As a tea connoisseur with a penchant for blending tradition and modernity, I find Ogata at The Shinmonzen to be nothing short of a delightful discovery. Having traversed the globe in search of the perfect cuppa, I can confidently say that this Kyoto teahouse is a gem hidden amidst the city’s historic charm.
For centuries, Kyoto has been the pulsating cultural core of Japan, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to appreciate its Edo-era architecture, ancient hot springs (onsens), historic Shinto temples, and artisanal teahouses offering some of the best tea blends worldwide. The city seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, as demonstrated by Ogata at The Shinmonzen, a contemporary teahouse nestled within a Tadao Ando-designed boutique hotel. This establishment preserves traditional Japanese tea customs while presenting them in a fresh, innovative way.
Shinichiro Ogata established the minimalist space, which is modeled after his own hybrid teahouse-salon-restaurant situated in a stylish 17th century hotel in Paris’ Marais district. His Kyoto flagship adheres to a minimalist design philosophy, focusing on the harmony between natural and manmade materials, with large windows allowing for ample natural light to create an otherworldly and introspective ambiance. In this establishment, Ogata plans to serve traditional wagashi sweets along with a carefully chosen assortment of tea leaves, ceramic housewares, and scents.
Ogata stated that he developed ten unique tea blends, aiming to share the potential of Japanese tea with people globally as part of their daily routines. These blends not only showcase the various tastes of Japanese teas but were also carefully designed with suggestions on how best to savor them. There are invigorating blends ideal for mornings, ones that complement meals, and a calming tea for unwinding in the evening.
Ando designed the space to reflect Kyoto’s gridded streets, with one half featuring natural stone sourced from Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu, along with a more regimented section that houses goods and accessories. Visit The Shinmonzen for more information.
Ogata at The Shinmonzen
235 Nishinocho, Shinmonzen-dori,
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0088
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2024-09-15 01:25