Mui-an Teahouse at Hōgon-in Temple

While visiting Arashiyama in 2024, I had the opportunity to enjoy tea at Mui-an (無畏庵), a teahouse located inside the Lion's Roar Garden (Shishiku no Niwa/獅子吼の庭) on the grounds of Hōgon-in temple (宝厳院). 

Mui-an exterior viewed from outside the tea garden.

The garden is only open to the public for special viewing events, usually in spring and autumn.  During these events, tea can be enjoyed at the teahouse for a small fee paid separately from the entry fee.

Signs point to the garden entrance for the special autumn viewing.

Mui-an is a sukiya-style chashitsu (teahouse) with sliding doors, tatami mats, and a tokonoma alcove.  One side of the tea room is open so you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the garden. 

Mui-an interior with tatami mats, hanging wall scroll, and floral arrangement.

Tea and sweets with a view of the garden.

Guests are provided with a bowl of matcha and a rakugan sweet from Kyoto confectionery Kogetsu (鼓月), pressed with a maple leaf image specific to Hogon-in.

Matcha with rakugan sweet

Hōgon-in (宝厳院) was established in 1461 and later became a sub-temple of Tenryū-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Lion's Roar Garden, named for the metaphor for Buddhist teachings, was created by Zen monk Sakugen Shūryō during the Muromachi period in the latter 16th century. The garden style is shakkei or borrowed scenery, which means that the existing landscape of Arashiyama was incorporated into the garden's design.

A tree-lined path through Shishiku no Niwa

A moss-covered area in Shishiku no Niwa

Ayuchaya Hiranoya

While walking back to Arashiyama after visiting Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, I stopped for tea at the historic Ayuchaya Hiranoya (平野屋). The restaurant and teahouse is located near the north end of the machiya-lined Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street in Kyoto's Sagano district near Arashiyama, next to the first torii gate on the ancient pilgrimage route leading up to Atago Shrine on Mount Atago.

The teahouse was built 400 years ago at the beginning of the Edo period and most of the building is original with the newest tatami room dating back to the first half of the 19th century.  The roof is moss-covered thatch and the interior features warmly lit tatami rooms.  To the front is the teahouse and the kaiseki (multi-course meals using seasonal ingredients) restaurant is located in the back. 

Hiranoya started out as an ayu (sweetfish) wholesaler and later began serving dishes with ayu as the main ingredient.  In addition to ayu, Hiranoya also specializes in shinko, a type of dango (rice flour dumpling) specific to the location that is twisted and steamed over a wood fire then topped with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (Japanese black sugar syrup).  The twisted shape of the shinko is said to resemble the winding path leading up Mount Atago and it is a popular treat for visitors on pilgrimage to Atago Shrine.  The practice of making shinko had almost been abandoned until the current 14th generation proprietress brought it back.

Everything Hiranoya serves is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the menu changes with the seasons. The sweet sets are also seasonal and served with your choice of matcha or amazake.  Shinko is available in spring, summer, and autumn.  Sakura mochi in two different flavors, including one filled with miso paste, is available in spring.  Yuzu shigure is available in winter.  In addition to kaiseki and sweets, the menu also includes dishes made with ayu, matsutake, and wild vegetables.

The weather was lovely on the day of my visit and I was seated on a bench outside where I could rest and enjoy the scenery.  Sakurayu (cherry blossom tea), was served as soon as I was seated.  

For this visit, I ordered the matcha and shinko set. The tea bowl the matcha was served in had a seasonally appropriate autumn leaf motif.  The shinko had matcha, cinnamon, and plain flavors and was served with generous toppings and a freshly picked stem to use as a pick.  

Service was thoughtful and welcoming and everything was delicious!

Address:
京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本仙翁町16
Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatoriimoto Sennocho, １６

Hours:

11:30am to 5:00pm Monday-Friday

11:30am to 9:00pm Saturday-Sunday

Check the news page on the official website for planned closures.

Fly Chai

Thanks to a timely tip, I was able to visit Fly Chai during its grand opening weekend December 18-21, 2025.  The tea room is located in downtown Beaverton, Oregon and very convenient from the freeway if you're passing through like myself.

During my visit I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Neil Bhatnagar, who gave us a tour and shared his vision for Fly Chai.  He has brought his experience in hospitality together with his cultural and familial roots to create a community space that celebrates the diversity of the neighborhood.

The tea room has lots of natural light and plentiful seating on the ground floor as well as upstairs where you'll find more tables alongside several comfortable sofas.  Orders are placed at the counter and brought to your table. 

The menu offers a wide range of hot and iced chai, matcha, coffee, hot chocolate, desserts, and small bites.  The chai is made from a family recipe with Assam tea, fresh spices, and gud (jaggery) syrup and is served in clay cups.  It's customizable for spice levels and dairy options and is available as single-serve, flights, in tea pots for groups, and as a starter kit to brew at home.

For this visit, I enjoyed the Firestarter Chai with Bun Maska.  Note that spicier options like the Firestarter, which contains some of the spices you would find in Sichuan cooking, are not fooling around.  I enjoy mid-to-high spice levels depending on the occasion and this was at the top of my heat tolerance.  Respect your limits and you'll have a fantastic chai experience.  

Before leaving, I ordered the yummy Jaggery Brown Sugar Chai for the long drive home.  I'm definitely looking forward to visiting again whenever I'm in the neighborhood.

Be sure to follow Fly Chai on Instagram for the latest updates!

Address:
12520 SW Farmington Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005

Hours:
10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Nanaya Shizuoka

In October I had the opportunity to revisit Nanaya/ななや Shizuoka.  When I first visited the shop in 2015, they were one of the first to introduce matcha gelato in grades from lightest to strongest flavor.  Since then, Nanaya has opened new shops across Japan as well as expanded their product line and distribution.  They even offer worldwide shipping!

Since my visit, the shop has moved to Gofukucho-dori, downtown Shizuoka City's main shopping street which also happens to be part of the Old Tokaido Road.  The new location allows more retail space for a wide range of tea products as well as a small casual seating area near the front.

For this visit, I picked up a beautifully packaged seasonal tea and three scoops of delicious gelato: No. 7 matcha (the boldest), hojicha, and sweet potato.

Address:
〒420-0031　静岡県静岡市葵区呉服町2丁目5-12
2 Chome-5-12 Gofukucho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0031, Japan

Hours:
11:00am to 7:00pm
Closed Wednesdays

Momijiyama Garden Teahouse

Recently, I revisited the teahouse inside Momijiyama Garden/紅葉山庭園. The garden is located in the northwest corner of Sumpu Castle Park at the heart of Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

While paying the small admission fee at the garden entrance, you can also purchase a ticket for your choice of tea service in the ryureiseki teahouse. At the time of my visit, the tea options were matcha and two varieties of sencha.  Once inside the garden, a brief scenic walk will bring you to the teahouse.

After presenting your ticket at the teahouse entrance you can choose your seat. All seats provide a splendid view of the garden. 

After being seated, you'll receive a complimentary cup of hojicha followed by your tea set. 

For this visit, I chose the Honyama matcha set with wagashi.  The tea bowl and sweet reflected the autumn season even though the trees and plants outside were still holding onto their summer green.

This particular matcha is the result of historical research and cultivation that began in 1986 to reproduce the matcha that was believed to be favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu after he retired to Sumpu Castle.  For this reason, Honyama matcha is generally only served at tea ceremonies and events relating to the Tokugawa clan.  You can learn more about Honyama matcha by following this link.  

All teas offered by the teahouse are also available for purchase. The hojicha was so delicious that I had to bring a bag home.

The beautiful Momijiyama Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and I highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Address: 

〒420-0855, 静岡県静岡市葵区駿府公園1-1
1 Sunpujōkōen, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken 420-0855

Hours:
9:00am to 4:30pm
Closed Mondays and December 29th through January 3rd

Foggy Tea

Foggy Tea closed in November 2025 and is currently raising funds for equipment with plans to begin bicycle vending in early 2026.

While in the area for an event, I stopped by Foggy Tea, Seattle's only tea latte shop.  Owner Michelle Ishimitsu opened the tea room in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood in 2023.

The space is welcoming with comfortable seating and a selection of board games to play.  Foggy Tea participates in the 1st Thursday Pioneer Square Art Walk and works by the current featured artist are on display throughout the space.

The menu includes 26 teas, green, black, and herbal lattes, and hot chocolate.  To accompany your drink, Foggy Tea offers a selection of locally-sourced fresh pastries.

For this visit, I warmed up with mug of chai.  

Address:

602 2nd Ave, Seattle, Washington

Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am to 6:00pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Tea Review: Matcha White Peach (Yunomi/Kanes)

Matcha White Peach/抹茶 白桃美人
Yunomi/Kanes
Type: Flavored Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka and Aichi Prefectures
Product Description:

A sweet matcha flavored with white peach. Add hot milk to transform this into a delicious latte!

Temperature: 160° F

Tea Amount: 10 gram (2 teaspoons)
Water: 6 ounces 

The blend ingredients include matcha, white peach flavor, and sugar.

After whisking, the vivid green infusion is semi-opaque with a sweet aroma of peaches and something that reminds me of lime.  The taste is sweet with the flavor of ripe white peaches and matcha.

If you enjoy white peaches as much as I do, chances are that you'll really like this matcha blend.  Though sugar is one of the ingredients, the taste isn't overwhelmingly sweet and doesn't leave behind an unusual aftertaste.  I was pleased that the matcha flavor did come through and that there was no astringency or bitterness.  This was also very tasty after chilling in the refrigerator if you're looking for a summer treat.  I prepared this using 6 ounces of water heated to 160° F and 10 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of tea as suggested.  I might use 5 grams in future as I tend to prefer a lighter flavor.  This tea does not require a whisk or matcha bowl.  

This tea was purchased by me.

LizzyKate

LizzyKate first opened its doors in downtown Kirkland in July 2016.  The tea room, owned by Will and Amy Riffle, is located on Kirkland Avenue, adjacent to many of the city's festive events and a short walk to the marina and several parks.  At the time of my visit, a classic car show was underway just steps from the entrance.

The tea room interior is modern, bright, and airy with seating at tables and at the tea bar.

LizzyKate offers white, green, oolong, and black teas, matcha, herbals and tisanes, as well as tea flights, a daily iced tea menu, tea lattes, tea mocktails, and kombucha on tap.  Tea baristas are ready to offer customized suggestions to suit your tastes.

Tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, in-house and to-go.  Conveniently packaged loose leaf tea and teaware is also available for purchase.

The tea room hosts tea and food pairings as well as classes. Check out their Calendar to learn about upcoming events!

For this visit, I enjoyed a pot of refreshing Sejak Korean green tea paired with a Fukusa wagashi by Tokara.  The tea was served with a cozy for the removable infuser and a digital tea timer so I could relax and enjoy the ambiance without worrying about over-brewing.  Re-steeps are complimentary.

At the time of this review, tea room hours may differ due to COVID-19.  Follow LizzyKate on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more!

Address:
115 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033

Hours:
11:00 am-5:00 pm

Matcha Cafe Maiko Seattle

Matcha Cafe Maiko Seattle is permanently closed.

Matcha Cafe Maiko Seattle is located inside Westlake Center by the entrance to the Seattle Monorail.

I had previously visited the Las Vegas branch of Matcha Cafe Maiko in 2018 and couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit the downtown Seattle branch after it opened in May 2019.

Since this location is a tea stand rather than a full-scale cafe, seating is somewhat limited and located adjacent to the stand.

The menu features matcha and hojicha served hot or cold, as well as in soft serve, floats, and parfaits.

For this visit, I went for a little of both sides of the menu with a Matcha Ice Cream and an Iced Hojicha.

At the time of this review, the tea stand is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 and will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.  Matcha Cafe Maiko Seattle on Facebook for updates and more!

Address:

400 Pine St # 324, Seattle, WA 98101

Hours:
10:00 am-8:00 pm 

Tea Review: Ceremonial Matcha Stick (Jade Leaf Matcha)

Ceremonial Matcha Stick
Jade Leaf Matcha
Type: Green
Origin: Japan
Product Description:

Just add a stick pack to iced or hot water for tea, to milk for lattes, or to juice or smoothies. Getting your daily matcha fix just got a whole lot easier!

Temperature: 175° F
Tea Amount: 1 packet (~1/2 teaspoon)
Water: 2 ounces (1/4 cup)

The dry powder has a nutty green aroma.

In the warmed bowl, the aroma is nutty and green.

The whisked matcha is boldly green in color, aroma, and taste.

While I might not use this for tea ceremony, it's a solid daily tea and conveniently packaged for use on the go.

This tea was provided as a free sample without guarantee of a review.