・Directions to “Shirasagi Sabou”

・A Tea Stand Run by a Tea Master

“Shirasagi Sabou,” a tea stand that opened in April 2026, takes its name from the white heron, a symbol of Himeji inspired by the elegant white appearance of Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle.” The shop is easily recognizable by its retro sunflower-yellow awning.

The shop operates out of a corner of the leather atelier “tomalier.” Immediately to the left upon entering, you’ll find a display of Himeji leather goods, while to the right, there are four counter seats arranged so that customers face the owner, who is a certified tea master.

The owner is one of the few people in Hyogo Prefecture to hold a 6th-dan certification in tea appraisal (Chashi).

After working for seven years in tea wholesale at his family’s long-established tea shop in Himeji, he opened this compact tea stand with the hope of “sharing the charm of tea and its regions while building closer relationships with customers.”

In the back of the shop, you’ll find tea bags and loose-leaf tea—perfect for enjoying a single cup—as well as teapots crafted by artists the owner has come to admire. Feel free to drop by just to browse the merchandise.

・Choose your favorite cup from 14 varieties of tea

The shop offers 14 varieties of “green tea,” “oolong tea,” and “black tea” from different regions and varieties. Among them, the green tea selection alone features 10 different types.

Based on your preferences for “umami”“sweetness,” “astringency,” “bitterness,” and “aroma.” The owner will help you find your perfect cup by discussing your preferences.

Each tea has its own unique characteristics based on “origin,” “variety,” and “production method,” and the owner—who has personally visited tea-growing regions across the country—can share the rich stories behind them.

Once you’ve selected your tea leaves, a luxurious experience begins as the shop owner brews the tea right before your eyes.

Carefully assessing the “amount of tea leaves,” “amount of water,” “water temperature,” and “steeping time” for each specific variety, the shop owner meticulously prepares every single cup.

“As long as you keep these four points in mind, you can enjoy delicious tea at home too,” says the shop owner. It’s precisely because of this close rapport that you can learn the proper way to brew tea.

For each order, a generous amount of tea—enough for three infusions—is served in a teapot.

By first transferring the tea from the teapot to a large beaker, it is allowed to cool to the ideal temperature, creating a live experience where you can visually enjoy the tea’s color as it changes moment by moment from the moment it’s brewed.

It’s also available as iced tea, so feel free to order according to your preference.

Another delightful touch is that every tea comes with a seasonal sweet.

On the day of our visit, the lineup featured a summer theme, including a matcha lemon cake from the popular Himeji shop “Raison d’Être” and candied pistachios and cashews.

By deliberately incorporating Western-style sweets rather than traditional Japanese confections, the shop offers new ways to enjoy pairing tea with desserts.

・3 Recommended Varieties, Each with Its Own Distinct Character

『Kirishima Deep-Steamed Tea (3 infusions ＆ sweet included)』1,300 yen

For those who want to experience the unique “umami” of Japanese tea, try this deep-steamed sencha, carefully cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture—a tea-producing region in southern Japan.

It’s characterized by a distinctive aroma reminiscent of nori seaweed, something you’d never imagine from its vibrant green color. A rich, umami flavor reminiscent of dashi is followed by a subtle, refreshing fruitiness, leaving a surprisingly clean aftertaste. Be sure to try this unique cup of tea that will completely change your perception of green tea.

It’s served in a small sake cup so that the distance between your nose and the rim is closer, allowing you to experience the aroma more deeply. Furthermore, because the rim is small, the tea doesn’t spread as much in your mouth, making it less likely to taste bitter.

『Phoenix Dan Cong Mi Lan Xiang (3 infusions ＆ tea sweets included)』 2,000 yen

Grown on Phoenix Mountain in China, “Phoenix Dancong Mi Lan Xiang” is an oolong tea known for its fruity aroma and mellow flavor.

It releases a gorgeous aroma reminiscent of lychee and ripe fruit, and compared to Japanese oolong teas, its astringency and bitterness are more subdued, making it particularly popular among women. In the summer, ordering it iced lets you enjoy a refreshing, lychee-like aftertaste.

『Asamiya Black Tea (3 infusions ＆ tea sweets included)』1,200 yen

Have you heard of “Benifuki,” a tea variety developed specifically for black tea production in Japan? This shop uses tea leaves grown in Asamiya, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture—a historic tea-producing region.

The subtle citrus aroma, reminiscent of lemon, conjures images of tea fields enveloped in crisp, clear air.With its mild astringency and refreshing aftertaste, it pairs perfectly with sweet tea snacks.

・The matcha latte, available exclusively for takeout, is also popular.

『Iced Matcha Latte』800 yen *Takeout only

The shop offers a “Cold Matcha Latte” exclusively for takeout. This drink is made with a base of Uji tea leaves blended with carefully selected teas from renowned tea-producing regions such as Shiga, Mie, Nara, and Kagoshima.The matcha is roasted slightly darker so it holds its own against the milk, allowing you to fully enjoy its rich aroma and robust flavor.

Plus, you can choose whether to add syrup or not, making it perfect for those who want to savor the authentic taste of matcha as well as those who prefer a hint of sweetness. Since the tea varieties and origins may change depending on the season, be sure to enjoy the unique flavors of each season.

Other items on the takeout menu include “Iced Sencha” (600 yen) and “Iced Fenghuang Dancong Milanxiang” (800 yen).

・Tea Tasting Experiences and Monthly Events

With the hope of helping people enjoy tea in a more casual yet deeper way, the owner hosts a reservation-only “Tea Tasting Experience” on the first Saturday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

This experience is an adaptation of “Chakabuki”—a traditional tea-tasting game that has long been enjoyed as a form of entertainment—tailored for beginners. You’ll have fun learning about the charm of Japanese tea as you identify origins and varieties based on the tea’s color, aroma, and flavor. >> Click here to make a reservation

He also hosts monthly workshop events. Upcoming sessions include “A Tasting Comparison of Three Brewing Methods (Hot Water, Rapid Cooling, and Cold Brew)” and “A Tasting Comparison of Japanese Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Black Tea.” >> Book here

At “Shirasagi Sabou,” you can experience the profound charm of tea. Why not treat yourself to a luxurious moment—as if traveling through tea-producing regions both in Japan and abroad—while enjoying a carefully crafted cup of tea prepared by a tea master with all five senses?

■Information