Kyoto > Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長): The Matcha Spot Tourists Miss
Skip Kyoto’s crowds for a tea lover’s dream! Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長) in Fushimi, near Fushimi Inari (伏見稲荷) and Uji (宇治)—Japan’s green tea capital—serves the freshest matcha sweets and drinks. Inhale the aroma of freshly ground tea in a covered arcade with no tourists. Indulge in matcha soft cream dusted with powder or yokan sets for 700 yen. A hidden gem where tea rituals meet bliss—discover it before it’s gone!
※Description:
Nestled in the bustling yet charming Fushimi Ōte-dori Shopping Arcade (伏見大手筋商店街), one of Kyoto’s largest covered streets, Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長) is a haven for green tea enthusiasts, just minutes from the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) and the tea-famous town of Uji (宇治). This traditional shop specializes in Uji and Gyokuro green tea products, beverages, and sweets, filling the air with the relaxing aroma of freshly ground leaves “a scent that soothes the soul”. From matcha soft cream topped with powdered tea to yokan sets for 700 yen, it’s a delightful stop for authentic flavors.
A Brief History of Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo
Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長) has been a fixture in Fushimi for generations, sourcing premium Uji tea since Kyoto’s tea heritage began in the 12th century. Named after the oil merchant family that founded it, the shop evolved into a tea parlor offering total tea experiences—from daily brews to tea ceremony essentials. With a focus on local artisans and brands like Noda, it’s a bridge between Kyoto’s tea tradition and modern indulgence, drawing locals who appreciate its unpretentious charm.
Exploring the Tea Shop and Surroundings
Entering Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長) is like stepping into Kyoto’s tea soul. Browse shelves of tea tools, gifts, and ceremony sets, or relax in the back tea room for a break after shopping. The menu shines with green tea delights: matcha pound cake “moist and aromatic”, ogura soft cream “bitter matcha meets sweet azuki”, or shaved ice with Uji milk. For tea lovers, it’s paradise—sample freshly ground Gyokuro or Uji matcha. The arcade’s traditional shops add to the vibe, with few tourists wandering its covered lanes “a peaceful contrast to Fushimi Inari’s crowds”. Head to Uji for more tea adventures or explore Fushimi’s historic sake district.
Nearby Attractions
Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社): Famous for thousands of torii gates snaking up a mountain, a must-see Shinto site.
Uji (宇治): Kyoto’s green tea capital, home to Byodoin Temple and matcha plantations.
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺): A UNESCO temple with stunning wooden stage views over Kyoto.
※NTRanking: 8.5 / 10
Aburacho Tea Shop Saryo (油長茶舗 茶寮油長) delights with its fresh Uji tea aroma, matcha sweets, and local vibe in Fushimi’s arcade. Near tourist hotspots but overlooked by most, it offers crowd-free indulgence. The variety and affordability shine, though its small tea room keeps it from perfection.
※How to Get There:
・From Kyoto Station (approximately 20 minutes):
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (京都駅) to Inari Station (稲荷駅), which takes about 5 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes east to the Fushimi Ōte-dori Shopping Arcade (伏見大手筋商店街).
・From Fushimi Inari Taisha (approximately 10 minutes):
Walk 10 minutes east from Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) along the arcade to the shop.
・From Uji (approximately 30 minutes):
Take the Keihan Uji Line from Uji Station (宇治駅) to Fushimi Momoyama Station (伏見桃山駅), about 20 minutes.
Walk 5 minutes to the arcade and the shop.
・From Osaka (approximately 45 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Osaka Station (大阪駅) to Kyoto Station (京都駅), about 30 minutes.
Transfer to the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (稲荷駅), about 5 minutes.
Walk 10 minutes east to the Fushimi Ōte-dori Shopping Arcade (伏見大手筋商店街).
※Address:
779 Higashiotecho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-8053
More Info: http://aburacho.web5.jp/index.html
