01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Stepping off Takadanobaba's bustling street into Tsutaya brings an immediate change of pace, surrounded by fragrant tea leaves and ceramic teaware. Tucked behind the retail displays, a tearoom space invites patrons to sit down for carefully brewed Japanese teas and classic sweets.
Drinks Featuring Ceremonial-Grade Matcha
The cafe menu highlights matcha sourced from renowned Uji producer Yamamasa Koyamaen. Options range from straight whisked matcha using grades like Senjin no Mukashi to chilled iced matcha whisked cold, as well as Uji matcha lattes ordered sweetened or unsweetened. The shop also crafts inventive blends that rely on quality ingredients, including a matcha banana shake made with ceremonial matcha, milk, banana, and vanilla syrup.
Traditional Confections with Azuki and Mochi
On the dessert side, the kitchen prepares zenzai and oshiruko using Hokkaido azuki beans and chewy shiratama made from domestic glutinous rice. Rich matcha oshiruko marries the vibrant green broth with red beans, while matcha affogato pours concentrated ceremonial tea over sweet vanilla ice cream. For something lighter, the premium kuzumochi features hon-kuzu starch dusted with wasanbon sugar and kinako, accompanied by a side serving of hojicha.
Exploring Regional Japanese Teas
The menu extends well beyond matcha. Offerings include charcoal-finished Shizuoka Hon-Yama sencha, smooth cold-brewed sencha with minimal bitterness, Sayama hojicha, and rich gyokuro. Front counters display kyusu teapots, bamboo whisks, and tea sweets, making it easy to browse between sips. Credit cards and electronic money are accepted, and drinks can also be ordered to take away.
