FAQ

FAQ


About Our Café

How do I get to Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku?

Access to Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku

We are located just east of Nijo Castle, behind ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. From Nijo Castle, head east along Oshikoji Street, then turn north onto Aburanokoji Street.

By train
• About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line.
• About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma and Tozai Lines.

By bus
• About a 5-minute walk from the “Nijojo-mae” or “Horikawa Oike” Kyoto City Bus stops.

Is parking available?

We do not have a private parking lot. Please use one of the nearby paid parking lots. There are two coin-operated parking lots within about a 2-minute walk.

Can I walk there from Nijo Castle?

Yes. We are about an 8-minute walk from the East Main Gate of Nijo Castle. Our café is a convenient place to stop for tea, sweets, or a light meal before or after visiting the castle.

What are your opening hours and closing days?

We are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last orders at 4:30 p.m. We do not have fixed closing days. Any temporary closures will be announced on our website.

Do I need a reservation to visit the café?

No reservation is required for the café. Please feel free to visit at any time during opening hours. Our second-floor restaurant, however, is available by reservation only.

How much does it cost to eat at the café?

Desserts start from ¥780, and meals start from ¥1,280.

Do you offer allergy-friendly, vegan, or vegetarian options?

We do not currently offer dedicated allergy-friendly, vegan, or vegetarian menus. However, our menu includes information on ingredients and allergens. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask a member of our staff.

Is information available in English?

Yes. Orders can be placed using our multilingual self-service ticket machine, and English menus are also available.

Can I visit with children?

Yes, families with children are very welcome. We do not have baby chairs, but you may bring a stroller to your table.

Is takeout available?

Yes. We offer a selection of items for takeout.

What kinds of tea can I enjoy at Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Café?

Ogawa Syouyaku has been working with traditional Japanese botanicals and teas for more than 100 years. At our café, you can enjoy a wide variety of carefully crafted wellness teas, many of which are naturally caffeine-free. Relax in our Kyoto-inspired setting and discover different pairings of tea and sweets.

Do you serve meals?

Yes. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., we serve light meals such as our herbal soup curry and tuna rice bowl. Seasonal dishes may also be available.

What is your herbal soup curry?

Our signature soup curry is a rich and flavorful dish made with a unique blend of 100 carefully selected botanical ingredients. It is a special dish you can experience only at Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku.

Do wellness teas taste bitter?

Some people imagine that wellness teas are bitter, but ours are carefully roasted using Ogawa Syouyaku’s original roasting techniques to create a smooth, pleasant flavor that is easy to enjoy every day.

Which teas are most popular?

Some of our most popular teas include Japanese Organic Mulberry Leaf Tea and Organic Rooibos Tea. Our Azuki Red Bean Tea and Burdock Root Tea are also customer favorites.

Would you recommend your teas to someone trying wellness tea for the first time?

Yes. Our teas are carefully roasted using Ogawa Syouyaku’s original roasting techniques, giving them a smooth and approachable flavor even for those trying wellness tea for the first time.

Do you have caffeine-free teas?

Yes. We offer many caffeine-free varieties, including Organic Rooibos Tea.

Is rooibos tea caffeine-free?

Yes. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. We serve Organic Rooibos Tea as well as seasonal blends such as Ginger Rooibos Tea and Lemongrass Rooibos Tea.

Do you have teas suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

We offer many caffeine-free teas for guests who prefer to limit their caffeine intake. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please choose teas according to your individual health needs and the advice of your doctor or healthcare professional.

Can I buy tea to take home or as a gift?

Yes. Our teas are available both for personal use and as gifts. Gift bags and gift boxes are also available at our first-floor gift shop.

Can you ship products that I purchase at the store?

Yes. Shipping can be arranged at the store. Please ask our staff for details.


About Our RESTAURANT

Is Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant reservation-only?

Yes. Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant is available by reservation only. A reservation allows you to enjoy your meal in a calm, relaxed setting without waiting, and makes it easier to plan the rest of your day in Kyoto.

What kind of cuisine can I enjoy at Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant?

Drawing on more than 100 years of knowledge and experience with traditional Japanese botanicals, we serve carefully prepared breakfast and lunch dishes. We value seasonal ingredients and create food that is gentle, balanced, and enjoyable.

Who would you recommend Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant to?

We recommend our restaurant to guests who would like to enjoy a relaxed meal during their time in Kyoto, as well as those who appreciate food made with well-being in mind. We welcome solo diners, couples, families, and groups of friends.

Can I visit just for breakfast?

Yes. You are very welcome to visit us for breakfast only. Many guests enjoy breakfast with us before setting out to explore Kyoto. As the restaurant is reservation-only, please make your reservation in advance.

Can I also visit for lunch or brunch?

Yes. You may also dine with us for lunch or brunch during our opening hours.

Does the menu change with the seasons?

Yes. Because we place great importance on seasonal ingredients, our menu changes throughout the year. Each season brings different dishes, allowing you to experience the character of Japan’s four seasons through your meal.

What is shoyaku?

Shoyaku is a Japanese term for naturally derived materials—mainly plants, but also certain animal- and mineral-derived ingredients—that are dried, powdered, or otherwise prepared for use. Some are also used as ingredients in Kampo, Japan’s traditional herbal medicine. Although the term may sound unfamiliar, many shoyaku ingredients are part of everyday life in Japan, such as burdock root, ginger, dokudami, and jujube, which are used in cooking and tea.

Do you have meals for children?

Yes. We offer a children’s plate for elementary-school-age children and younger, with items such as ketchup-flavored rice, a hamburger patty, salad, scrambled eggs, and sausage. You may also share dishes from an accompanying guest’s course or order from the à la carte menu. Please feel free to ask our staff.

What is the difference between shoyaku and yakuzen?

Shouyaku refers to ingredients prepared from natural materials such as plants. Yakuzen is a style of cooking that thoughtfully combines ingredients according to one’s physical condition, constitution, and the season. At Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku, we bring more than 100 years of knowledge and experience as a syouyaku company to what we serve.

Why does a shoyaku company operate a restaurant?

Since our founding, Ogawa Syouyaku has shared the value of traditional botanicals as part of everyday well-being. We opened this restaurant to make that knowledge more approachable and to offer guests an opportunity to think about well-being through enjoyable everyday food.

What are the benefits of reserving breakfast in Kyoto?

Popular breakfast spots in Kyoto can become busy, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Reserving in advance lets you enjoy breakfast without a long wait and helps you begin your sightseeing plans smoothly.

What time is best for breakfast on a day of sightseeing in Kyoto?

We recommend enjoying breakfast earlier in the day, before Kyoto’s major sightseeing areas become busy. This can make the rest of your day more comfortable and relaxed.

Can you accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets?

If you let us know in advance, we will do our best to accommodate vegetarian or vegan requests where possible.

Can you accommodate food allergies?

Please let us know about any food allergies when making your reservation. We will do our best to accommodate your needs where possible.

Can international visitors dine at Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant?

Yes. We are pleased to welcome many guests from overseas, and an English menu is available.

Is Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant close to Nijo Castle?

Yes. We are within walking distance of Nijo Castle, making the restaurant convenient for a meal before or after your visit.

Can I walk there from Nijo Castle?

Yes. We are about an 8-minute walk from the East Main Gate of Nijo Castle. Our location makes it easy to enjoy a meal before or after visiting the castle.

Is parking available?

We do not have a private parking lot. Please use one of the nearby paid parking lots. Bicycle parking is available in front of the property.

How do I get to Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku?

Access to Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku

We are located just east of Nijo Castle, behind ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. From Nijo Castle, head east along Oshikoji Street, then turn north onto Aburanokoji Street.

By train
• About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line.
• About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma and Tozai Lines.

By bus
• About a 5-minute walk from the “Nijojo-mae” or “Horikawa Oike” Kyoto City Bus stops.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?

Cancellations and reservation changes are accepted in accordance with our cancellation policy. As a general rule, cancellations made the day before are subject to a charge of 30% of the meal price, while same-day cancellations are charged at 100%. For details, please contact us by phone.
TEL: 075-606-5565


About Our VILLA

Is Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku VILLA reserved for only one group per day?

Yes. Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku VILLA welcomes only one group per day. The entire top-floor accommodation, measuring approximately 100 square metres, is reserved exclusively for you, allowing you to enjoy a quiet and private stay without sharing the space with other guests.

How can I make a reservation for the VILLA?

Reservations can be made through our dedicated online booking site. Please select the “Book Your Stay” button on our official website, check availability for your preferred dates, and complete your reservation online.

How many guests can the VILLA accommodate?

The standard occupancy is two guests, with twin beds provided. The spacious layout is well suited to couples, partners, or friends travelling together. If you would like to stay with more than two guests, please contact us in advance.
TEL: 075-606-5565

How spacious is the VILLA?

The VILLA occupies the top floor and offers more than 100 square metres of private space for one group per day. In addition to a generous living area, it features a quiet private study designed as a secluded retreat for reading, working, or simply unwinding.

What bathing facilities are available?

The VILLA features two distinctive bathing spaces at opposite ends of the accommodation. One is a dramatic dark-toned bathing room with two bathtubs, designed around the theme of “calm.” The other is a semi-open-air bath inspired by a sense of “openness.” Guests are invited to enjoy whichever bathing experience best suits their mood.

Can I use Ogawa Syouyaku botanical bath preparations during my stay?

Yes. We provide a special botanical bath preparation inspired by Ogawa Syouyaku’s more than 100 years of experience with traditional Japanese botanicals. We invite you to enjoy a slow, restorative soak. Please note that the bath preparation may be used in the twin bathtubs on the west side, but not in the natural-stone bath on the east side.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

Yes. Breakfast is included in your stay. Guests may enjoy a thoughtfully prepared course-style breakfast at the second-floor Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant, beginning with yudofu, Kyoto-style warm tofu. Seating is available at the counter or in a semi-private dining area. Alternatively, you may choose a breakfast option from the first-floor café menu.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements or food allergies?

If you let us know in advance, we will do our best to accommodate dietary requests such as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals, as well as food allergies, where possible.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is available from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Check-out is by 11:00 a.m.

Can I stay for multiple nights?

Yes. Multi-night stays are welcome, and the VILLA will remain yours throughout your consecutive stay.

Can you store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?

Yes. On your arrival day, we can store luggage from 10:00 a.m. On your departure day, luggage storage is available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to speak with our staff if you would like to use this service.

Can children stay at the VILLA?

The VILLA has been designed as a spacious and tranquil retreat primarily for adult guests. As certain features, including the open terrace and large bathtubs, are not designed to meet safety requirements for younger children, we welcome guests aged 13 and above.

What amenities are provided in the VILLA?

The VILLA is thoughtfully equipped for a comfortable stay, including a separate living area, a double-sink vanity, two bathing spaces, a separate shower area, underfloor heating, complimentary Wi-Fi, a television, and an in-room safe.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the VILLA.

Is Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku VILLA close to Nijo Castle?

Yes. The VILLA is within walking distance of Nijo Castle and is conveniently located for exploring Kyoto. Major destinations such as Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama can also be reached in approximately 30 minutes, depending on your route and traffic conditions.

Do you welcome international guests?

Yes. We are delighted to welcome many guests from around the world. English-language assistance is available so that international guests can enjoy a comfortable and reassuring stay.

Can VILLA guests also use the restaurant and café?

Yes. On the first floor, Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Café offers teas and sweets inspired by traditional botanicals, while the second-floor Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku Restaurant serves breakfast. Breakfast at either the restaurant or café is included in your stay. The first-floor café is also available to guests at other times during its opening hours.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?

Cancellations and reservation changes are handled in accordance with the terms of the booking site through which your reservation was made. Please refer to your booking confirmation for details, or contact us by phone if you require assistance.
TEL: 075-606-5565

How much does a stay at the VILLA cost?

Rates vary according to the season and your selected dates. For the most up-to-date rate, please select the “Book Your Stay” button on our official website and enter your preferred dates on the booking site.

Is parking available?

The VILLA does not have a private car park. Guests arriving by car are kindly asked to use one of the nearby paid parking facilities.

How do I get to Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku VILLA?

Kyoto Ogawa Syouyaku VILLA is located just east of Nijo Castle, behind ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. From Nijo Castle, head east along Oshikoji Street, then turn north onto Aburanokoji Street.

By train
• About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line.
• About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Karasuma Oike Station on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma and Tozai Lines.

By bus
• About a 5-minute walk from the “Nijojo-mae” or “Horikawa Oike” Kyoto City Bus stops.