If you want to experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo then visit these authentic tea rooms in Tokyo. We curated a list of the best teahouse in Tokyo. Check it out!
The Tokyo I knew - neon nights and bustling crowds - vanishes as I kneel through a low doorway.
Inside, a hushed universe: tatami whispers of age, sunbeams paint paper screens, and the kettle's song promises serenity. I've stumbled into a tea room, a temple of tradition amidst the city's roar.
With each matcha sip, the city's clamor melts away. Bittersweet whispers of centuries-old journeys bloom on my tongue. This isn't just tea, it's a taste of eternity, a haven of peace carved into the urban heart.
So, dear traveler, seek these hidden sanctuaries. Let Tokyo's tea rooms be your escape, your sip into the soul of Japan.
Which is the most authentic tearoom in Tokyo?
Nakamura-no-ochaya is the most authentic tearoom in Tokyo. Nestled within Hamarikyu Gardens, this 400-year-old gem embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic – simple elegance embracing imperfection. Imagine stepping into a time capsule, where the creak of floorboards whispers of tea masters past and the rustling bamboo garden serenades your every sip.
Every detail, from the rustic tea utensils to the precise movements of the kimono-clad host, is a testament to the enduring spirit of chanoyu.
Authentic Teahouse In Tokyo
Nakajima-no-ochaya
Nakajima-no-ochaya is an oasis of tranquility nestled within Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens. Perched on a small island reached by wooden bridges, it offers a breathtaking view of the pond and gardens.
Enjoy freshly whisked matcha and delicate wagashi sweets while seated on traditional tatami mats or outdoor benches.
Embrace the tranquility of this centuries-old setting, savoring the flavors and beauty of Japanese tea culture without a formal ceremony.
- Address: Nakajima-no-ochaya, Hamarikyu Gardens, 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-3541-0885 (Hamarikyu Gardens General Information)
- Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/facilities028.html (Japanese only)
- Cost: Approximately ¥850 for a set of matcha and wagashi
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Reservations: Not required, but arriving early is recommended during peak seasons
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation from Hamamatsucho Station (JR lines, Yurikamome, Tokyo Monorail) or Shiodome Station (Oedo Line, Yurikamome)
Muan (Tea house)
Muan teahouse whispers tradition within Tokyo's vibrant Minato district. This hidden gem, nestled inside Happo-en's serene gardens, invites you to step back in time.
Breathe in the scent of pine and koi pond ripples as you enter the six-tatami haven.
Here, a kimono-clad tea master guides you through the graceful ritual of matcha tea, transforming every sip into a cultural awakening.
Savor exquisite seasonal sweets, lose yourself in the rhythmic whisk, and let Muan's timeless charm enchant you.
- Address: 1-chōme-1-76 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-3473-2121 (Happo-en)
- Website: https://www.happo-en.com/banquet/plan/detail.php?p=438: https://www.happo-en.com/banquet/plan/detail.php?p=438 (Japanese only)
- Cost: ¥2,160 per person for tea experience with sweets (reservations required)
- Opening Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday, Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Reservations: Essential, can be made online or by phone through Happo-en
- Accessibility: Shirokanedai Station (Mita Line) and Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line) are nearby, with a short walk required
Bonus: Enjoy strolling through Happo-en's stunning Japanese gardens before or after your tea ceremony.
Teahouse Chainkan
Teahouse Chainkan invites you on a sensory journey in Tokyo's heart. Sunlight dances through shoji screens, bathing the tatami-mat room in warmth.
Inhale the earthy aroma of freshly brewed sencha as a kimono-clad tea master performs with practiced poise. Each sip unfolds a symphony of subtle flavors, complemented by delicate wagashi sweets.
Escape the city's clamor and immerse yourself in the ancient art of Japanese tea, where time bends to tradition and every cup reflects a cultural masterpiece.
- Address: 1-chōme−10−６ Nihonbashiningyōchō, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan (Nihonbashi S.D. Building 1F)
- Contact: +81 3-3525-1494
- Website: https://chainkan.com/: https://chainkan.com/ (Japanese only)
- Cost: ¥1,000 - ¥2,000 per person for tea experiences (varying sets)
- Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday Closed
- Reservations: Recommended, can be made online or by phone
- Accessibility: Tokyo Metro Nihonbashi Station (Ginza Line) or Mitsukoshimae Station (Ginza, Hanzomon Lines) are nearby
Bonus: Explore the charming shops and historical architecture of Nihonbashi before or after your tea experience.
Juri’s Tea Room
JURI'S TEA ROOM beckons with scones bathed in sunlight, warm clotted cream, and steaming English teas. Nestled in Azabujuban's chic backstreets, this charming haven transports you to the Cotswolds.
Sink into plush armchairs, surrounded by vintage china and floral patterns. Savor traditional afternoon teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and buttery pastries, all crafted with British passion.
Unwind with a perfectly brewed cuppa, and let JURI'S TEA ROOM whisk you away to a world of cozy comfort and quintessential English charm.
- Address: 2-chōme-14-4 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045, Japan (Eternity Building 2F)
- Contact: +81 3-6381-7685
- Website: Facebook Page: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/juristearooms.nihonbashimitsukoshi/ (Japanese)
- Cost: ¥3,542 for Afternoon Tea Set (reservations required)
- Opening Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday-Tuesday, Sunday Closed
- Reservations: Highly recommended, can be made by phone or through their Facebook page
- Accessibility: Azabujuban Station (Oedo Line) is the closest station, about a 5-minute walk away
Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Tokyo
Immerse yourself in the heart of Japanese tradition at KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA TOKYO.
Don a beautifully draped kimono, feeling its silken whisper as you step into a tatami-mat haven.
Here, amidst serene gardens, a tea master guides you through the graceful ritual of matcha, each whisk echoing centuries of cultural legacy. Savor the earthy aroma and vibrant green hue of the tea, complemented by delicate wagashi sweets.
This enchanting experience blends authentic tea ceremony with kimono splendor, offering a window into Japan's soul that lingers long after the last sip.
- Address: 1-12-2 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-5830-3933
- Website: https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/tokyo.html: https://mai-ko.com/culture/tea-ceremony/tokyo.html (English available)
- Cost: ¥4,800 per person for the Kimono Tea Ceremony experience (includes kimono rental)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (reservations required)
- Reservations: Essential, can be made online or by phone
- Accessibility: A 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Tsukuba Express)
Rakuu-tei Tea House
Escape the Tokyo bustle and find serenity at Rakuu-tei. Nestled within Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this traditional tea house whispers tranquility.
Sunlight filters through paper screens, illuminating tatami mats where you can relax and sip on freshly brewed matcha tea. Savour the vibrant green hue and earthy aroma, each sip a gateway to nature's serenity.
No formal ceremony, just the simple pleasure of tea and time, enveloped by the garden's calming whispers. Rakuu-tei, a haven for weary souls seeking quietude and a taste of Japan's timeless tea tradition.
- Address: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-3351-1451 (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden General Information)
- Website: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/place/rest/rakuutei/: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/place/rest/rakuutei/ (Japanese only)
- Cost: ¥700 for a set of matcha tea and Japanese sweet
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last order at 4:00 PM)
- Reservations: Not required, but waiting times may occur during peak seasons
- Accessibility: Shinjuku Gyoen Station (Marunouchi Line) is the closest station, about a 5-minute walk away
Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience
In Tokyo's bustling heart, a haven of refined tea awaits. Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience invites you to journey through the world of green. Bathed in the glow of warm lamps, wooden counters invite exploration.
Expertly roasted gyokuro, a jewel-toned emerald, unveils its subtle depths with each masterful brew.
Sip, savor, learn. Sake-infused cocktails tempt with unexpected twists, while playful ice creams infused with tea's essence offer lighthearted delights.
From evening sips to rooftop cocktails, Sakurai transcends a mere teahouse, becoming a vibrant canvas for Tokyo's tea renaissance.
- Address: 6-8-12 Minato, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan (Mita Building 1F & Rooftop)
- Contact: +81 3-5791-3350
- Website: http://www.sakurai-tea.jp/: http://www.sakurai-tea.jp/ (English available)
- Cost: Varies depending on experience chosen. Sample prices:
- ¥4,800 Gyokuro Tasting Flight & Sweets
- ¥6,000 Gyokuro Matcha & Cocktail Pairing
- ¥1,500 Tea Ice Cream
- Opening Hours:
- Daytime (Mita Building 1F): Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Evening (Rooftop): Monday-Thursday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday Closed
- Reservations: Recommended for daytime tastings and rooftop seating, especially during peak hours. Can be made online or by phone.
- Accessibility: Mita Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Akasaka Station (Ginza, Hibiya Lines) are nearby, with a short walk required.
Chazen Tokyo
In Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya, Chazen Tokyo invites you to step through time. Sunlight warms a traditional tatami-mat room, fragrant with the earthy aroma of freshly ground matcha.
An experienced tea master guides you through the serene ritual, each whisk whispering centuries of tradition.
Savor the vibrant green elixir, complemented by delicate wagashi sweets. Beyond the ceremony, workshops unveil brewing secrets, while seasonal experiences paint the tea journey with new colors.
Chazen Tokyo isn't just a teahouse; it's a living tapestry where tradition embraces the present, inviting you to savor the timeless artistry of Japanese tea.
- Address: 1-22-15 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan (Shinjuku Expressway Building 5F)
- Contact: +81 3-5791-3933
- Website: https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp/: https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp/: https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp/: https://teaceremony-tokyo.jp/ (English available)
- Cost: Varies depending on experience chosen. Sample prices:
- ¥3,850 Traditional Matcha Ceremony & Sweets
- ¥5,500 Matcha Brewing Workshop & Matcha Tasting
- ¥9,350 Seasonal Matcha Experience (changes depending on season)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last ceremony starts at 4:00 PM)
- Reservations: Highly recommended, can be made online or by phone
- Accessibility: Omotesando Station (Ginza Line, Chiyoda Line) or Meiji-jingumae Station (JR Yamanote Line) are nearby, with a short walk required
Yamamoto-tei (山本亭)
Time slows at Yamamoto-tei, a hidden jewel nestled in Tokyo's eastern reaches. Sunlight dances on a pond, reflecting in the wooden facade of a historic mansion.
Step inside, and the fragrance of tatami mingles with whispers of history.
Explore spacious rooms painted with the elegance of sukiya architecture, each window framing captivating garden views. Here, you can relax with fragrant matcha and delicate wagashi sweets, savoring the tranquility of a bygone era.
Yamamoto-tei offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese life, where serenity blossoms like the koi gliding through the pond, inviting you to breathe deep and embrace the quiet beauty of time-honored tea culture.
- Address: 3-21-15 Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 124-0005, Japan
- Contact: +81 3-5658-4125 (Katsushika Ward Cultural Exchange and Public Relations Section)
- Website: Unfortunately, Yamamoto-tei doesn't have a dedicated website, but there's information available on other websites:
- Cost:
- Entrance fee: ¥100 (adults), ¥50 (children)
- Tea and sweets set: ¥500 (optional)
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on Mondays and certain holidays)
- Reservations: Not required
- Accessibility: Shibamata Station (JR Joban Line) is the closest station, about a 10-minute walk away.
Top Tokyo Tearooms: FAQs
What is in a Japanese tea room?
The traditional tea room is designed to promote purity and simplicity. The floor is covered with tatami (straw mats) and the roof has a small hole in it to let out smoke from the incense and from freshly-brewed tea. The room is designed in such a way that it allows the guests to view the tea ceremony from any angle. The guests are seated around the small, square brazier called 'kotaibei.'
What are tea houses called in Japan?
In Japan, "tea houses" have two distinct meanings:
- Chashitsu: These are sacred spaces designed for the traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu). Imagine quiet, minimalist wooden rooms fostering meditative tea preparation.
- Chaya: These are casual teahouses for socializing and enjoying tea, similar to Western cafes. Picture cozy, rustic shops or more vibrant, bustling establishments.
What do you wear to a Japanese tea house?
If it's a traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu), respectful attire is key. For men, a suit and tie or even a kimono (with hakama) is appropriate. Women often wear elegant kimonos or subdued, knee-length dresses. Comfort is important too, as you'll be sitting on tatami mats for a while. But if it's a casual teahouse (chaya), Western-style clothing like jeans and a blouse are fine. Just avoid anything too revealing or flashy.
How do you physically enter a Japanese tea house?
Traditional tea houses in Japan have nijiri-guchi which is a crawling-in entrance. To enter, bow slightly and kneel on one knee. Then, keeping your back straight and head lowered, slide into the teahouse on your knees.
Once inside, stand up carefully and turn around to face the doorway. You'll be greeted by the host, ready to begin the tea ceremony.
The space for entrance is like a crawling space to remind us of our humility by bowing down and entering.
It’s tea o’clock!
Now that you know all about some of the top tea rooms of Tokyo, are you ready to indulge in an afternoon that is specially dedicated to tea? Try out these top tea rooms today and enjoy the ultimate experience.
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