Sakamaruyama

Sakamaruyama is a quiet little tea house tucked away in a corner of Maruyama-koen Park. Here you can enjoy specialty teas and traditional Japanese sweets, in a tranquil but friendly atmosphere.

[Sakamaruyama exterior — image © Michael Lambe]

The interior of Sakamaruyama is laid out simply in a classical Japanese teahouse style, with earthen walls, paper windows, and wooden and bamboo furnishings.

[Sakamaruyama interior — image © Michael Lambe]

Coffee, wine, champagne and beer are all on the menu, but it is really the tea that you should enjoy here. But be warned that this is not a place to grab a quick drink. The preparation takes time, but is wholly worth it for a refreshing taste of authentic Japanese tea.

[“fukanmushi” sencha — image © Michael Lambe]

The charming host, Emi-san, recommends the matcha powdered green tea, and also the “fukanmushi” sencha. Sencha is made using tea leaves rather than powder, and the “fukanmushi” sencha is a special blend only available in this shop. Having chosen your tea, you can then choose your own pot and watch the tea making process.

[“houshoumaki” black bean pastry — image © Michael Lambe]

To complement your tea, try a sweet sesame-flavored “goma dofu”, or a black bean pastry called “houshoumaki”. A little tricky to find, Sakamaruyama is located on the west side of the park, just north of the exit to Jingu Michi Street.

[“goma dofu” — image © Michael Lambe]

Name in English:
Sakamaruyama

Name in Japanese:
茶菓円山

English address:
620 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-ku

Japanese address:
東山区円山町６２０

Opening hours:
11am-7pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Price: Mid-range

Non-smoking area: Completely non-smoking

Nearest Transport:
14min walk from Gion-Shijo Station, Keihan line.

Telephone: 075-551-3707

Website: Official Site (Japanese)

Near To Here:
Sakamaruyama is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Written by: Michael Lambe
Michael Lambe is the author of the Deep Kyoto blog and chief editor of the Deep Kyoto: Walks anthology. Text and original photographs are all by Michael Lambe.

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