Toraya, founded in the 16th Century, in one of Kyoto’s most prestigious makers of Wagashi – traditional Japanese confectionery. Now if you don’t know anything about Wagashi – here’s an earlier post about my fascination for the stuff!
There are now many stores throughout Japan including 2 tea-rooms in Kyoto and my favourite is the Ichijo store just west of the Imperial palace. When the imperial family resided in Kyoto no prizes for guessing who made their sweeties!
This tea-house store is just gorgeous and it is a fantastic place to just sit and relax, sip matcha and other tea and taste one of their exquisitely beautiful wagashi.
I highly recommend a visit if you are in the Imperial Palace area – it is also very close the lovely Kyoto Brighton Hotel if you happen to be staying there. There’s also a shop with a tearoom down town on Shijo street between Kawaramachi and Karasuma streets – a little closer to Kawaramachi.
In the warmer months you can sit outside and enjoy the view of the garden. Of course if it is really hot you want to be inside where it is air-conditioned – trust me!
Below is the parking lot to the rear of the building. No you probably didn’t need to see it but I just think it is really charming. For a parking lot? Only in Japan.
If you are a foodie traveller and Toraya floats your boat you might be interested in taking a peek at my Kyoto Cuisine and Culture Tours . Why not join me next autumn or winter ?
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