Matcha and hojicha
in tokyo
After exploring the city and trying different places, we’ve put together a list of our favorite spots for matcha and hojicha in Tokyo, from traditional teahouses to modern cafés or dessert shops. While there are many more places we haven’t tried yet, we plan on updating this list on our next visit. For our favorite restaurants, check out our Tokyo food guide.
Matcha Stand Maruni Tsukiji: Located in the heart of the Tsukiji market, this our go-to spot for a delicious hojicha latte. While we found their single shot matcha latte a bit mild, the double shot offers a robust flavor that’s just right. You can also customize the sweetness levels to suit your taste, and they offer soy milk as a vegan alternative. Though there is no seating inside, we found it pleasant to enjoy our beverages just outside the store amidst the lively market atmosphere. They also sell pouches of matcha powder, hojicha powder and hojicha leaves, and have a limited selection of teaware. It’s our favorite place to stock up on high-quality hojicha powder.
Suzukien Asakusa: Established in 1853, Asakusa Suzukien partnered with Nanaya Aoyama in 2016 to offer matcha gelato with seven levels of intensity, including the intense “Matcha Gelato Premium No.7.” They also serve hojicha, genmaicha, adzuki bean, and black sesame flavors for their gelato. Beyond their gelato, Asakusa Suzukien also offers an array of matcha products, including matcha powder, matcha-infused chocolates, mochi, and other desserts. Despite often having long queues, the line moves quickly, and the wait is always worthwhile. Remember to bring enough yen, as this shop is cash-only.
Ippodo Marunouchi: With a history dating back to 1717 in Kyoto, Ippodo is a prestigious name in tea. Their Marunouchi location, near Tokyo Station, is the only Ippodo tearoom in Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy a selection of premium teas and teaware, or participate in workshops covering matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha. It’s our go-to spot for high-grade matcha, gyokuro, and hojicha leaves.
Hatoya Matcha Asakusa: This new branch opened in January 2023, following the success of their first Kyoto location earlier in 2019. It’s a vibrant takeaway spot, with some counter space for standing and eating. You can choose from three delicious lattes (matcha, hojicha, or black tea) and customize them with fun toppings like ice cream, shiratama dango, matcha syrup, whipped cream, matcha cookie and butter cookie. They offer oat milk as a vegan alternative. They also have desserts such as tea financiers and pudding. Located next to the Sumida River, it’s a perfect place to enjoy your treat with the view of the Tokyo Skytree.
Fukiagejeya Teahouse: Tucked away from the usual tourist paths, this charming teahouse is located within Rikugien Gardens (admission is separate), near the pond and close to Shirokamome Bridge. It’s an incredibly serene spot, surrounded by lush greenery and trees and far from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. Here, you can enjoy a delightful set of matcha and wagashi (Japanese dessert) for just 850 yen. Don’t forget to bring cash!
Gion Tsujiri Solomachi: Located on the 6th floor of Tokyo Skytree, this is Tsujiri’s first Tokyo branch. Founded in 1860 in Uji, Kyoto, Tsujiri is renowned for its rich tea heritage. The menu focuses on tea-flavored soft serve, with matcha, hojicha, and genmaicha options. The tricolor green tea soft cream waffle bowl, featuring all three flavors, is a must-try. It’s topped with sweet red bean paste and delicate shiratama dango (mochi balls), creating a heavenly treat.
Jugetsudo Tsukiji: Jugetsudo’s flagship store in Tsukiji is a stunning location designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Apart from a wide range of teas, including matcha, sencha, hojicha, and gyokuro, you’ll find tea-flavored baked goods like financiers, cake rolls, mizu yokan (chilled red bean jelly), chocolates, and langues de chat. These beautifully packaged items make excellent souvenirs. The store also features a cozy corner for enjoying teas and desserts such as cheesecake, mont blanc, and kakigori.
Warabimochi Motoko: This shop is a favorite of ours for warabimochi, a dessert that we believe deserves much more acclaim. Warabimochi is distinguished by its unique, jelly-like texture, which contrasts with the more familiar mochi. Their menu features matcha and hojicha lattes, each garnished with pieces of warabimochi. Additionally, they offer warabimochi on its own, available in flavors like yellow sugar, brown sugar, sweet potato, and matcha. While every item on their menu is a treat, our standout choice is the hojicha latte with warabimochi.
