In the past, Takabatake was known as a place where the cultural elite, such as writers and artists, gathered in “salons”, as the writer Naoya Shiga received guests in his residence, calling it the“Takabatake Salon” (the home is open to the public). There was a tea ceremony room in the Seki family’s former residence, and its proprietor was known to entertain many guests in his home.
Paying homage to this cultural background, Suimontei decided to open its own salon as a base to pass on this legacy, while creating new culture to be passed on to the future. The space is meant for the guests to decide how they want to spend their time, together or on one’s own, be it by sipping tea or indulging in light snacks. It can also be used as a restaurant. Our chef will serve special menus from locally sourced produce as they are plentiful in Nara, focusing on what is freshly available and in season. We hope you will have the chance to savor the different flavors of each season, from what may only be available on that day, that moment. Although not regularly, we also host special dining gatherings and food events.