Matcha

Asakusa, Tokyo, is a charming district known for its traditional atmosphere and bustling downtown streets. At its heart stands “Funawa Honten” (hereafter referred to as “Funawa”), a beloved Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1902. Famous for its signature imoyōkan (a traditional jellied dessert made from sweet potatoes), Funawa offers a delightful variety of simple yet flavorful wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)…

Situated just a short walk from Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, “ATELIER MATCHA” is a unique destination that offers a completely new kind of matcha experience built around the concept of the “Third Wave of Matcha.” If the First Wave of matcha refers to the formal enjoyment of matcha while seated in a traditional tea room, and the Second Wave to…

Since its founding in 1854 as a tea wholesaler in Uji, Kyoto—Japan’s famed tea-producing region—”Nakamura Tokichi Honten” has steadfastly nurtured the nation’s tea culture for over a century. Today, you can experience the spirit and flavor of this long-established tea house in Ginza, Tokyo, at the “Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store” (hereafter referred to as “Nakamura Tokichi Ginza”). The ingredients used…

Just a short walk from the bustle of Omotesando in Tokyo lies Urasando Garden, a quiet little complex housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home. Tucked away in one corner is “Riz Labo Kitchen Urasando Garden” (hereafter referred to as “Riz Labo Kitchen”), a cafe specializing in gluten-free sweets. The stars of the menu are pancakes and crepes made…

Nestled in a lively corner of Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist districts, is “Kaminari Issa Asakusa Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Kaminari Issa”), a haven that captivates matcha lovers. This is a matcha sweets specialty shop. From eat-in menu items that can be slowly savored in the store to take-out menu items perfect for eating while walking around,…

Walking through the lively streets of Asakusa, your eyes are drawn to an array of matcha sweets that make you want to stop in your tracks. From cakes to crepes, puddings to parfaits, the variety is so abundant it’s overwhelming to choose. However, if you want to savor matcha made with carefully selected ingredients, you should definitely visit “Kaminari Issa…

Matcha has long been rooted in Japanese culture, from tea ceremonies to wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). But this time-honored flavor has evolved in surprisingly creative ways with the times. In recent years, a wave of specialty matcha dessert shops has ushered in a new era of matcha sweets that blend Japanese tradition with Western innovation. Why not step into this…

Tokyo’s Ginza district is lined with globally famous brand stores and offers a refined dining and luxury shopping experience. It’s a place where world trends and Japan’s refined culture intersect, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The sweets shop “HIIRAGI GINZA” opened in Ginza in October 2024 and quickly became a hot topic as a rising star in the area. Located in…

Just a ten-minute walk from the heart of Ginza, where landmarks like GINZA SIX and Matsuya Ginza stand, you’ll find a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle—home to a wildly popular shop with a line that never seems to end. The shop is called “Age.3 GINZA,” a specialty store serving deep-fried sandwiches made with fried slices of bread…

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, buzzes with festival-like energy every day. From visiting Sensō-ji Temple to touring the town on a rickshaw and indulging in delicious local food, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip to Asakusa. Among the area’s culinary highlights is “Suzukien Asakusa Honten,” (hereafter referred to as “Suzukien”) a popular shop where lines…

Japanese parfaits are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Whether you’re a fruit lover, matcha enthusiast, or someone seeking unique Japanese sweets, these hand-picked spots will take your dessert experience to the next level. Here’s your ultimate guide to Tokyo’s top parfait destinations! Authentic matcha delights: Kyo Hayashiya Takashimaya Times Square “Kyo Hayashiya,”…

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most historic districts, is not just famous for its temples and traditional streets but also for its incredible food scene. From hearty hamburger steaks and fluffy omurice to indulgent matcha sweets, this guide will introduce you to some of the best restaurants in Asakusa, blending modern flavors with timeless charm. Asakusa’s giant fluffy curry omurice: Cafe…

Kakigōri, or shaved ice, is the quintessential Japanese summer dessert, but specialty shops offering it year-round are not uncommon. Some shops offer simple shaved ice with just syrup, while others go all out with toppings, creating elaborate, cake-like creations. The variations are endless depending on the shop. If you’re looking for rich, full-bodied shaved ice with a focus on syrup,…

Matcha, the finely powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, has become a popular ingredient in sweets across Japan. In Tokyo, you can find a variety of matcha-infused treats, from creamy desserts to delicate pastries, that highlight the rich, slightly bitter flavor of this iconic tea. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or trying it for the first time,…

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…