I want to know the best Japanese cafes in Tokyo!

 

From trendy cafes to interactive cafes!

Japanese cafes are popular for offering a taste of good old Japan. In Tokyo, there are many different types of Japanese cafes, from traditional Japanese houses that have been renovated, to cafes in commercial facilities where you can casually stop by while shopping, to hands-on cafes where you can experience Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and calligraphy. In this article, we will introduce eight of the best Japanese cafes in Tokyo.

 

Kagurazaka Saryo

 

Kagurazaka Saryo Honten is an old-fashioned café converted from an old apartment into a machiya-style house. There are several stores in commercial facilities in Tokyo, such as Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Shinjuku, but the main store is located in a back alley on Kagurazaka-dori, surrounded by a wooden deck, creating a calm atmosphere. On a sunny day, it would be nice to spend some time on the terrace facing the open air. In addition to the saryo parfait (from 1,540 yen including tax), which includes matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, and matcha pudding, and seasonal cakes made with matcha, azuki beans, and soy milk (from 1,265 yen including tax), you can also enjoy meals such as the seasonal obanzai set (3 pieces) (lunch only) (1,320 yen including tax). You can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

 

Address: 5-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Sobu Line Iidabashi Station West Exit, 4 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Kagurazaka Station Exit 1, 3 minutes walk from Toei Oedo Line Ushigome Kagurazaka Station Exit A3

Closed: Open irregularly

Open hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-23:00, Sat: 11:00-23:00, Sun & holidays: 11:00-22:00

Contact: 03-3266-0880

URL: https://saryo.jp

 

Matcha Cafe Chazen

Matcha Cafe Chazen is Asakusa's first hands-on Japanese cafe, which was opened by a tea ceremony instructor (professor of Urasenke) to promote the tea culture. The experience of making Japanese sweets (1,500 yen per person) can be done without a reservation, and even if you are new to the tea ceremony, the staff will teach you properly so that anyone can casually enjoy the world of tea. The tea ceremony room, which includes a tsukubai and a nijiriguchi to purify your hands, is very atmospheric and gives you an authentic feeling. You can make your own sweets, make your own matcha, and enjoy the tea and sweets with your own bowl and plate. The tea ceremony is a great way to relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying the hanging scrolls, the scent of incense, and seasonal flowers.

 

Address: Benkyodo Building 5F, 1-4-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Access: 3 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, 2 minutes walk from Kaminarimon

Hours of operation: Every Sunday only from 11:00 to 16:00

・Website: https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp

 

Teahouse Gallery Kosoan

 

A renovated mansion built at the end of the Taisho era (1912-1926), the teahouse "Kosoan" was built with a gallery. In contrast to the fashionable atmosphere of Jiyugaoka, the store has the appearance of a good old Japanese house. From the tatami room, you can enjoy a view of the beautiful garden. The menu offers a wide variety of Japanese sweets such as Matcha green tea with Japanese sweets (900 yen including tax), Matcha white bean jelly (1,000 yen including tax), and Anmitsu (900 yen including tax). Shaved ice (shiratama Ujikintoki) (900 yen including tax) is also available for summer only.

 

Address: 1-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Access: 5 minute walk from the front exit of Jiyuga Station on the Tokyu Toyoko and Oimachi lines.

Closed: Every Wednesday

Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:30

Contact: 03-3718-4203

・Website: http://kosoan.co.jp/index.html

 

kitchen confectionery

The wagashi café "Garashi Kurogi" originally operated on the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo. As of April 2021, it is closed due to the university's admission restrictions, but a new store has been opened in the Japanese house in Yushima where the first store was located. There are two types of dishes: the "Chef's Confectionary Set" (2,800 yen including tax) and the "Sweet Kappo Course" (4,200 yen including tax). The "Chef's Confectionary Set" includes a choice of two sweetmeats from five different types, such as "Warabi Mochi" and "Ozenzai", and comes with a cup of green tea or coffee after the meal. The sweet kappo course includes Japanese sweets and tea as a tsukidashi (appetizer), followed by authentic kappo cuisine such as grilled sesame tofu, sekihan rice, and beef shigure-ni. （The menu is subject to change depending on the season.)

 

Address: 3-35-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Yushima Station, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line; 4-minute walk from Exit A4 of Ueno Hirokoji Station, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line; 5-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, JR Yamanote Line

Closed: Wednesday

Business hours: 11:00 - 19:00

Contact: 03-5817-8121

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kuriya_kurogi

 

Tea Garden Zenka Shoin

 

Chaniwa Shouin is located on the 5th floor of Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs, a commercial complex in Shibuya. You can enjoy freshly brewed tea and sweets such as sponge cake and dorayaki baked in the store's workshop. There are standard sweets such as anmitsu and parfait, but we recommend the Japanese afternoon tea set "Karaku" (from 1,870 yen including tax), which includes a total of eight types of sweets. Some of the sweets are also available at the confectionary store located on the second basement floor of ShinQs. The interior recreates the atmosphere of the original Muromachi store in Kyoto. In the adjoining gallery, art works by artists selected by Shenkashoin are on display.

 

Address: Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs 5F, 2-21-1, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station on the JR Keio Inokashira Line via a passageway on the 2nd floor, directly connected to Shibuya Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line via a passageway on the 1st floor, directly connected to Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Denentoshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, and Fukutoshin Line via exit B5.

Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00

Contact: 03-6434-1517

Website: https://zen-kashoin.com

 

Komoraku

 

Located in a 90-year-old private house in the back streets of Mejiro, the café "Komoraku" is a Japanese style restaurant. In the Japanese-style room on the first floor, you can enjoy sweet and set menus at lunchtime, and a la carte and course meals using ingredients from all over Japan, as well as drinks at night. In the evening, you can enjoy a la carte and course meals using ingredients from all over Japan, as well as sake. The sweet treats include not only standard Japanese sweets such as "Anmitsu" (700 yen including tax), but also luxurious sweets with a mix of Japanese and Western flavors such as "Toasted Bread with Red Bean Paste Butter" (700 yen including tax) and "Rice Flour Pudding Crepe" (1,200 yen including tax). In the Japanese and Western-style rooms on the second floor, workshops and Japanese cultural lessons are held throughout the year, and you can experience tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Japanese dance with a reservation.

 

Address: 3-21-5 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Access: 6-7 minutes walk from Mejiro Station on JR Yamanote Line.

Closed: Monday and Tuesday

Business hours: Weekdays 11:30-20:00, holidays 11:30-20:00 (

Closed: Monday and Tuesday ・Open: 11:30-20:00 on weekdays, 11:30-20:00 on holidays (11:30-17:00 for lunch, 16:00-20:00 for dinner)

Contact: 03-6883-8623

Website: https://www.kokura-bluecampjapan.com

 

chano-ma Ikebukuro

 

The Japanese cafe "chano-ma Ikebukuro" is located on the 9th floor of Lumine Ikebukuro.  Rice and miso soup are available on request. The rice and miso soup are free to refill. There is also a full menu of sweet dishes. In addition to the table seating, there are also spacious sofa seats that look like beds, making it not only relaxing but also very photogenic.

 

Address: Lumine Ikebukuro 9F, 1-11-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Access: Direct connection from JR Ikebukuro Station

Access: Directly connected to JR Ikebukuro Station ・Closed: Same as Lumine Ikebukuro

Opening hours: Lunch 11:00-17:00, Dinner 17:00-22:30.

Contact: 03-5928-3327

Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/chanoma/ikebukuro#/

 

Enjoji Cafe

 

The "Ennai Cafe" is the result of the owner's desire for customers to enjoy a leisurely cup of tea on the veranda. Sitting on the veranda and watching the seasonal garden scenery spread out in front of you will give you a taste of the extraordinary even in the city. The menu includes hand-brewed "Edgeside Original Blend" (460 yen), "Hojicha Latte" (550 yen), "Matcha Latte" (560 yen), and authentic "Matcha" (650 yen with sweets). The seasonal fruit tart (590 yen) and cake of the day are also recommended to accompany your drink.

 

Address: 2-5-10 Nishi-Hokima, Adachi-ku, Tokyo

Access: 14 minutes walk from Tobu Skytree Line Takenotsuka Station

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays (other irregular holidays may occur)

Business hours: 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Contact number: 050-5589-7284

・Website: https://shouwanoie.jp/cafe/

 

We have introduced various types of Japanese cafes, from casual to authentic. If you are looking for a traditional Japanese house café, you can immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of your grandparents' house. In addition to savoring the atmosphere, it is also a good idea to experience Japanese culture through workshops. If you are tired of the daily life in the city, why not try a Japanese cafe to heal your soul?

 

Enjoying the Tea Life of Matcha and Its Expected Benefits for the Mind

Matcha green tea has been enjoyed by Japanese people since ancient times. Not only does it have a rich flavor, but it is also an effective drink for mental and physical health. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits of incorporating the habit of drinking matcha into your lifestyle.

Matcha, the whole healthy component of tea In recent years, Matcha has been attracting attention not only in Japan but also in the West. Many people may have heard that matcha is good for you.

To begin with, matcha refers to tea that is made by grinding the finest tea leaves into powder. Matcha is made from tea leaves that have been cultivated without exposing them to sunlight when they are freshly sprouted, and it is characterized by its high content of amino acids, which are umami ingredients.

Most teas are roasted, but matcha uses the ground leaves as they are, which is a big advantage because you can take in all the ingredients that are not dissolved in hot water. Matcha tea leaves contain a variety of ingredients and are recommended for people who want to take care of their health and beauty.

 

Healthy ingredients in Matcha

 

Matcha is full of ingredients that can improve your health. Here is an explanation of the characteristics of each ingredient.

 

Polyphenols / Catechins

 

Catechins are a type of polyphenol. Catechins are a type of polyphenol, also known as "tea catechins," and are responsible for the unique astringency of tea.

Catechins also have antioxidant properties and are expected to have a wide range of health benefits, including controlling cholesterol and body fat levels and preventing disease.

 When drinking tea leaves as sencha, it is not possible to extract all of the catechins. However, matcha, which is made by dissolving the tea leaves as they are, has the advantage of providing all the catechins contained in abundance.

 

Amino Acid / Theanine

 

Many people like the unique umami and sweetness of matcha. It is amino acids that create the umami taste of high quality matcha, and one of the most abundant ingredients is called theanine.

Theanine is effective in relaxing and promoting blood circulation, making it a reassuring ally for modern people who have trouble feeling calm and sleeping.

Like catechins, theanine has a high antioxidant effect and helps regulate metabolism, so it is expected to have a weight loss effect.

 

Vitamins

 

One of the characteristics of matcha is that it is rich in vitamins such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin C, and vitamin E. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are the most important vitamins in matcha.

Beta carotene and vitamin C are essential for women who want to have beautiful skin because they help maintain healthy skin and improve immunity.

In addition, the aforementioned beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as the antioxidant properties of vitamin E, are not to be overlooked by those who want to keep their internal environment youthful. Because of these rich health ingredients, matcha is also attracting attention as a beverage that supports cleanliness.

When it comes to vitamins, you may have a strong impression that you get them from vegetables. However, matcha contains many vitamins that are essential for your skin and physical condition. When you are too busy with work, housework, or childcare to pay attention to your diet, drinking matcha is one way to make up for the lack of vegetables.

 

Dietary fiber

 

Dietary fiber is known to be abundant in potatoes, burdock root, bananas, etc., but it is also abundant in tea, especially in matcha, which is made by drinking the whole tea leaves.

Dietary fiber promotes intestinal activity and is effective in relieving constipation and weight loss. In addition to its bowel-regulating effects, dietary fiber is also an essential component for maintaining good health, helping to prevent cancer, diabetes, and myocardial infarction. Many Japanese people are said to be deficient in dietary fiber, but if you make it a habit to drink matcha, you can more easily consume dietary fiber.

 

Caffeine

 

One of the characteristics of matcha is its high caffeine content. Caffeine is famous for its ability to make you feel sleepy, but it also plays a role in promoting metabolism. It supports fat burning, making it effective for weight loss.

If you want to take in caffeine but don't like coffee, why not try matcha?

 

Benefits of Matcha for the Body

 

Matcha contains a lot of ingredients, but what are the benefits of matcha? Let's take a look at some of the health and beauty benefits of matcha.

 

Antioxidants for beauty and anti-aging

 

Matcha is a treasure trove of antioxidants such as catechins, theanine, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These antioxidants help to reduce the amount of active substances in the body.

Antioxidants have the effect of removing active oxygen from the body. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidize cells in the body and accelerate the aging process, making them a major enemy of beauty. In order to slow down the pace of aging, we need to actively consume antioxidants.

Antioxidants are attracting attention as effective anti-aging ingredients because of their ability to slow down the signs of aging such as spots and wrinkles.

Matcha, which contains antioxidants such as catechins and vitamin E, is a great drink for skin care. Try it as a quick and easy way to start anti-aging.

 

Detoxifying power for weight loss

 

Matcha can also be used to lose weight. The catechins contained in matcha inhibit the absorption of sugar and fat. In addition, the caffeine in matcha promotes the burning of fat, making matcha essential for preventing the accumulation of fat in the body.

In addition, Matcha also has a beneficial effect on bowel movement due to its rich dietary fiber. These synergistic effects are thought to make dieting easier.

In addition, it has been reported to improve the intestinal environment by suppressing inflammation, but the detailed mechanism is still unknown.

Prevention of cancer and lifestyle-related diseases

Matcha's ingredients are also useful in the prevention of diseases such as cancer and lifestyle-related diseases. For example, it is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which are effective in preventing cancer. In addition, catechins, caffeine, and dietary fiber help control body weight, which is also effective in preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

Catechins are also effective in controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat, and are believed to reduce the risk of death from heart disease and stroke.

In addition, caffeine helps to maintain healthy blood vessels and stimulate basic metabolism, which may also contribute to disease prevention.

 

Protects the body from viruses

 

Catechins, which are abundant in matcha, have an antiviral effect and can be expected to prevent viral diseases such as colds. In addition, beta-carotene and vitamin C help improve the immune system, so in addition to preventing colds, drinking matcha may be a good idea as part of your daily health care routine.

Recently, the results of a study by Nara Prefectural University of Medicine that tea is effective in detoxifying the new coronavirus have attracted much attention.(See: https://www.naramed-u.ac.jp/university/kenkyu-sangakukan/oshirase/r2nendo/documents/ochahp.pdf)

 

Benefits of Matcha for the Mind

 

Matcha has a positive effect not only on the body but also on the mind. Let's take a look at some of the benefits.

 

Relaxing effects of the ingredients

 

Theanine, a type of amino acid found in Matcha, activates the parasympathetic nervous system. There is an experimental result that brain waves called alpha waves increase after consuming theanine, and alpha waves are brain waves that are produced when you are relaxed. This experiment confirms that matcha has the ability to relieve tension and excitement.

The fresh aroma of matcha also has a calming effect on the mind. However, the fragrant components of tea are difficult to extract, so there are no essential oils available. The quickest way to enjoy the aroma is to brew and drink tea.

 

The Mindfulness of Tea Time

 

Have you ever heard of the term "mindfulness"? Mindfulness refers to the process of focusing on the present moment and clearing your mind. Relaxing with a cup of matcha tea can help to eliminate anxiety caused by overthinking, and can also be expected to have mindfulness effects such as an increase in happiness and motivation.

While meditation is the most commonly known practice, enjoying matcha is also very effective for mindfulness. In addition to drinking matcha, the process of making matcha is also a form of mindfulness. The tea ceremony, where each step is carefully done and the taste of the tea is savored, is packed with the elements of mindfulness.

In addition to having time to drink matcha or make tea as a daily habit, it is also recommended to empty your mind in the extraordinary space of a tearoom once in a while.

 

Points to keep in mind when enjoying Matcha

 

Matcha brings many benefits to both the body and the mind, but there are a few things to keep in mind when incorporating it into your life. Keep these in mind and enjoy a fulfilling tea life.

 

Too much of this powerful tea can have disadvantages.

 

Even though it is good for your health, it is dangerous to consume too much matcha. When taken in excess, ingredients such as caffeine and catechins can have a negative impact on your health.

Caffeine is a stimulant, so drinking too much of it can reduce the quality of your sleep. Theanine, which has a relaxing effect, can reduce the negative effects to some extent, but it should be limited to about 4-5 cups of light tea with 60ml of hot water per day.

Matcha is highly effective in improving the intestinal environment if taken in proper amounts. However, too much of the catechins, which have the effect of constricting the intestines, and the dietary fiber, which regulates bowel movements, can cause constipation.

 

Enjoy Matcha in moderation and have a rich tea life!

 

Matcha, when consumed in moderation, has a positive effect on the body and mind. In the first place, it should not be gulped down like water, and should be savored slowly.

If you are actively drinking Matcha, it is recommended to reduce the amount of other caffeine such as coffee and tea. Avoid drinking it before bedtime, and use it to refresh yourself in the morning, between tasks, or after meals. With the benefits and precautions of Matcha, you can enjoy a fulfilling tea life.

Matcha is a drink that can be expected to have a variety of positive health and beauty effects if taken in proper amounts. In addition, taking time out of your busy life to savor matcha can help you feel more mentally stable. Even if you have never had the habit of drinking matcha before, I encourage you to give it a try. You will be drawn in by its profound appeal. If enjoying matcha at home is not enough for you, I recommend that you try the tea ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🍵🌸Where you can try making Japanese sweets and Matcha in Asakusa 🌸🍵

 

The first experience-based cafe in Asakusa! Making Japanese sweets and Matcha at "Matcha Cafe: Chazen".

Our company provides the tea ceremony

 experience for about 30,000 guests from 30 countries a year. Now we have opened an experience-based Japanese cafe in Asakusa that anyone can easily make Japanese sweets and Matcha.

You can enjoy making seasonal Japanese sweets devised by former Japanese sweets chef. After making the sweets, you can make your own Matcha.

Our staff teaches you how to make Japanese sweets and matcha. You can choose your favorite sweets, tea bowl and plate.

 

After making sweets and matcha, you can take a photo in front of the tea room with the seasonal decorations.

Please enjoy the taste of Japanese sweets and Matcha. Beginners and kids are welcome!

 

◎How to enjoy “Matcha Cafe: Chazen”.
1.Choose and make Japanese Sweets
2.Choose your favorite bowl and plate
3.Make matcha
4.Take a photo in front of the tea room
5.Enjoy Japanese sweets and matcha

Please feel free to come by yourself.
2,000 yen per person (tax included)
Cafe business hours: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11: 00-16: 00 (Final session 15:00)

 

Reservation only.
Please make a reservation.

 

Reservation

 

 

 

 

 

Considering the health and safety of our customers and staff, our facility will be implementing the following measures in response.

 

・Disinfectants are regularly used during cleaning, especially in locations frequented by large numbers of people. (Elevator buttons, doorknobs, toilets, etc. )
・We ventilate and clean the room with alcohol disinfectant after every tea ceremony.
・ Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance.
・The staff sanitizes their hands with alcohol disinfectant and wears mask as precautionary measure.
・Thorough health management of staff
We reserve the right to ask wearing masks or refuse access to the building based on your health condition, regardless of any reservations.
We will do our best to maintain the environment where customers feel comfortable. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

※Please note that health-related measures may change depends on the situation and policies of the government.

 

“Bring a smile with a bowl of tea”
株式会社　茶禅
Rie Takeda