Himeji city had developed as a castle town of Himeji Castle. There are many traditional stores around Himeji Castle. Kobayashi Tea House (Its trades name is “Kobayashi Matsuju-en Co. Ltd.”) has been established since Meiji 8th, 1875.
This tea store also sells various teas from all around Japan, especially they bring Sencha and matcha mainly from Shizuoka and Kyoto, respectively.
The booth for matcha in Kobayashi Tea House. Most of matcha in the store is brought from Kyoto.
Kobayashi Tea House sells matcha by the weight we want. We can buy our desirable amount of matcha in the fancy package.
Sencha from Shizuoka is the top selling product in this shop, I heard from the staff in the tea house.
This store devotes its great efforts to create unique confections of matcha.
I have seen the “matcha fondue” first time! What a interesting!!
“Karinto” soaked with matcha fondue.
As stuffs for the fondue, they serves not only orthodox marshmallow, but also Japanese confections such as fried sugared snack “Karinto”, sweetened black soybean “Kuromame Amanatto” and “Monaka” rice wafer topped with Azuki beans jam.
A set of matcha fondue with Sencha green tea.
Of course, they serves Sencha green tea together.
It is also unique and interesting that we can select the tea ware for matcha serving. There are various tea wares, which are made by traditional method, displayed in this store. When customers order the set of matcha and Japanese confection, customers can choose one of them. It’s very enjoyable!!
A set of matcha and “Wagashi” Japanese traditional confection, with seeing Japanese traditional antiques, such as Tetsubin, Irori and Hibachi.
Various teawares in Kobayashi Tea House. We can select our favorite one from them.
This store lines up various potteries, from traditional wares to modern styles.
Various teawares in Kobayashi Tea House. A wide variety of potteries, from traditional to modern ones, are displayed inside the shop.
< Raku-yaki (Raku ware) >
Raku ware is one of traditional potteries in Japan, which is loved by Sen-no Rikyu. Rikyu often used Raku wares in tea ceremonies due to his mind putting significance on “wabi” elegance, which means beauties or virtues in simplicity.
< Shigaraki-yaki (Shigaraki ware) >
Shigaraki ware is mainly made in Shigaraki area, southern area of Lake Biwa, in Koga city, Shiga prefecture. Its characteristic is a warm fire color due to its ingredient fine soil from the nearby hills.
< An Nan-yaki (An Nan ware) >
This type of pottery had been originally brought from Annan region, the middle part of Vietnam. The characteristic is its white porcelain.
< Oribe-yaki (Oribe ware) >
Oribe ware was named after one of the tea masters in 16th century, FURUTA Oribe, who is Samurai general, at the same time, one of the students of Sen-no Rikyu. The characteristic of the tea ware is its distorted shape of brim. It seems that the novelty of Oribe ware in its shape or coloring got popular among Samurai warriors.
Their challenge is still going on to create some confections new. According to the description on the stand board in front of the shop, lately they’ve launched a new menu “matcha affogato”, which is matcha ice cream poured with hot condensed matcha green tea. This product is also unique! The collaboration with other professionals, such as a local magazine company “Cafemaga”, seems to contributes their uniqueness and creativity.
Matcha Affogato has been launched as one of the cafe menu, described on the menu board in front of the tea house. Kobayashi Tea House have developed these unique deshes by cooperating with a local magazine company “Cafemaga”.
The tea house sets a English and Chinese guidance.
I felt the depth of its history in some aspects inside the tea house. We can freely read old books in the shop. Some books are written in only Chinese characters, so-called “Kanbun”.
Under the shade of Himeji Castle, Kobayashi Tea House has made successive challenges to create new products with keeping their traditions and tea cultures. I’m looking forward to meet some tea products new in Kobayashi Tea House in the next my visit!
When you visit Himeji Castle, it is recommend to enjoy tea and confections in Kobayashi Tea House.
Himeji Castle, one of the National Treasures in Japan and World Cultural Heritage.
A cup of tea is served when I visited. Staffs kindly prepare the tea suiting for each season. I felt their kind hospitality!!
< Shop information >
Address : 66, Nikaimachi, Himeji city, Hyogo Pref.
Access : About 10 minutes on foot from JR Himeji Station. The shop locates in “Nikaimachi Mall” on the way to Himeji Castel from JR Himeji Station.
Business hours : 10:00 – 18:30
Closed : Every Tuesday in general.
Official Web Page : http://www.ocha-kobayashi.jp/