Shin Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa runs perpendicular to Nakamise Shopping Street, and it’s there that the new Japanese tea café Yanagi Chaya will open on July 6, 2018.

Asakusa is one of Japan’s most famous tourist destinations and is packed with tourists from both inside and outside of Japan every single day. Yanagi Chaya will open nearby Sensoji Temple which is a significant sightseeing spot for tourists, hailing as the oldest temple in Tokyo. The café’s ideal location means that those strolling around Asakusa can pop in for drinks and desserts.

The shop is positioned so it takes in a lot of light, so it’s nice and bright. It’s also spacious, giving it a welcoming vibe. Its simple wooden décor lets one feel at one with the warmth of nature while also being surrounded by that Japanese omotenashi, or ‘hospitable’ atmosphere.

Uji Matcha Tiramisu – ¥600

Uji Matcha Rice Flour Dumplings – ¥790

The menu is packed full of matcha items. You could tuck into a boxed Uji matcha tiramisu which MACCHA HOUSE, another shop, is famous for and was even featured on news media. Or you could chew on some Uji matcha rice flour dumplings which are all individually handmade instore and made white syrup and a matcha paste created on site that mixes together strained bean paste and matcha. There’s plenty more on the menu too where that came from.

Both the tiramisu and dumplings are something you’ll want a photo of. There’s also an original takeout matcha drink you can sip on which is made from a matcha called Tomo no Mori by Mori no Han who’ve been around since 1836. It’s served in Yanagi Chaya’s own bottles so you can take it around Asakusa with you as you explore the sites.

Yanagi Chaya should be put on your list of places to visit in Asakusa. Enjoy yourself some delicious matcha sweets.