Ogata, in his boutique at The Shinmonzen, envisions a harmonious coexistence of people and nature, reflected in two symbiotic rooms: one raw and natural for tea, the other structured, honoring Kyoto's lattice-like grid streets.
In June 2024, Kyoto's historic Gion district welcomed OGATA at The Shinmonzen, a boutique and teahouse that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design. Situated within The Shinmonzen, a nine-suite hotel crafted by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this establishment presents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.
The brainchild of designer Shinichiro Ogata, founder of Tokyo-based studio Simplicity, OGATA at The Shinmonzen draws inspiration from its flagship Paris location. The Kyoto venue offers a curated selection of Japanese teas, confectionery, crafts, and fragrances, all within a minimalist and calm environment.
Upon entering through a traditional white noren curtain and timber latticed façade, visitors are greeted by a space divided into two complementary areas. The left side is dedicated to the T., Collection, featuring ten bespoke Japanese tea blends. These teas are packaged in organic white vessels made from biodegradable bamboo, allowing for direct infusion. The blends cater to various times of the day, from energizing morning sencha with yuzu peel and kuromoji twigs to calming evening infusions.
A central stone counter made from Isahaya stone and sourced from Nagasaki in Kyushu, serves as the focal point for tea preparation and tasting. This raw, organic element reflects Japan's deep-rooted tea culture and provides a gathering place for guests.
The right side of the boutique showcases a curated selection of handcrafted objects, including teapots, tea cups, and OGATA's unique YOKA fragrance line. These items, crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, are displayed on lattice work shelves that pay homage to Kyoto's grid-patterned streets. The YOKA fragrances are composed of natural ingredients ground with a traditional mortar, allowing the scent to fill the air without the need for burning or heating.
OGATA at The Shinmonzen also hosts various exhibitions related to Japanese crafts. One such exhibition, "Fukiyose," running from September 2024 to January 2025, features works by artists including ceramicists Masahiro Kishida and Koichi Mizuno, artist Yuji Sampei, and a collaboration with the bag brand "cornelian taurus" by Daisuke Iwanaga.
Through its thoughtful design and curated objects, OGATA at The Shinmonzen provides a contemporary reinterpretation of Japan’s traditional tea culture, inviting guests to experience the harmony between people and nature in daily life.
In June 2024, Kyoto's historic Gion district welcomed OGATA at The Shinmonzen, a boutique and teahouse that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design. Situated within The Shinmonzen, a nine-suite hotel crafted by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this establishment presents a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity.
The brainchild of designer Shinichiro Ogata, founder of Tokyo-based studio Simplicity, OGATA at The Shinmonzen draws inspiration from its flagship Paris location. The Kyoto venue offers a curated selection of Japanese teas, confectionery, crafts, and fragrances, all within a minimalist and calm environment.
Upon entering through a traditional white noren curtain and timber latticed façade, visitors are greeted by a space divided into two complementary areas. The left side is dedicated to the T., Collection, featuring ten bespoke Japanese tea blends. These teas are packaged in organic white vessels made from biodegradable bamboo, allowing for direct infusion. The blends cater to various times of the day, from energizing morning sencha with yuzu peel and kuromoji twigs to calming evening infusions.
A central stone counter made from Isahaya stone and sourced from Nagasaki in Kyushu, serves as the focal point for tea preparation and tasting. This raw, organic element reflects Japan's deep-rooted tea culture and provides a gathering place for guests.
The right side of the boutique showcases a curated selection of handcrafted objects, including teapots, tea cups, and OGATA's unique YOKA fragrance line. These items, crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, are displayed on lattice work shelves that pay homage to Kyoto's grid-patterned streets. The YOKA fragrances are composed of natural ingredients ground with a traditional mortar, allowing the scent to fill the air without the need for burning or heating.
OGATA at The Shinmonzen also hosts various exhibitions related to Japanese crafts. One such exhibition, "Fukiyose," running from September 2024 to January 2025, features works by artists including ceramicists Masahiro Kishida and Koichi Mizuno, artist Yuji Sampei, and a collaboration with the bag brand "cornelian taurus" by Daisuke Iwanaga.
Through its thoughtful design and curated objects, OGATA at The Shinmonzen provides a contemporary reinterpretation of Japan’s traditional tea culture, inviting guests to experience the harmony between people and nature in daily life.
