15 Best Places to Buy Tea in Tokyo

by Tabitha Wilders | TRAVEL

Are you a tea enthusiast eagerly exploring Tokyo's vibrant tea scene or a newcomer looking to embrace Japan's renowned matcha culture? From centuries-old tea houses to modern boutiques, tea lovers can indulge in a diverse selection of both traditional and innovative premium blends.

So, whether you're already a tea fanatic or just beginning your tea journey, with our curated list of the top 15 tea spots in Tokyo, coupled with a few delightful tastings, get ready to embark on a journey to become a true connoisseur of Japanese tea.

1. Ippodo

Founded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo offers a wide range of high-quality Japanese teas, including matcha, sencha, and gyokuro. Their Tokyo branch, situated in Marunouchi, provides an immersive tea experience and excels in offering exceptional service, whether you're savoring a freshly brewed bowl on-site or purchasing a tin of matcha to enjoy in the comfort of your home. Moreover, their English-translated menus enhance accessibility for international visitors. With an online store featuring a diverse array of teas and accessories, catering to various preferences and budgets, Ippodo facilitates convenient tea shopping. Additionally, international shipping options enable tea enthusiasts worldwide to indulge in Ippodo's exquisite offerings.

Address: 1F Kokusai Bldg, 3-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo (see map)

Website: ippodo-tea.co.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 6 Minute walk from Hibiya Station

2. Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Known for its historic tea heritage, Nakamura Tokichi Honten, often referred to simply as Tokichi is a renowned tea shop, showcasing a diverse range of premium Japanese green tea, particularly matcha (powdered green tea) and sencha (steeped green tea). The shop sources its tea leaves from local tea farms in Uji, ensuring the freshest and most authentic flavors. It is famous for its traditional Japanese sweets, which pair perfectly with their tea offerings. The cafe experience at Nakamura Tokichi Honten allows visitors to indulge in the art of Japanese tea culture while exploring the tea gallery and enjoying freshly brewed teas at the on-site café.

Address: GINZA SIX 4F 10-1, Ginza 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: global.tokichi.jp

Hours: 10:30am to 8:30pm, daily (Last order, 7:45pm)

Transport: 2 Minute walk from Ginza Station

3. Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience

Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience offers a captivating journey into the world of Japanese tea, immersing visitors in centuries-old traditions and exquisite flavors. This tea house provides a serene setting where guests can partake in authentic tea ceremonies led by experienced tea masters. From the delicate sweetness of matcha to the refreshing aroma of sencha, Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience offers a curated selection of premium teas. Visitors can participate in tea tastings, workshops, and ceremonies while browsing through their diverse collection of artisanal teas and tea utensils.

Address: 5-6-23 SPIRAL 5F, Minami-aoyama Minato-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: sakurai-tea.jp

Hours: 11am to 2pm, daily (Experience is open until 11pm on weekdays.)

Transport: 1 Minute walk from Omote-Sando Station

4. The Matcha Tokyo

The Matcha Tokyo is a popular matcha-focused cafe and shop that prides itself in only serving and using 100% organic matcha. Visitors can enjoy a variety of matcha drinks, including traditional matcha tea, matcha lattes, matcha-infused smoothies, and matcha-flavored desserts such as matcha ice cream, matcha parfaits, and matcha cakes. The cafe's interior typically features contemporary Japanese design elements, creating a relaxing environment for guests to savor their matcha treats. Whether it be a cup as part of your morning routine, or a quick pick-me-up at work, The Matcha Tokyo is a must-visit destination for matcha enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste and aroma of quality matcha.

Address: 5-11-13 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo (see map)

Website: the-matcha.tokyo

Hours: 11am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 5 Minute walk from Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station

5. Uogashi Meicha

With the memorable tagline, 'Delicious tea is golden yellow - that is the key,' Uogashi Meicha, a tea shop located near Ginza station in Tokyo, offers both tasting and purchasing opportunities for tourists and locals alike. From matcha powder to whole-leaf ryokucha, there's a wide array of options to suit every palate. Navigating the world of tea can be daunting, but fret not, as English-speaking staff are readily available to assist you. They also have a souvenir section with ceramics and other Japanese tea-related goods. For those unable to visit the physical store, Uogashi Meicha has an online shop with a similar selection of teas and accessories available for purchase.

Address: 5-5-6 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo (see map)

Website: uogashi-meicha.co.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 2 Minute walk from Ginza Station

6. Fujie Sayo

Since 1690, Kahei Yamamoto I's belief in sharing truly great tea remains alive at Fujie Sabo. This tea house and restaurant, known for its serene ambiance, offers the opportunity to sample various teas alongside their refreshing specialty nori noodles. With English menus for both tea and food, navigating the offerings is effortless. The café boasts modern décor, featuring sleek wooden furniture and minimalist ceramics, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the art of tea appreciation

Address: 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo (see map)

Website: fujie.yamamotoyama.co.jp

Hours: 10am to 8pm, daily

Transport: 2 Minute walk from Nihombashi Station

7. Chachanoma

Ready to cha-cha into Chachanoma? If matcha is your passion, this is your haven. The matcha set, a crowd favorite, offers a delightful pairing of hot whisked matcha and a matcha-themed sweet. English translations are available on the menu, and the majority of the staff are proficient in English. While the presentation of food and tea remains traditional, their composition reflects modern experimentation. After indulging in the tea of the day and savoring the cozy atmosphere, take home a bag of their signature house tea.

If you want to know more about Matcha, read these 10 Facts About Matcha You Didn’t Know!

Address: 5-13-14 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (see map)

Website: chachanoma.com

Hours: 11am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 9 Minute walk from Harajuku Station

8. Senchado Tokyo

Senchado Tokyo, founded in 2017 in Ginza, strives to create a world-class Japanese tea brand that reconsiders Japanese tea and updates it to modern values. In order to make good tea, Senchado Tokyo properly evaluates good tea, explores its roots, and connects with consumers. Here, you can find yourself enjoying a cup of sencha, gyokuro, matcha, oolong, and even flavored tea. In addition, you’ll also find that they offer caffeine-free teas. If you’re after a place where you can appreciate truly good tea, have a cup at Senchado Tokyo.

Address: 5-10-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo (see map)

Website: shop.senchado.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 2 Minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station

9. Nakamura Tea Life Store

This spot is perfect for Japanese tea newcomers seeking guidance. Every tea available for tasting ensures satisfaction with your choice. The Nakamura family, tea farmers with 100 years of experience, source all their organic products from Shizuoka Prefecture. Despite its cozy size, the shop offers popular selections ranging from premium matcha to delicate sencha and aromatic hojicha. English-speaking staff are on hand to assist. In addition to their wide range of teas, Nakamura Tea Life Store also features a variety of tea accessories, including teapots, cups, and utensils, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in Japanese tea culture

Address: 4-20-4 Kuramae, Taito, Tokyo (see map)

Website: tea-nakamura.com

Hours: 12pm to 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday

Transport: 4 Minute walk from Kuramae Station

10. Ocharaka

Ochakara is a charming destination for tea enthusiasts, offering a delightful selection of Japanese teas and tea-related products. This cozy shop invites visitors to explore the rich flavors and aromas of premium teas, such as roasted green tea complemented with pumpkin, sweet potato, and chocolate, or Japanese black tea with notes of caramel and spice. Additionally, the shop features a variety of teaware, allowing customers to enhance their tea experience at home. With knowledgeable staff and a warm ambiance, Ochakara provides a welcoming environment for tea lovers to indulge in Japanese tea culture.

Address: 2-2-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: ocharaka.co.jp

Hours: 10 am to 9 pm, daily

Transport: 3 Minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station

11. Tokyo Saryo

Tokyo Saryo, the 'World's first hand-drip green tea shop,' has taken the western hand-drip coffee brewing method and applied it to their tea serving process. Much like a cup of specialty coffee, here, you can enjoy a unique fusion of green tea. This modern tea house provides a minimally designed dining area (composed of only a bar and a few stools) where you can appreciate your cup of delicate tea in a relaxing, serene ambiance. Furthermore, Tokyo Saryo also offers some delicious and freshly sourced ochazuke, worth trying, but it is highly recommended to make a reservation first. An absolute must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts in Tokyo.

Address: 1-34-15 Kamiuma, Setagaya, Tokyo (see map)

Website: tokyosaryo.jp

Hours: 11am to 8pm, daily

Transport: 7 Minute walk from Sangen-jaya Station

12. Shizu-Kokoro

One bowl of tea connects people, nature, and culture, creating a peaceful mind. This is the philosophy behind Shizu-Kokoro, a traditional Japanese tea house. Renowned for its commitment to authenticity and quality, Shizu-Kokoro offers a serene retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the art of Japanese tea culture. Additionally, you'll be able to take regular chado (tea ceremony) lessons in English and master the procedure of matcha tea making. With its warm hospitality and dedication to preserving Japanese tea traditions, Shizu-Kokoro offers a meditative time and a memorable tea experience for enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Address: 1-9-8 Nishi Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo (see map)

Website: shizukokoro.com

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday

Transport: 10 Minute walk from Asakusa Station

13. Maruyamanori

Jugetsudo's tea boasts exceptional quality owing to the region's ideal harvesting conditions. The main store in Tsukiji, inspired by the traditional Japanese open-air bamboo umbrella, embodies the spirit of cha-zen. Pristine green teas grace the shelves of this bamboo-adorned space. Visitors can explore a curated selection of sencha, genmaicha, and seasonal blends, alongside a range of tea-related accessories. Staff members are knowledgeable about green tea and can provide assistance in English. Their website features an English page detailing the origin, taste, and preparation methods of each tea style. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Jugetsudo's offerings if you're in the Tsukiji area and craving a caffeine boost.

Address: 4-7-5 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: maruyamanori.com

Hours: 6:30am to 3pm, daily

Transport: 4 Minute walk from Tsukiji Station

14. Dobashien

Established in 1892, Dobashien began its tea sales business in Akasawa and has a long history of producing and selling high-quality Japanese tea, particularly Uji tea, which is renowned for its rich flavor and aroma. This well-known traditional tea shop offers various types of tea, including green tea, roasted tea, and powdered green tea. Dobashien's tea has garnered a reputation for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profile, attracting tea lovers from around the world who seek an authentic Japanese tea experience. Visitors to the shop can experience a taste of Japanese tea culture and learn about the art of tea preparation from knowledgeable staff members.

Address: 3-17-8 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo (see map)

Website: dobashi-en.co.jp

Hours: 10am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday. 11:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday. Closed Sunday

Transport: 3 Minute walk from Akasaka Station

15. Lupicia

From black and oolong teas to herbal and flavored blends, tea aficionados can discover unique flavors and exquisite aromas at Lupicia's inviting stores. Founded in 1994 in Japan, Lupicia has expanded its presence both domestically and internationally. While Lupicia originated in Japan, it has since opened stores in various countries, including the United States, Australia, and Taiwan. Make sure to head to the Jiyugaoka main store that has been redesigned with a natural look based on the theme of coexistence with nature. In addition to tea, don’t forget to check out the sweets exclusive to their main store, specially selected tea utensils, and ice cream and frozen foods shipped directly from Hokkaido and Niseko.

Address: 1F Tanaka Building, 1-26-7 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (see map)

Website: lupicia.com

Hours: 10am to 7pm, daily

Transport: 3 Minute walk from Jiyugaoka Station