horaido, Maiko, Kambayashi, some are in Uji near Kyoto, some are in Kyoto, I had teas from these teashops, so I would like to visit them in person.
Marukyu-Koyamaen, is the most famous tea factory in Uji, it is competing and wining each year at the matcha competition, they supply the Urasenke, and also sell all the matcha that are named and prefered by the heads of the japanese tea schools, it is like the ultimate place for Uji matcha, and gyokuro, it is like a tea paradise.

[JeiKun4114]

I have to agree with Xell I just got back from Yokohama Japan, lots and lots of shopping centers with very expensive fancy packaged tea. Enjoy yourself out there its a great time.

[Buzz Fledderjohn]

Uji is only a 15 minute or so train ride from Kyoto on the Nara Line. It's worth the trip if you are looking for tea. Tsuen is there right along the river and lots of other small tea shops. Plus, you can go to Taiho-an, (the municipal teahouse...don't you wish your town had one of those? ) pay 500 yen, and have your own private tea ceremony. Don't forget to visit Byodo-in Temple which is right next door.

[Chip]

+1 on visiting Uji if at all possible since you will be so close!

Tsuen and Ippodo would be near the top of my list.

I have heard that if you talk to locals, you can find whole streets more or less dedicated to tea and teaware.

[odarwin]

+1 on visiting Uji if at all possible since you will be so close!

Tsuen and Ippodo would be near the top of my list.

I have heard that if you talk to locals, you can find whole streets more or less dedicated to tea and teaware.

if someone ends up going there, please dont forget to take loads of photots

[chingwa]

Also don't discount your average run-of-the-mill neighborhood ochaya / kissaten. I ducked into these on a number of occasions just to have a quick refreshment and was surprised to be served some very fine sencha indeed. (though I agree, if looking for matcha reserve it for the specialty shops.)

[togei]

If you make it to Nara I can recommend Joyusha, http://www.joyusha.com/ for Chinese tea. She sells tea leaves too. It is in Naramachi.
Dave

[lamppost]

+1 on visiting Uji if at all possible since you will be so close!

Tsuen and Ippodo would be near the top of my list.

I have heard that if you talk to locals, you can find whole streets more or less dedicated to tea and teaware.

if someone ends up going there, please dont forget to take loads of photots

I took few pictures while I was in Kyoto last spring:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/btl3/sets/ ... 5644/show/

Horaido's Shop is a fun place to visit.

[SlientSipper]

+1 on visiting Uji if at all possible since you will be so close!

Tsuen and Ippodo would be near the top of my list.

I have heard that if you talk to locals, you can find whole streets more or less dedicated to tea and teaware.

if someone ends up going there, please dont forget to take loads of photots

I took few pictures while I was in Kyoto last spring:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/btl3/sets/ ... 5644/show/

Horaido's Shop is a fun place to visit.

Ah yes thank you for all the info.
I shall be taking many pictures when I go there.
You'll be the first to see.
Not sure if I can make it to Nara but, I will definitely devote a day to tea. While I am there.

[chingwa]

If you have an extra day (or even half-day) I recommend Nara. It's a more laid-back atmosphere than Kyoto (which is rather laid-back admittedly) but what I found most interesting was the proximity to nature. It's a great place to stroll and contemplate. just keep a healthy supply of deer-crackers on hand.

[rabbit]

It's a great place to stroll and contemplate. just keep a healthy supply of deer-crackers on hand.

[SlientSipper]

Ah yes,
I have seen what happens when you don't have enough deer crackers...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3E5TuGoqec&NR=1

[greentam]

I don't have any tea suggestions, other than I'm guessing small local shops would be awesome. But, I'm totally jealous of your trip! I'm in Japanese 1020 now and I'm really loving studying lately because we're talking about food and of course, tea! Good luck on your adventure!