Ippodo
一保堂
Ippodo has been run by the Watanabe family since its establishment in 1717, when Watanabe Rihei opened his shop in Omiya in Teramachi Nijo in Kyoto to sell tea and ceramics. The shop quickly gained a reputation for providing high quality tea and patrons included members of the Imperial Court and household. In 1846 the shop was renamed by Prince Yamashina to Ippodo (lit. 'preserve one'), reflecting his wishes that the shop would forever preserve its dedication to producing only the highest quality of tea.
