Written on: 1/26/2025
Name: Hatoya Asakusa
Ratings and Comments
Exterior: 3.5/5
It’s nothing extraordinary, but I love their Noren curtains. Simple, yet they complement the interior’s theme, which I’ll get into below.
Interior: 3.5/5
The interior has a rustic and traditional feel. It’s really small, so there’s not much to observe beyond the general vibe. What stands out, and what many people love, is that your tea is made right in front of you. You’ll often see people filming the process as the barista prepares each drink with care, following traditional procedures. It’s not like a full tea ceremony performed by a Geisha, but it’s still enjoyable to watch.
Menu/Price: 3/5
The good news is that there are many options, and you can customize your order in various ways. The downside is the pricing—it’s pretty expensive. The cheapest latte is 700 Yen (about $4.50), but that’s just the starting point. If you select a more expensive matcha type for your latte and maybe some ice cream, your bill could easily exceed $10. It’s not that it isn’t worth it; I think it is, but I’d treat it more as a special occasion rather than a regular stop.
Drinks: 5/5
Best matcha latte in Japan—I’ve tried many, and this one stands out. Nothing more to say!
Food: N/A
They have some cake and dessert options, but I haven’t tried any of them myself.
Staff: 5/5
I’ve visited twice, and each time, the staff has been kind, welcoming, and happy to engage in pleasant conversation when appropriate. On both occasions, the staff spoke English well, which isn’t a necessity for a great experience, but it certainly adds to it. They genuinely seem interested in chatting with you, which is something special in Japan.
Restroom: None, the space is too small to have one.
Conclusion: 5/5
Clearly, I’m a huge fan of their matcha latte, which is, hands down, the best I’ve had in Japan (and I’ve been to Uji!). But beyond the drink, what makes me love this place is that it’s one of the few spots in Japan where I can expect a little pleasant conversation with a local. You might think it’s “American” or old-school, but sometimes I just miss small talk! Not all the time, but that’s what makes Japan so perfect for me—people are respectful of silence, but they can also be warm when it’s the right moment.
