Perfect for taking a break from shopping, here we introduce Tokyo cafés and teahouses that also feature a beautiful Japanese garden that changes its expression with the seasons. These teahouses will help you escape the busy city, at least for an hour or two.
1. Muan Tea House, Happo-en (Shirokanedai)
Happo-en, with its well-kept collection of bonsai trees more than 500 years old and historical buildings and relics, is well worth a visit. The venue also has a tea ceremony room where visitors can enjoy powdered green tea. Enjoy it with a stroll through the gardens for an idyllic day out.
1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
2. Kantoku-tei, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Iidabashi)
You can enjoy the perfect sight of beautiful gardens from Kantoku-tei, a historical building in Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. They also offer matcha sets, perfect for taking a break, and Japanese set menus. To find it amongst the tranquillity of the garden, it is convenient to enter from the West Gate.
1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
3. Nakajima-no-Ochaya, Hamarikyu Gardens (Shiodome)
Originally the garden of the Tokugawa shoguns, Hamarikyu Gardens is located in Chuo Ward. As you walk through the garden, the buildings of Tokyo dominate the skyline, and the contrast should also leave a lasting impression. Nakajima-no-Ochaya serves tea and traditional sweets, but is temporarily closed as of May 2024.
1-1 Hamarikyu Gardens, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
4. NEZUCAFÉ (Omotesando)
This café is available only for visitors to the Nezu Museum, but it’s well worth the entrance fee. In addition to coffee, cakes and other sweets, they also serve beef stew and Kobe beef meat pies, so if you have a chance to visit the Nezu Museum, enjoy lunch and café time together after you’ve explored the galleries of Japanese and East Asian art.
6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
5. Kosoan (Jiyugaoka)
A popular old private house café that opened in the spring of 1999. Matcha green tea is served with different Japanese sweets depending on the season, and shaved ice is a highly recommended if you visit in summer. Also of note are the dolls and antiques displayed in the tea house.
1-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo