[content_slider]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[/content_slider]
TOKYO | Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience is a contemporary tea house in Aoyama and manages to blend what’s best about the traditional Japanese tea experience with a decidedly modern Japanese aesthetic. Designers Shinichiro Ogata, who has conceptualised designs for brands like Aesop, Higashiya, and many other restaurants and shops, has created a space that combines dark timbers, copper and stone beautifully. Every detail, down to the clothes that the staff are wearing, has been thought out.
Sakurai specialises in tea sake and wagashi (Japanese sweets). Owner and brewmaster Shinya Sakurai spent 12 years training to become a tea master, and each cup of tea that he makes is made with care and precision. There are only a handful of seats here, all at the open bar so you can watch your brew being prepared. The tea is sourced from around Japan, and only the best quality leaves are used. All tea is actually roasted on site, in the tea house.
Whether its umami rich gyokuro or matcha, or a milder tea, you’ll find it here. The whole process of making the tea is peaceful and relaxing, and it’s fascinating to watch Shinya meticulously make each cup. The wagashi on offer – things like mochi, jellies, and seasonal creations, top things off perfectly. If you want something a bit different, with a bit of a boozy twist, Sakurai also sell house infused tea sake, rum, and vodka.
When you leave, take a look at some of the products at the front counter – some of the teas that are used in the tea house are also available to purchase and take home.
Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience
5F
5-6-23 Minamiaoyama
Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0062
Japan
Telephone: 03 6451 1539
E-mail: n/a
Website: Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:00am to 11:00pm