Tea may have originated in China but there’s no doubt that the Japanese perfected the preparation and ritual of the world’s best cockle-warming cuppa.
Updated in November 2018
Today, there’s no shortage of pretty places to enjoy the pour-fect brew, be they trad chanoyu or sleek cha counter. Here are our favourites…
Happo-en
Book ahead to steep in this classic Meiji-era teahouse, sat in the midst of a picture-perfect Japanese garden complete with waterfall, koi pond and bonsai. There are two tasting experiences to choose from: taking the Tencha will get you a verdant matcha with confections, or learn traditional tea ceremony etiquette with an Otemae lesson. Post refresh, saunter around the immaculate grounds – they’re blossom-ravishing in spring, awash with azaleas in summer, aflame with red foliage in autumn and serenely snowy in winter.
1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. +81 3 3443 3105. happo-en.com
Kosoan
Shoes off as you enter this woody, tatami-lined nook sided by a quaint courtyard garden. Nab a spot by the windows and order the Matcha Shiratama Zenzai – hot green tea, sweet bean paste and mochi balls, served with a side of salted kelp to cleanse your palate, don’t cha know.
1-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku. +81 3 3718 4203. kosoan.co.jp
Yakumo Saryo
The contempo creation of leading Japanese designer Shinichiro Ogata, kaiseki resto Yakumo Saryo is an avant aesthete’s Edo dream with clean white walls, muted woods and vast plate glass overlooking lush manicured surrounds. Inside, the Sabo teahouse serves up blended brews in artisan-made ceramic cups, breakfast sets and seasonal sweets, which you can watch being made onsite.
3-4-7 Yakumo, Meguro-ku. +81 3 5731 1620. yakumosaryo.jp
Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience
A modern meditation taking the tea ceremony from stodgy to stylish. Steam through the front shop, stocked with glass jars of the finest leaves, to find a black wood bar where friendly master Shinya Sakurai will prepare a cup of roasted hojicha before your eyes, or a tasting flight complete with wagashi and a healthy side of veg. Tea-riffic!
5/F Spiral Bldg, 5-6-23 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku. +81 3 6451 1539. sakurai-tea.jp
This post originally appeared on PenCities Tokyo, May 9, 2016.
