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…

Lumine EST Shinjuku, a shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, houses numerous dining establishments. Among them, “Ochobohan” is one that stands out with its abundant selection of sweets with a focus on matcha! Signature dishes at Ochobohan are all about matcha Matcha used at Ochobohan is sourced from “Fujii Chaen,” a tea plantation in the renowned matcha-producing region of…

In Japan, Kyoto is often strongly considered to be the home of matcha. However, if you’re thinking “you can’t get your hands on authentic matcha unless you visit Kyoto,” you would be quite mistaken! “Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē” (hereafter referred to as “Hayashiyashinbe”), is a place in Tokyo where you can savor genuine matcha. Drink in authentic matcha at Hayashiyashinbe The perception…

With a history spanning over 270 years, tea specialty shop “Kyo Hayashiya” infuses the essence of a new era into its sweets while preserving the long tradition of tea. A Kyo Hayashiya Shinjuku branch exclusive! The “Matcha Parfait” At Kyo Hayashiya, you can indulge in their authentic “Matcha Parfait” made with matcha from Uji, the renowned tea-growing region in Kyoto….

A beloved Japanese sweet, ohagi is made with sticky mochi rice coated with sweet bean paste or kinako (roasted soybean flour). Although it’s a traditional dessert, it has been experiencing somewhat of a renaissance since around 2020. It is gaining popularity, especially among those who love sweets, and specialty stores have been popping up all over Japan. Located in Roppongi…

SUZU CAFE-Roppongi- is a popular cafe renowned for its rich matcha pudding. The cafe’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to unwind in the bustling Roppongi area of Tokyo. “濃い抹茶プリン,” Green tea pudding 750 JPY (tax included) Matcha pudding with boast-worthy richness, a social media sensation! Their “Green tea pudding” is crafted using ample matcha from Uji, the famous…

Asakusa is a hugely popular area in Tokyo bustling with many tourists. Located just a short distance from the area’s landmark Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) is “Yanagi Chaya Asakusa Shin Nakamise-dōri” (hereinafter referred to as “Yanagi Chaya Asakusa”), a shop that is highly recommended for tourists exploring the area. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of sweets and drinks made…

Originally cherished as a beverage, matcha has now found its way into various dishes beyond just drinks. At “Yanagi Chaya ecute Ueno,” located in Ueno, Tokyo, you can experience that matcha evolution by enjoying it in the form of sweets such as tiramisu and soft-serve ice cream. Melty and creamy “Uji Matcha Tiramisu” served in a traditional wooden Japanese sake…

“KYOTO SARYO SUISEN” is a highly popular destination in Japan for lovers of all things matcha. As of October 2023, they have seven locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures, offering a range of matcha-infused sweets that are beloved by many. Additionally, each branch offers exclusive menu items, and the location on the first floor of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building…

Matcha, a finely ground green tea, is more than just a drink in Japan—it’s a storied aspect of the country’s rich culture. Its velvety, complex flavor has won over enthusiasts around the globe. If you’re in Tokyo and craving an authentic matcha experience, look no further than “KYOTO SARYO SUISEN Shibuya PARCO” (hereunder referred to as “KYOTO SARYO SUISEN”). Situated…

Located in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, a region famed for its tea cultivation, Maru Shichi Seicha Co., Ltd. (hereunder abbreviated as “Maru Shichi Seicha”), is a purveyor of fine teas across Japan. Since its humble beginnings in 1907, Maru Shichi Seicha has transcended the traditional role of a tea cultivator. The company cherishes every aspect of tea’s journey, from…