Tea Shop Kiharu is a tea house and confectionery near Shiomi Nawate in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, known for pairing a live wagashi-making demonstration with a matcha tea ceremony while guests look out over a Japanese rock garden. Rather than serving standard food, the shop centers its offering on a matcha and hand-crafted wagashi set, where a confectioner shapes the seasonal sweet by hand in front of guests before it is served alongside whisked matcha, and a seasonal namagashi option for those wanting a broader taste of Japanese confectionery. The dining room is small and calm, arranged so seats face the rock garden, giving it a formal, unhurried character closer to a tea ceremony than a typical café. There is no alcohol served; tea is the focus throughout. Reservations are recommended for the full tea ceremony sets, since the wagashi demonstration is prepared to order and space is limited, though drop-in visitors can sometimes be accommodated outside busy periods. Prices are modest, from ¥600 to ¥1,000, and the shop is open from 9:30am to 5pm but closed on Wednesdays, so travelers should check the schedule before building it into a Matsue itinerary alongside Shiomi Nawate and the castle district.
Signature dishes
- Matcha and hand-crafted wagashi set
- Seasonal namagashi
Good to know
- Known for
- Live wagashi-making demonstration paired with a matcha tea ceremony overlooking a Japanese rock garden
- Hours
- 9:30–17:00; closed Wednesdays
- Reservations
- Recommended for tea ceremony sets
Location
Shiomi Nawate area, Matsue, Shimane 690-0888
35.4774, 133.0522 View on map
Highlights
- Live wagashi-making demonstration paired with a matcha tea ceremony
- Seating arranged around a Japanese rock garden view
- Seasonal namagashi confectionery available beyond the standard set
- Located in the historic Shiomi Nawate area near Matsue Castle
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ahead for the full tea ceremony set, since the wagashi is made to order
- Closed on Wednesdays, so plan visits for other days
- Allow extra time to watch the wagashi demonstration rather than rushing the visit
- Combine with a walk along Shiomi Nawate before or after
Accessibility
Seating faces a traditional rock garden and may involve low tables or tatami-style arrangements, so visitors with mobility concerns should ask about standard chair seating when arriving.
Frequently asked questions
What happens during the wagashi demonstration?
A confectioner hand-shapes a seasonal Japanese sweet in front of guests, which is then served alongside freshly whisked matcha.
Is a reservation required?
Reservations are recommended for the tea ceremony sets, since the wagashi is prepared to order and seating is limited.
What days is Tea Shop Kiharu closed?
The shop is closed on Wednesdays and otherwise open from 9:30am to 5pm.
Is alcohol served?
No, the shop focuses exclusively on matcha tea and traditional Japanese confectionery.