Tea has been deeply rooted in Japanese society since the Nara period. While sencha is the most consumed, matcha tea is used during the tea ceremony. Known as chanoyu, this ceremonial practice is far more than a simple moment of sharing, but an ancestral custom that should not be missed during a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun! Eager to taste a Hojicha and traditional pastry wagashi? Here are the 7 best tea salons in Tokyo!

1 – Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience: THE place to enjoy experimental tea

Located on the 5th floor of the famous Spiral Tower, Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience is an unconventional salon. Dressed in white coats, staff members craft subtle tea blends with the precision of master chemists. The salon describes itself as "a laboratory"! More than just a concept, this experimentation space offers flavors from different regions, as well as roasted teas and alcoholic beverages, such as the Gyokuro martini. A chic and singular address.

Practical Information

• Address: Minamiaoyama, 5 Chome−6−23

• District (Metro Station): Aoyama (Omotesando)

• Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 10pm

• Price (Average per Person): €15

2 – Gen Gen An: the tea salon with unconventional décor

Tucked away at the end of a narrow alley, Gen Gen An is a popular tea salon renowned as the coolest in Tokyo. Arranged to facilitate conversation, there are no seats available. A chance to listen to music played on an old boombox and admire the collection of cassette tapes lining the main wall! You'll enjoy teas from Kyūshū's (Japan's 3rd largest island) production regions and creative blends. Events related to tea and music are organized each week.

Practical Information

• Address: 4-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya 150-0042

• District (Metro Station): Udagawachō (Shibuya)

• Opening Hours: Open 11am to 7pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday / 11am to 11pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Mondays.

• Price (Average per Person): €4

3 – Satén Japanese Tea: one of the best tea salons in Tokyo

A cosy little tea salon located in the Nishi-Ogikubo district, Satén Japanese Tea is run by passionate owners and highly appreciated for its calm atmosphere and pastries. The most sought-after? Delicious matcha pudding and savory Sakura an cream toast (a sweet red bean paste). Thanks to its architecture adorned with windows, you can observe Tokyo life while savoring a Matcha latte (a milk-based drink made with green tea powder) or a Hōjicha (a roasted Japanese green tea).

Practical Information

• Address: 3-25-9 Shoan, Suginami-ku

• District (Metro Station): Suginami (Nishi-Ogikubo)

• Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 9pm (until 11pm on Friday). Closed Mondays.

4 – Tokyo Saryo: a place to taste authentic wagashi

Located in the Sangenjaya district, Tokyo Saryo is a chic and (very) minimalist salon. After being seated at the single wooden table in the place, your tea will be served with a wagashi (a traditional pastry emblematic of the tea ceremony). The teas, sourced from small Japanese farms, are renowned for their unique flavors.

Practical Information

• Address: 1-34-15 Kamiuma, Setagaya 154-0011

• District: Sangenjaya

• Opening Hours: Open 1pm to 8pm Tuesday to Friday and 11am to 8pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays. Due to the limited space, reservations on their website are required.

• Price (Average per Person): €10 (for tasting 2 teas + pastry).

5 – Fukiage Chaya: a tea salon far from urban frenzy

Located in a residential area of Bunkyo is the Rikugien Garden, a paradise dotted with maples, zelkovas, and countless plant species. During spring, you can admire the magnificent cherry blossoms adorning the paths! How? By enjoying a cup of tea at the Rikugien Fukiage Chaya, nestled in the heart of the park! A magical and soothing place.

Practical Information

• Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo

• District (Metro Station): Bunkyo (Komagome)

• Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 4:30pm

• Price (Average per Person): €6 (approximately €4 for tea + €2 for garden entry)

6 – Koso-an: a traditional tea house in the Jiyugaoka district

Koso-an is a traditional tea salon with a little-known address. Located outside central Tokyo, in the Jiyugaoka district, it is primarily frequented by connoisseurs! Nestled within a traditional wooden house, Koso-an will introduce you to the tea ceremony. After removing your shoes and settling on the tatami, you can enjoy green tea accompanied by a pastry or an mitsu (a fruit salad topped with sweet bean paste). Its special touch? The magnificent garden adjacent to the salon.

Practical Information

• Address: 1 Chome-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro

• District: Jiyugaoka

• Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 6:30pm. Closed Wednesdays.

• Price (Average per Person): €7

7 – Aoyama Flower Market: a greenhouse in the heart of Tokyo

At first glance, Aoyama Flower Market looks like a charming flower shop. In reality, it is a tea salon located inside a greenhouse! An ideal stopover between busy shopping, this salon with its garden-like atmosphere is not only a tea house but a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. Its transparent tables allow you to admire the flower plantations just below your feet! On the menu? French toast is particularly loved by regulars.

Practical Information

• Address: Minamiaoyama, 5 Chome−4−41 (Main Store)

• District (Metro Station): Minato

• Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 8pm. Closing at 7pm on Fridays.

• Note: There are 3 tea houses. The other two are located in the Minato-ku and Musashino-shi districts. 

Attend a tea ceremony in Japan

The tea ceremony is a highly protocol-driven custom where each guest plays a role. Tourist or local: whoever attends this ceremonial must follow the code of conduct to the letter! Don't know how to sit on tatami or how to hold your chawan (traditional tea bowl)? Head to the Land of the Rising Sun and initiate yourself to this thousand-year-old art by exploring the best tea salons in Tokyo.