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Tokyo Guide : Ippodo Tea Salon
Ippodo Tea Co. is a well-known and long-established Japanese tea company, founded in 1717 in Kyoto. For over three centuries, they have been dedicated to producing high-quality tea, specializing in fine Japanese green teas like matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha. Ippodo is particularly celebrated for its meticulous tea selection and blending processes, ensuring that their teas maintain consistent taste and quality over time.
The company’s philosophy emphasizes the connection between tea and everyday life, promoting tea as a means of relaxation and mindfulness. Ippodo has a flagship store in Kyoto, along with tea shops in other major cities like Tokyo and New York. They also provide workshops and detailed guidance for brewing the perfect cup, helping tea lovers around the world appreciate the depth of Japanese tea culture.
In addition to their retail and online presence, Ippodo Tea Co. has gained international recognition for its traditional and authentic approach to tea, catering to both connoisseurs and beginners alike.
At the back of Ippodo’s Kyoto flagship store, there is a dine-in space where you can enjoy tea. Take your time to relax and savor the calm atmosphere of the main store, as well as the peaceful moments that flow there!
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Tokyo Guide : HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi
Unveil the Elegance of Japanese Confections: Experience the Art of Wagashi and Tea Pairing!
Overlooking the canopy of trees along Marunouchi Naka-dori, HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi provides a serene escape from the busy atmosphere of the city’s most picturesque business district. Here, you can find freshly steamed buns, a selection of exquisite confectioneries perfect for gifts, and a distinctive range of tableware.
The store features a dedicated tea counter with an extensive selection of teas, showcasing a diverse array of flavors and blends. Additionally, HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi includes a cozy sabo(茶房), a Japanese tea salon, where visitors can experience the art of tea appreciation and learn about the nuances of different tea varieties in an intimate setting.
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Tokyo Guide : Hatoya Asakusa
Hatoya is a Japanese tea stand where you can enjoy carefully selected Japanese teas, lattes, and sweets made from only the finest teas in Kyoto.
The owner, Nobuhiro Maruyama, originally came from the coffee industry and worked as a barista for 10 years. After encountering a cup of Gyokuro tea, he became fascinated by the world of Japanese tea. He then trained at a Japanese tea company before opening the first Hatoya location, Hatoya Ryouyousha, in Arashiyama, Kyoto, in 2019.
In addition to the Kyoto location, Hatoya has stores in Tokyo and Kamakura. My family and I recently visited Hatoya Asakusa, located behind Sumida Park in Tokyo.
The signature item, the Matcha Latte, is topped with homemade matcha ice cream made with an Italian gelato machine. The vibrant green color and the exquisite flavor of the high-quality matcha were truly captivating.
They also offer a variety of matcha-based baked goods and unique sweets like Half-Baked Matcha and Fresh Matcha Terrine. Whether you’re a matcha lover or looking for a unique souvenir, I highly recommend stopping by when you visit Asakusa!
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Tokyo Guide : Vegan Ramen Shop T’s Tantan
The world of ramen is becoming more diverse. While traditional ramen often uses a lot of animal-based ingredients, high-quality vegan and vegetarian ramen options are definitely on the rise.
Vegan ramen often relies on dashi made from kombu (kelp seaweed) and shiitake mushrooms, along with various vegetables to create a deep umami flavor. For example, a broth based on kombu and shiitake mushrooms offers a rich taste without using animal products. Plant-based seasonings and spices are also used to achieve a well-rounded flavor.
Moreover, there are creative uses of ingredients like soy milk or nuts to make creamy broths, and toppings like tempeh or tofu to provide protein. These innovations result in ramen that is visually appealing and flavorful, without losing to traditional options in taste.
The growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian ramen means that there are more diverse choices available, which is a wonderful development for ramen enthusiasts. In this article, I would like to introduce one of the popular vegan ramen shop in Tokyo.
T’s Tantan (T’s たんたん) is a popular vegan ramen restaurant originating from Japan, known for offering Japanese-style tantanmen(坦々麺) based on Sichuan cuisine’s dandan noodles, all made from plant-based ingredients.
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Tokyo Guide : HIYAKASHI IPPODO TEA
IPPODO TEA, a long-established Kyoto tea house, is hosting a limited-time café called “Hiyakashii IPPODO TEA” in Omotesando, running until September 30th.
At the entrance, there’s a noren (traditional Japanese curtain) with a green ghost-like character on it. Instead of being scary, it has a kind of amusing and intriguing vibe.
As you part the noren and step inside, you’re greeted by a space inspired by Kyoto’s bamboo paths. It feels like you might encounter a ghost!
The café also offers an English menu, so international visitors can enjoy it too.
We ordered the following:
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15 Places to go in Tokyo
YUCa’s Japanese Cooking has been selected as one of the 15 places to go in Tokyo in the Toei Transportation Guide issued by Toei Transportation!
Toei Transportation is managed by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Toei Transportation provides Toei Subway (4 lines) , Toei Bus (127 routes), Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), and Nippori-Toneri Liner services, which form an extensive network that ensures convenient mobility throughout Tokyo.
Below are the details of the 15 places to visit in Tokyo!
1. Wear a kimono @waraku_asakusa
2. Ninja experience @ninjatrickhouse
3. Enjoy Japanese tea @happoen
4. Make an Edo Kiriko glass @sokichi_asakusa
5. Make Japanese dishes @yucasjapanesecooking 🙇♀️
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Tokyo Guide : Azabu Juban
Azabu Juban (麻布十番) is a district of Minato (Minato-ward) in Tokyo. Nestled between Roppongi and Tokyo Tower, Azabu Juban is a surprisingly laid-back neighborhood considering its central location. The convenience of several supermarkets in a central location and the proximity of Hiroo and Roppongi make it one of the more trendy and sought after residential areas of Tokyo. With an old-school atmosphere that retains its Edo period roots, this upscale residential area boasts some of the highest rents in the city.
Azabu Juban is also home to several embassies, making it a popular place of residence for diplomats and globally-minded people. This synergy between traditional and metropolitan gives the neighborhood a truly one-of-a-kind feel.
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Tokyo Guide : Adachi Market (足立市場)
Speaking of markets in Tokyo, the Tsukiji and Tsukiji Outside Markets, which have been relocated to Toyosu, are famous for the fresh fish you can buy and the Shokudo (cafeterias) where you can enjoy a breakfast or lunch. On par with the Tsukiji Market is the lesser-known Adachi Market, the Tokyo Metropolitan Wholesale Market, located in Senjuhashido-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo. Supplying mainly fresh marine products, it is the kitchen of Tokyo.
Adachi Market is small for a central wholesale market, with approximately 42,000 m2 of land, which is the only market in Tokyo specializing in marine products, and offers a wide range of products such as fresh and delicious fish as well as vegetables and Japanese omelettes (Tamagoyaki). In addition, just like Tsukiji, several cafeterias offer delicious gourmet food for breakfast and lunch. It is not well known, so it is a good place to visit without worrying about crowds.
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Tokyo Guide : Arakawa Yuen (あらかわ遊園)
Arakawa Yuen (Arakawa Amusement Park) is an amusement park in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo.
Being an amusement park with a long history, it had been closed since December 2018, but reopened on April 21, 2022.
The park is located along the Toden Arakawa Line and was opened in 1922. It is an amusement park with a famous history in Japan.
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Tokyo Guide : Asakusa
Located in the East Tokyo area, Asakusa (浅草) is one of the most visited tourist spots in Tokyo.
Asakusa is famous as one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations, especially for Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, and Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). The area covers approximately the eastern half of Taito Ward, Tokyo, and is one of the areas that make up the downtown area of Tokyo.
Located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and has a history spanning 1,400 years. And the temple is famous for fulfilling various wishes.
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