Hidden in the heart of Kagurazaka lies a unique tea house crafted by a former pâtissier. Known for its intriguing pairings of tea and sweets, this spot offers an unforgettable experience with a fusion of unexpected elements.

The tea house, VERT, was established by the pâtissier, who spent many years perfecting the art of desserts, with the hope of “sharing the deliciousness of Japanese tea with more people.”

Their entirely reservation-based course begins with a carefully brewed tea and features six to seven pairings of desserts and teas, followed by a rice dish and tea, and concludes with matcha and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

The course, named “Chasoryūsui” (茶湊流水), is a playful twist on the Japanese idiom “kōunryūsui” (行雲流水), meaning “to go with the flow like drifting clouds or flowing water.” It conveys the concept of “enjoying tea freely, as one would in a harbor where people and cultures converge.”

The first pairing was a strawberry daifuku, but not your ordinary kind. It featured fermented strawberries, the gentle sweetness of rose and white bean paste, and the soft texture of mochi—a perfect harmony of flavors.

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Following the success of its sister shop I’m Donut – known for its wide selection of sweet and savoury doughnuts and legendary long queues – Fukuoka-born Amam Dacotan has finally opened up shop in Omotesando.

Have you ever tried Japanese bread? I’m a huge bread lover, to the point where my family finds it a bit ridiculous, but one bakery I’ve been eyeing for a while is Amam Dacotan. The original store is in Fukuoka and is a sister shop of the popular “I’m Donut,” which still has long lines to this day. Recently, they opened a location in Tokyo, so I had to check it out.

This bakery gained fame during the maritozzo boom in Japan, making beautiful renditions of the traditional Italian pastry filled with fresh cream and various toppings. The Omotesando store, which is so photogenic it hardly feels like a bakery, offers over 140 different freshly baked items every day. One of the most popular items is the “Dacotan Burger,” packed with plenty of purple cabbage and homemade sausage.

While many customers opt for takeout, there are about five tables outside where you can enjoy your treats on-site with a drink. However, I stood in line for about 30 minutes before the shop opened on a weekday, and online reviews mention wait times of up to one to two hours, so I recommend arriving early!

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Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form that flourished during the Edo period (17th–19th centuries). It consists mainly of woodblock prints and paintings depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and historical events. The name “ukiyo-e” (浮世絵) translates to “pictures of the floating world,” reflecting the vibrant urban culture of the time.

I recently visited this exhibition “Ukiyoe Immersive Art” with my family. Ukiyo-e, which I had perceived as small, flat artworks, was projected onto a massive screen, with the characters and landscapes moving alongside sounds. It felt as if we had stepped right into the world of the artwork. To my surprise, even the kids were drawn into the world of ukiyo-e. (My daughter was even dancing for some reason!)

There were also sections where visitors could experience games from that era, which seemed to be a lot of fun for kids living in modern times. It seems to have become one of the exhibitions they’d like to visit again.

This exhibition runs until March 31, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in ukiyo-e. Even if you’re not familiar with it, the unique and dynamic presentation style and its immersive world are sure to draw you in. I highly recommend checking it out during your stay in Japan!

For more about this exhibition, please check their information!
https://www.ukiyoeimmersiveart.com/tokyo/en

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Yamamotoyama (山本山) is a long-established Japanese company known primarily for its high-quality tea and nori (seaweed) products. Founded in 1690 (Genroku 3), it has a rich history and has been an integral part of Japanese food culture since the Edo period.

They have a shop in Nihonbashi area and I ordered their signature menu, “Nihonbashi”!

The long, slender bento box consists of three layers. At the very bottom is Koshihikari rice, a quintessential representation of Japanese white rice. On top of that is a half-sized sheet of roasted nori (seaweed). Another layer of white rice follows, topped with two distinct halves: one side features nori seasoned with dried baby sardines, olive oil, and salt; the other side showcases two types of nori—shredded nori drizzled with homemade soy sauce and crumbled seaweed in its pre-sheet form. With each bite, a variety of seaweed flavors unfolded in my mouth.

As a finishing touch, a single piece of mashed Nanko umeboshi (pickled plum) sat atop the dish, adding a nice accent and serving as a refreshing palate cleanser. If you want to fully enjoy the authentic taste of Japan’s unique seaweed, I highly recommend it!

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Matsubaya Saryo (松葉屋茶寮) is a Japanese café known as a “bonsai tea house,” located on Kottō-dōri in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. Here, visitors can enjoy high-quality tea and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the beauty of exquisite bonsai trees.

The interior of the café is filled with bonsai, antiques, and artworks, creating a serene atmosphere infused with Japanese culture. The attached *Hakobune GALLERY* hosts exhibitions and sales of antiques, contemporary art, ceramics, and unique furniture, and also operates an official e-commerce site.

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