How to Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Tokyo

5 SourcesUpdated November 30, 2025

TL;DR

While a traditional tea ceremony is a classic experience, Tokyo's modern culinary scene offers another way to enjoy tea culture. This guide explores the city's best matcha desserts, from the world's most intense ice cream in Asakusa to elegant shaved ice creations in Ginza.

A Modern Twist: Discovering Tokyo's Matcha Dessert Scene

While the quiet grace of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a profound cultural experience, Tokyo's dynamic culinary landscape offers a more modern, yet equally delightful, way to appreciate the nation's most famous tea: matcha. Instead of a formal ceremony, visitors can embark on a flavorful journey through the city's best matcha-based desserts, discovering how this ancient ingredient has been creatively reimagined.

Asakusa's Green Tea Treasures

The historic district of Asakusa, home to the famous Sensoji Temple, is also a hotspot for contemporary matcha treats. Here, you'll find a variety of shops dedicated to green tea perfection.

Suzukien (寿寿喜園): Known for offering what some call the world's most intense matcha ice cream, Suzukien provides a unique tasting experience. Alongside other famous shops like Nanaya in Aoyama, it features matcha gelato with seven different levels of intensity, allowing you to choose your preferred richness and bitterness.
Asakusa Chaya (浅草茶屋): This spot is a must-visit for its signature matcha crepes. Imagine rich matcha ice cream wrapped in a warm, soft crepe—a perfect handheld treat while exploring the area.
Asakusachayatabanenoshi (浅草茶屋たばねのし): For a truly unique creation, this shop offers a dessert with a matcha bread exterior, a crunchy caramelized sugar top, and a delightful filling of ice cream and strawberry crisps. It's a masterful blend of textures and tastes.

Ginza's Elegant Matcha Indulgence

In the upscale district of Ginza, amidst luxury boutiques, lies a hidden gem for tea lovers. HIIRAGI Ginza is an intimate dessert shop, with only six seats, offering a personalized experience. Here, you can watch as artisans handcraft your matcha shaved ice. The process is a performance in itself, from preparing the fresh matcha syrup and condensed milk sauce to adding red bean paste and a final drizzle of matcha latte. It's an elegant and delicious respite from the bustling city.

This modern exploration of matcha provides a delicious alternative for those looking to connect with Japanese tea culture. While it may not be a traditional tea ceremony, indulging in these expertly crafted desserts offers a vibrant and accessible taste of how tradition continues to inspire contemporary culinary arts in Tokyo.