Located right next to Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Ueno Marui department store houses a number of enticing restaurants.
One of them, “yusoshi chano-ma Ueno,” offers a delightful selection of sweets made with distinctly Japanese ingredients such as matcha and kinako (roasted soybean flour). These visually appealing desserts are so beautiful, you’ll find it hard to stop taking photos!
Two types of parfaits with a very Japanese feel
Of the many sweets offered at yusoshi chano-ma Ueno, two that comes highly recommended are the “Brown Sugar and Soybean Flour Parfait” and the “Matcha and Coconuts Parfait.”
(front) Matcha and Coconuts Parfait, (Back) Brown Sugar and Soybean Flour Parfait
The Brown Sugar and Soybean Flour Parfait is a delicious dessert with a light sweetness.
It features a base of jelly made with fragrant kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) topped with vanilla ice cream, then garnished with kinako-coated warabi mochi (bracken starch dumplings), red bean paste, and more kuromitsu for a perfect finish.
“黒蜜ときなこのパフェ,” Brown Sugar and Soybean Flour Parfait 1,100 JPY (tax included)
The kuromitsu jelly has a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smooth vanilla ice cream without being overpowering.
The chewy texture of the warabi mochi adds an enjoyable contrast, making it even more delectable when combined with the silky vanilla ice cream.
The Matcha and Coconuts Parfait is topped with other uniquely Japanese sweets aside from its namesake matcha.
These include yomogi (Japanese mugwort) flavored dango (rice dumplings). Yomogi is a type of herb that has long been popular in Japan, often mixed into dango and mochi, or eaten as tempura.
“抹茶とココナッツのパフェ,” Matcha and Coconuts Parfait 1,110 JPY (tax included)
The yomogi dumplings have a refreshing aroma and a pleasantly chewy texture. Their mild sweetness complements the red bean paste topping, achieving a perfect flavor balance.
The coconut ice cream is drizzled with a slightly bitter matcha sauce, allowing the rich matcha flavor to shine through without excessive sweetness.
Seasonal dishes sure to be a hit on social media
Seasonal-limited menu items are also featured at yusoshi chano-ma Ueno, changing approximately every two months.
At the time of our visit in June 2024, the seasonal special was themed after ajisai (hydrangeas): the “ajisai float.”
“紫陽花フロート,” ajisai float 990 JPY (tax included)
Inside the soda with floating vanilla ice cream are colorful jellies and chewy nata de coco.
The purple and blue jellies represent hydrangea petals, while the green nata de coco represents the leaves of the flower.
When viewed through the clear glass, the ingredients appear as hydrangea soaked in the rain. Posting a photo of the ajisai float on social media is sure to attract a lot attention!
An interior designed to resemble a traditional Japanese chano-ma
The charms of yusoshi chano-ma Ueno lie not only in its menu, but its interior design as well.
There’s a space in the restaurant where you can take off your shoes, stretch out your legs, and relax comfortably.
The interior of yusoshi chano-ma Ueno
The word chano-ma in the name refers to a room for enjoying meals and family gatherings, or a tea room. Many of these are Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats.
Instead of tatami mats, the seating area is covered with cushions, offering a modern arrangement.
It’s perfect for solo visitors as well as large groups.
Ueno is a vibrant area with many tourist attractions including museums, art galleries, and a zoo.
Conveniently located just a short walk from Ueno Station, yusoshi chano-ma Ueno is the perfect place to relax during your sightseeing adventures.
When you visit, don’t forget to order sweets that truly give you a taste of Japan.
Their refreshing menu is sure to rejuvenate you!
Information
| Store | 和カフェ yusoshi chano-ma 上野 yusoshi chanoma ueno |
|---|---|
| Address | Ueno Marui 9F, 6-15-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Ueno Station（UEN） 2-minute walk from Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit
Keisei Ueno Station 3-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station Main Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-5817-7870 |
| Reservations | Accepted reservations for visits can be made through the official website only for 11:00 or 11:30 slots; for reservations after 16:00, please call to make a booking |
| Payment |
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| Hours | 11:00-22:00（last order 21:00） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Ueno Marui holidays |
| Seating | 42 seats 12 counter seats, 16 table seats, 14 tatami room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/chanoma/ueno#/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of June 2024.
