The more you explore, the more you interesting it becomes! That's Ogura.
A town where lively conversations fill the air in alleys lined with eateries, capturing the charm of the Showa era.
“Ogura is such a wonderful place, isn’t it?” “Have you been there yet? You’ve got to check it out—it’s a hidden gem!”
From hidden gems and lively izakayas to traditional sweets shops and trendy tea experiences,
there’s a wide varitey of shops to explore!
Plus, the Uji-river area is also quite easy to access!
We likely invite you to discover Ogura's vibrant present which is shaped by its rich history and culture.
Once you take your first step into the world of Ogura, you may find yourself eager to discover even more!
A town full of smiles and discoveries, where all five senses come alive.
Come in and enjoy! Ogura is excited to welcome you!
[Research Cooperation] "ALCO"
[Translation Cooperation] "E’ne English Conversation"
Tradition and culture are continuously evolving. This time, we’re focusing on an interactive tea experience and a Kyoto doll shop.
Sharpen your senses and explore the contemporary OGURA WORLD!
TEA SQUARE MORIHAN
The Yamato Road, where you can feel the legacy of Hideyoshi's era. Along this historical path, you’ll find a place where you can enjoy tea with all five senses.
With delectable Uji matcha desserts and a photogenic tea leaf exhibition, this place is a popular hangout for young visitors—
A building where the essence of culture lingers.
The building is designated as a significant city landmark. As you pass beneath the noren curtain, you are welcomed by a sturdy stone mill.
Observing how tea leaves gradually transform into matcha through a magnifying glass, you gain a deeper appreciation for the value of a single spoonful of matcha and the dedication of the tea master in each serving.
As you walk further down the passageway, you will come across a café housed in a renovated storehouse over a century old.
This establishment is known for its unique traditional flavors and has received high praise.
Inside the shop, filled with cheerful and vibrant smiles.
Some guests carefully learn the art of brewing tea, while others share photos on social media.
Some guests enjoy the sweets with their eyes half-closed in pleasure, while others gasp in excitement at the dishes served.
The conversations among guests fill the space like joyful music.
In the courtyard, tea plants sway gently as a pleasant breeze brushes their green leaves.
Inside the glass-walled confectionery workshop, sweets made with tea are skillfully prepared.
With serious concentration and delicate craftsmanship.
Like tiny flowers blooming, gentle happiness is sparked one by one.
The finished sweets can be enjoyed in a room called "Kaorium."
If you peek inside, you will see everyone enjoying the sweets, chatting, and relaxing comfortably.
It is a special space where the play of light is meticulously crafted to resemble a tea plantation under shade.
In Uji, tea is commonly grown under covers, but it is rare to see the sparkle of tea leaves beneath these covers.
To let everyone experience this wonder year-round, a new tea leaf herbarium is exhibited.
The overflowing beauty draws involuntary gasps of admiration.
Dynamic videos play indoors, and the immersive experience is equally breathtaking.
As the screen lifts, a tea-roasting machine emerges.
Its rhythmic motion captivates both adults and children, who soon find themselves completely absorbed.
And that fragrant aroma seems to cast a spell of happiness over everyone.
Children widen their eyes in wonder, while adults exchange knowing smiles.
Of course, tasting freshly roasted tea is an exceptional experience.
Its deep aroma and rich warmth slowly soothe your thirst, offering a blissful moment that melts the heart.
When you look down, you notice an iron plate once used for blending tea leaves, quietly exuding its presence.
With the spirit of MORIHAN, which creates new value while preserving tradition and history, you step outside, still brimming with excitement.
At the storefront along the street, numerous customers purchase tea and sweets, with radiant joy among the people converging.
Kyoto Doll Miyake
In the historic town of Ogura, a shop featuring Kyoto dolls quietly stands. While preserving the spirit of tradition and culture, it also embraces a touch of modernity.
On the workshop's second floor, artisans' enthusiasm and creativity shine brightly, igniting a new fusion of tradition and trend.
Inspired by Gogatsu dolls and crafted with their techniques, the “SAMURAI ARMOR BAG” symbolizes an innovative spirit.
Dedicated to "MADE IN KYOTO," these stylish creations represent the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The bags feature original Kyoto braids, custom-made by Shoen Kumihimo in Uji—a unique craft where traditional methods from Kyoto and Uji intertwine to create something truly special.
The "SAMURAI ARMOR BAG" has been showcased at international exhibitions and featured in major media outlets, earning recognition and high praise from overseas clients, including those in New York.
As a result of these innovative efforts, MIYAKE has garnered international acclaim and received commissions from prestigious fashion design studios worldwide.
Moreover, insights from the fashion industry have influenced the creation of hina dolls and Gogatsu dolls.
With their sophisticated color schemes that appeal to young families, these pieces fit well with modern interiors. The beautifully layered colors retain traditional elegance while incorporating a contemporary fashion flair, transforming them into soft gradients.
Compact sizes suitable for apartments and gentle, charming expressions capture the needs and sensibilities of today's consumers, naturally drawing the eye.
Stepping into the shop, where traditional pieces and contemporary works are displayed side by side, you can feel how both styles blend and resonate with each other.
This place embodies the essence of traditional craft, loved across generations, and the aesthetic of "Shuhari"—the philosophy of preserving, breaking, and transcending tradition. In essence, it reflects the deep respect for tradition that is unique to contemporary artisans.
Craftsmanship is evident in every detail.
Hina dolls are completed through hundreds of intricate steps.
These works, supported by masterful techniques and the spirit of artisanship, quietly reveal their true beauty, touching the hearts of those who behold them.
Refined through rigorous training and dedication, the shop’s approach emphasizes quality over quantity.
The workshop offers a unique chance to view the creations before they are completed. It’s a valuable opportunity to experience the intricate process and the depth of traditional craftsmanship as every piece is meticulously crafted.
Here, both adults and children are captivated, their eyes lighting up with wonder and new insights may be found.
For example, take the materials, the insistence on natural, timelessly available materials reflects more than just for peace of mind.
This shop values the tradition of passing down heirlooms from one generation to the next, with the hope that these items will be cherished, repaired, and used even a century from now.
These masterpieces, embodying the philosophy of Kyoto artisans, will only grow more valuable over time, continuing to captivate with their elegant radiance.
Note: The products displayed in the store may vary depending on the season.
Brimming with hidden charm!
Dive into the vibrant evenings in Ogura!
As you head west from Kintetsu Ogura Station, you'll find yourself immersed in a nostalgic townscape.
Signs that capture the charm of a bygone era and the facades of old-fashioned shops line the streets.
As you step inside, you’ll find yourself wandering through atmospheric back alleys that make you want to hum Showa-era tunes.
This retro ambiance is particularly captivating from evening to night.
The red lanterns of izakayas and the glowing signs of cozy bars light up one by one, inviting visitors to explore Ogura after dark.
The scent of charcoal grilling, the smiles of regular customers, the clinking of glasses, and the murmur of casual conversations...
The warmth in each of these moments seems to remind us of the simple pleasures we might have forgotten over time.
Moreover, exploring hidden gems and secret spots, or finding your own unique way to enjoy your time.
Why not wander into the enchanting world of Ogura by night and experience it for yourself?
Sushi, tonkatsu, soba, yakitori...
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Ogura’s night cuisine!
Hamaya
This Edo-style handmade soba restaurant is a popular spot located just outside the west exit of Kintetsu Ogura Station. During the day, it operates as a soba eatery and transforms into a soba izakaya at night. (Reservations are recommended for the evening.)
Here, you can fully enjoy handmade soba made from Hokkaido Asahikawa buckwheat flour, served with a broth made from four types of bonito flakes and kelp, along with Suzuka-grown white onions and Azumino wasabi. You have the freedom to select the soba and ingredients according to your preferences.
Additionally, you can savor a variety of delicious dishes such as tempura and sashimi. The restaurant owner carefully selects regional specialties and local sake from across Japan. Enjoy gourmet ingredients like Ise sea bream, Maizuru kamaboko, Tokachi Shikaoi pork, and Oku-Mino ancient chicken. Each dish is meticulously prepared to enhance its flavors, with careful attention to every detail, even down to the frying oil. (For example, "Soybean White Crest Oil" is used for tempura to achieve a light, crisp finish without being greasy!)
The sake selection includes not only well-known brands but also hidden gems, chosen specifically to complement the unique offerings of the restaurant.
With counter seating available, solo diners are also warmly welcomed. The restaurant also offers course meals (reservation required), and the charming atmosphere makes it a truly wonderful place.
Tonkatsu Deep Fried Pork Cutlet Restaurant Katsusen
Crispy and juicy! You'll be amazed by the delicious tonkatsu at this restaurant. The Kagoshima Satsuma pork, known for its deliciousness, releases a burst of savory flavor with every bite, while its high-quality fat imparts a delightful sweetness. To fully showcase the quality of the pork, meticulous care is given to the coating and the oil temperature!
To ensure the rich juices are retained, the pork is carefully coated in a crispy batter and fried slowly in vegetable oil for a light and crunchy finish. . Careful attention to details like the thickness of the breading ensures that the natural flavors of the pork are enhanced, with each piece expertly fried to just the right balance. (Professional skills shine through in every detail!) The resulting tonkatsu has an exceptional flavor, delicious whether enjoyed with sauce or on its own!
A variety of side dishes and drinks are also available, making this an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a delightful evening.
The interior offers a calm and traditional Japanese-style atmosphere, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal at the raised tatami seating or at the counter, perfect for solo diners. Their lunch sets and takeout options are also very popular!
Yakitori Su-san
Head west from Kintetsu Ogura Station, and you'll soon find yourself in a charming alleyway that retains the nostalgic feel of an old downtown neighborhood. "Yakitori Su-san" is a restaurant that takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and expert grilling techniques, offering a classic taste of Japan's yakitori in a quaint, old-town setting. Surrounded by the inviting aroma of charcoal and the warmth of good company, you're sure to have a wonderful time filled with "delicious!" and "fun!"
The restaurant's specialty is yakitori, featuring fresh, morning-harvested local chicken grilled to a juicy perfection over charcoal. With a wide selection of tasty dishes, including crispy fried delights, you can eat and drink to your heart's content, savoring every bite without a hint of monotony. A truly satisfying experience that fills both your stomach and your soul—what could be better?
At this beloved spot, frequented by regulars, you might have the chance to meet some delightful new people. The counter seating is perfect for those dining alone or looking to chat with the staff. Laughter echoes throughout the shop, creating a cheerful soundtrack for the evening! Raise a glass to everyone’s smiles in this lively, joy-filled space!
Hiko Zushi
Delicious side dishes, sushi, and sake—all await you here! At this sushi restaurant in Ogura, you can savor seasonal delicacies handpicked by the master, who brings 50 years of experience and expert knowledge of fish to every creation. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, including the freshest seafood, prepared with meticulous care and exceptional skill. The lively conversations and warm atmosphere add to its inviting charm!
With options like sea bream, fatty tuna, and salmon, crisp fresh squid and whelk, succulent sweet shrimp, melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin, and generous servings of salmon roe... What will you have the chef prepare for you?
And what pairs better with sushi than sake? We offer a wide variety of sake from across Japan, perfectly curated to enhance your sushi experience. You can also enjoy shochu and fruity beverages, ideal for those who prefer lighter drinks.
The interior features a warm, wooden Japanese-style ambiance. The first floor offers both table seating and a counter, while the second floor provides tatami rooms for a more relaxed and serene dining experience.
Beloved by sushi and sake enthusiasts, this is a place where guests of all ages feel welcome. Whether you’re dining solo or with family, it’s a sushi restaurant where everyone feels at home.
In the past, to the south of Kyoto Fushimi, there was a vast lake known as Ogura-ike. Since ancient times, several villages thrived around this lake, with many people living in harmony with the blessings of its waters.
During the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Taiko Embankment was constructed, and together with the Nara Highway, the Ogura Embankment became a major route connecting Kyoto and Nara. Over the years, sediment gradually accumulated in the lake, leading to frequent flooding and deteriorating water quality, which eventually prompted a land reclamation project.
The reclamation was completed in 1941. The area with the most residential development on the reclaimed land is to the west of Kintetsu Ogura Station, now known as "Nishi-Ogura."
Be sure to also explore and enjoy the Uji River area,
home to World Heritage sites!
While visiting Ogura, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful World Heritage sites, museums that showcase Uji's rich history and culture, and the beautiful landscapes of the Uji River, complete with its scenic mountains and bridges!
For a convenient journey from Ogura to the Uji River area, hop on one of the wrapped buses.
Make plenty of wonderful memories in Uji!
