Top 5: The Best Wagashi in Tokyo

Posted on 09/03/2021 Last updated on 10/05/2021

Have you ever wondered what art tastes like? It’s time to live that fantasy by trying wagashi – traditional Japanese confectionery sweets. These delightful treats are made from seasonal ingredients and serve as the perfect companion to a relaxing cup of tea.

But where can one find these delectable works of edible art in Tokyo? We got you! Here are our top five picks of amazing wagashi tea houses and cafes that are sure to provide you with the luxury experience of consuming fine art.

1) Funabashiya, Kameido

Located near Kameido Tenjin Shrine, a spot known for its seasonal flowers that bloom all year round, this tea house serves an array of wagashi dishes on its menu. But having a serene atmosphere near a beautiful shrine isn’t all they have to offer. The best thing about their menu is that they incorporate the seasonal flowers you see in the shrine into their sweets. They are especially known for their wisteria-infused wagashi dishes, so be sure to check them out from mid-April to mid-May – the peak of wisteria season in Japan.

2) Tsuruya Yoshinobu Tokyo Mise

Fascinated by the process of art more than the final product? Then this is the place for you! The Tokyo branch of this Kyoto-based tea house offers you the opportunity to witness beautiful delicate wagashi crafted right before your very eyes. Not to mention, Tsuruya Yoshinobu has been refining its craft for more than two hundred years. No wonder why they once served the Kyoto Imperial Palace and grand tea masters.

3) Aoya-No-Tonari

This cozy family-owned café also infuses traditional flavors from Kyoto into their wagashi. They are known for their simplistic approach to the craft that relies on texture, quality natural ingredients, and skill. They also serve healthy cookies that do not use preservatives, additives, or white sugar. A must-try if you’re in Tokyo!

4) Akasaka Aono

Still going strong for over a century, this famous shop is known for its bestselling Akasaka mochi, made with walnuts and brown sugar. Simple and flavorful, these traditional confectionery sweets are perfect as gifts, or for you to treat yourself to an experience like no other.

5) Ginza Fugetsudo

Sophisticated and elevated, this tea house prides itself with freshly made wagashi that embodies luxury. Every season offers a different experience to their guests, so be sure to pay them a visit all year round! They even serve homemade herbal tea for guests to elevate their wagashi experience. But be sure to make an order as this tea house only makes wagashi as per request. However, if you’re up for it, you can always just drop by for their seasonal kakigori – Japanese shaved ice dessert, that’s just as gorgeous as their wagashi.

There you have it! Five places to live your fantasy by tasting art and enjoying traditional Japanese culture. Let us know which of these tea houses or cafes gave you the best experience, and don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more insights on Japanese culture and cuisine!

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Top Photo: Vicky Ng on Unsplash