Hello dear
Rokujuan is a hidden gem located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. This charming tea house not only offers a serene ambiance rich in history but also serves exquisite traditional dishes. Their standout menu item is the Kishu duck porridge, meticulously prepared with locally sourced duck, resulting in a deep, savory flavor. Guests rave about the beautifully crafted desserts, which showcase a perfect balance of sweetness. The experience is enhanced by the tranquil garden setting, making it an idyllic spot to unwind. With attentive service and a focus on quality, Rokujuan captures the essence of Japanese culinary artistry and hospitality.
About
Welcome to Rokujuan, a hidden gem nestled in the scenic streets of Kyoto, Japan. Located in the heart of Nakagyo Ward, this charming tea house offers a unique dining experience that harmoniously blends traditional Japanese flavors with serene ambiance. With a strong commitment to quality, Rokujuan serves food crafted with meticulous care, sourcing top ingredients from reputable local suppliers, like the Kishu duck from Wakayama.
At the core of Rokujuan's culinary offering is their signature duck porridge (鴨粥), a dish that embodies both comfort and sophistication. Priced at JP¥2,450, the porridge is slow-cooked to deliver a depth of flavor that only the premium Kishu duck can provide. Diners rave about its rich taste, with many recommending it alongside the equally impressive dessert selection.
Rokujuan is much more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that transports you to a world of tranquility. Guests can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while sampling the sweet delicacies such as the hanawarabi. With its mochi-like texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, this dessert arrives beautifully accompanied by brown sugar dip and kinako powder. The set pairs well with either matcha or hojicha for an added touch of traditional flavor.
Visitors consistently highlight the enchanting surroundings of the tea house, from its beautiful tatami seating to the meticulously curated garden. It's an ideal spot to unwind, whether you’re savouring a meal or simply enjoying the scenery. Many patrons also appreciate that the management carefully controls the number of guests, ensuring each visitor can fully absorb the soothing atmosphere without the chaos often found in more crowded venues.
As you explore Rokujuan, you’ll discover that it's a perfect destination not just for tourists seeking delightful food, but also for anyone desiring a serene dining experience steeped in history and tradition. Whether you’re indulging in their delectable duck porridge or sipping on ceremonial-grade matcha, you’re bound to leave with a sense of calm and satisfaction. So, come and experience Rokujuan for yourself, and let the flavors of Kyoto captivate your senses.
“ Many tourists! We came for the beautiful dessert and was pleasantly surprised it was so tasty! Texture was mochi like and perfect level of sweetness on its own, although it’s also served with brown sugar dip and kinako powder. It comes in a set with matcha or hojicha (1200yen). Enjoyed the short tour of the garden, but noticed there was a tatami seat room and another room with normal tables and chairs, slightly wish we were able to enjoy the tatami room instead! ”
“ Very beautiful tea house. The hanawarabi does not have that much flavor but I like the syrup and powder you can dip it in. A good place to sit for 30 min - 1 hr and just enjoy the scenery and quiet. The neighborhood also has lots of cool shops. ”
“ This place hyped because its hard to get in, because they value the ambiance. It is the way it is because they do not want to overcrowd and take away from the serenity which is a very good call. Not only everything we ate was delicious, (ordered one of each thing from the menu) we got to enjoy it more because of how beautiful it is there. Don’t just have the viral dessert, go for lunch and have the duck as well, which was my fav out of everything. ”
“ Worth the payment just for the atmosphere and service. Food is super traditional and unique, the porridge was cooked to perfection. The duck might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it. I would recommend coming for the vibes, order a shaved ice and some dessert to chill and get out of the sun. ”
“ I would describe it as a charming, historic house with a rich history. They gave us a wonderful tour and shared many fascinating details about its past. We ordered the popular dessert, but while it was undoubtedly of the highest quality, it wasn't quite to my personal taste. The matcha, however, was exceptional—its flavor was distinctly ceremonial grade, which I truly appreciated. Same for the hochija, so good! The service was impeccable, and the garden added an extra layer of tranquility, leaving me with a sense of calmness. ”
“ Delicious duck porridge in a historical setting and amazing views. This place is a sister restaurant to the famous Gion Duck Noodles & Rice place so it is on the same level in terms of food quality. It is a bit pricier but I think you’re also paying for the experience of dining in a historical setting (house of renown painter). For the duck porridge- I recommend getting an extra side of duck and extra side of porridge (portions are quite small). While this was pricy for congee, it was quite worth considering the tour and experience overall. ”
“ What a beautiful experience. when making this reservation for me and my husband I really didn’t know what I was getting us into, all I was expecting was a calm tea and a sweet treat together. Little did we know we would be going into a very beautiful Japanese house with amazing history! Service was amazing we loved the tour of the house. We both got different teas which was perfect. The hanawarabi was elegant and delightful! What a fun experience! The only thing I would change would be no kids! The beginning of our experience was negatively affected with kids coming in and out of our room constantly and running through the garden without a care and with no parental guidance. Obviously this is not the fault of the tea house but we were bummed to see the disrespect some tourists put them through! Overall would definitely recommend and it was an awesome experience! ”