A Cup of Tea Led Me Here

So here’s how this little story goes. While I was staying at ROKU KYOTO, LXR, every time I ordered tea at the restaurant, it was served in these super cute little round ceramic cups. I kept noticing them, thinking how interesting they looked, and by the end of my stay I was kind of obsessed.

On my last morning, right before heading to the train station, I finally asked the concierge if he knew where the cups came from. He went around asking (not sure who exactly), and after a while came back with an answer: they were from a pottery workshop in the city. Even better—he said the taxi could take us there on the way to the station.

So that’s what we did. We pulled up to this small but amazing pottery workshop, and I felt like I’d just stepped into a little treasure box. Shelves full of bowls, plates, and cups, each one with its own glaze and personality.

I found this one glaze I really loved, shopped around a bit, and of course ended up buying a few pieces to take home.

At the time, I was in such a rush I never caught the name of the place. But later, going back through my iPhone photos and using the location pin, I figured it out—it was Touan Main Gallery and Studios.

how I was looking for the store

zoomed in and found it

It’s funny how a small detail, like a cup of tea, can lead you to such a special spot.

PS: I’m honestly not sure if Touan is a regular walk-in shop or more of a working studio. I have a vague memory seeing the the hotel concierge calling ahead and letting them know some guests were interested in buying something.