Tomaya Tea House

To cross the threshold of Tomaya in Kitsuki is to go back in time. The current building, a delightfully quaint tea emporium, dates to 1875 but the business was first established in the mid-Edo Period (1603~1868). Large, antique storage jars and tea chests, emblazoned with the Chinese character for tea, line the walls overlooking the staff dressed in traditional dress. Tomoya specialises in processing and retailing locally-grown green tea, which is available in a range of grades, and related products such as Japanese tea bowls, bamboo whisks and tea pots.

At the back of the shop is a small tea room where the elegant proprietress teaches chado, the ceremonial way of tea. However, for those who do not have the time to wait through the ritual to quench their thirst, delicious tea, including the ceremonial macha tea, is available over the counter.