Do you know about hojicha?

PIXTA

Hojicha is a type of Japanese green tea. The tea leaves are roasted, giving the tea the unique aroma that it's known for. However, this also results in the tea being a bit bitter and astringent. If you hold the tea in your mouth, you'll taste a totally different type of rich aroma that is incredibly delicious. This has made the it very popular in Japan, and lately, people are not only drinking it but incorporating it in various dishes so that they can enjoy it in more ways.

If you only know of matcha and are wondering about hojicha and if it tastes good, these recommendations below will be sure to make you give it a try. Like matcha, you'll find that hojicha is not only for drinking, but can be found in sweets and even in some unique dishes that will surprise you! Become a hojicha gourmet with this guide!

Hojicha Sweets that You'll Want to Share!

1. Saryo Tsujiri Daimaru Tokyo (Tokyo)

Opened in 1978, Saryo Tsujiri is a well-established name with a long history. The main store may be in Kyoto but you can also enjoy the tastes of Kyoto at its branch in Tokyo. The shop is located on the 10th floor of Daimaru Tokyo, so you can look at the beautiful view of Ginza as you savor your sweets.

About Saryo Tsujiri Daimaru Tokyo 

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (last orders at 7:30 PM), Thursdays & Fridays 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last orders at 8:30 PM)

Closed: Open daily unless otherwise specified

Access: Short walk from Yaesu North Exit, Tokyo Station (accessible via various JR lines and subway lines)

Address: Daimaru Tokyo 10F, 1-9-1 Marunoichi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

HP: www.giontsujiri.co.jp/saryo/ (Japanese only)

2. Hojicha No Mise Morinoen Kanmidokoro (Ningyocho) *CLOSED

Morinoen is known for being a hojicha specialist. Their Hojicha Anmitsu (agar jelly) is a combination of red bean paste and hojicha that's irresistible. The delicious agar will slide down your throat right to the last bite. When you dine at this dessert shop, you'll also be served high-quality hojicha, so that's another reason to come!

If the main store gets too crowded, just head down to the branch store that's located within 50m of the main store.

3. Kyohayashiya Takashimaya Times Square (Shibuya)

Kyohayashiya has a very long history that goes all the way back to 1753! It's the shop that invented the Matcha Parfait. With its long history, the sweets that it serves are top-notch. There are tea sets as well, so you can immerse yourself in the word of tea when you're here! You can also get items to go so you can enjoy these treats while sightseeing!

About Kyohayashiya Takashimaya Times Square

Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (last orders at 10:00 PM)

Closed: Closed when Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square department store main building is closed

Access: 1 minutes walk from the New South Ticket Gate / Miraina Tower Ticket Gate, Shinjuku Station (accessible via various JR lines,  private rail lines and subway lines)

Address: Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Main Building 12F, 5-24-2, Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google map) 

HP: www.kyo-hayashiya.com (Japanese only)

4. Nana's Green Tea Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi (Oshiage) *CLOSED

When summer comes around, the Hojicha Latte is a bestseller. Nana's Green Tea also has many other items besides hojicha items on its menu. It's a chain store as well, so you'll be able to find it at many other locations too. Check out the branch nearest to you!

5. Ryogokubashi Sabo (Ryogoku) *CLOSED

At Ryogokubashi Sabo, you'll be able to sample the tastes from the Edo era! It's located within the Edo Noren that's popular with foreign visitors. A top pick is the Gyokuro Hojicha Cream Anmitsu (gyokuro is a type of green tea). The Gyokuro Hojicha takes time and labor to create but it results in a tea that's simply extraordinary. Drizzle the Kuromitsu syrup from the top and you'll find that the combination of the sweet syrup, chewy shirotama and the slightly tart mandarin orange is as perfect as it gets. 

6. Japanese Ice Ouca (Ebisu)

[About Japanese Ice Ouca]

Opening hours: During spring and summer (March - October) 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM (last orders at 11:00 PM) / during autumn and winter (November - February) 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM (last orders at 10:45 PM)

Closed: At the times not listed above

Access: 2 minutes walk from Ebisu Station on JR Yamanote Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line 

Address: Tsuchida Building 1F, 1-6-6 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google map）

HP: www.ice-ouca.com (Japanese only)

7. Zakbaran (Asakusa) *CLOSED

This is actually a cafe and bar located inside a hotel in Asakusa. Opened in April 2017, the hotel focuses on gathering travelers from all over the world and combining that with the knowledge of the locals to create a community. The cafe/bar is open to the public. Here, you can try a rare item, the Hojicha Pudding. There's a layer of creme brulee on top and its bitterness brings out the flavor of the hojicha perfectly. Slices of banana are placed at the top of the pudding; a combination that draws attention for sure. Do try this dessert if you visit.

The interiors of the cafe and bar is also very trendy; a perfect fit for the hotel concept. It's a great place to strike a conversation and make new friends!

About Zakbaran

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM / Sundays, Public Holidays 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Closed: At times other than those listed above

Access: 9 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Tobu Isesaki Line / 3 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Tsukuba Express

Address: Wired Hotel Asakusa, 2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google map) 

HP: www.cafecompany.com/brands/zakbaran/asakusa/

HP: www.cafecompany.co.jp/brands/zakbaran/asakusa/ (Japanese)

Wired Hotel Asakusa 

HP: wiredhotel.com

HP: wiredhotel.com/ja/(Japanese)

8. 10 Dixans (Suidobashi)

The latte art on the Hojicha Latte is so cute you might hesitate to drink it. Take in the lovely aroma of the hojicha as you enjoy your latte leisurely. The cafe's also known for serving very authentic cakes, so enjoy a slice with your latte.

You'll also find delicious Swiss rolls with delicious cream sandwiched between the sponge cake. The drink packaging is also really fashionable and look really good in your hand as you walk around.

About 10 DIXANS

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM / Weekends and Public Holidays 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:  Open daily unless otherwise specified

Access: 3 minutes walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo Line, 5 minutes walk from Jimbocho Station on Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line

Address: 2-7-11 Nishi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

HP: https://dizon.foodre.jp/ (Japanese only)

9. Japanese Tea Cafe Cha Cha Koubou (Takadanobaba)

Cha Cha Koubou's version of the Hojicha Parfait includes agar jelly and cornflakes, a mix that allows you to experience a variety of textures from start to finish. Organic tea is used here so it's healthy on top of being tasty. There is also a wide variety of menu items besides the hojicha ones. 

About Japanese Tea Cafe Cha Cha Koubou

Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Closed: Sundays, Public Holidays

Access: 6 minutes walk from Takadanobaba Station on JR Yamanote Line / Seibu Shinjuku Line / Tokyo Metro Tozai Line

Address: 2-21-19 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

HP: https://chachakoubou.com/ (Japanese only)

 

New Ways to Enjoy Hojicha - Unique Hojicha Gourmet Items!

1. Green Tea Restaurant 1899 (Ochanomizu)

The Green Tea Restaurant 1899 is an establishment where "eating" tea is the theme. You'll be able to enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine here. For beer lovers, you should make sure to head down for the Matcha Beer Garden that's usually open during the summer.

Additionally, they also serve an afternoon tea set which has an assortment of Japanese-style sweets. Pamper yourself with this after a long day at work or share it with friends. Each type of dessert comes in a small serving, so you won't feel guilty even if you finish everything. 

About Green Tea Restaurant 1899

Opening hours: Lunch 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (last orders at 2:30 PM) / Cafe 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM (last order at 4:00 PM), Dinner 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (last orders at 10:00 PM) / Teatime (between June 1 - Sept 30 only) 5:00 PM onwards

Closed: Closed when there are private events (please check on the official website)

Access: 3 minutes walk from Hijiribashi Exit, Ochanomizu Station on various JR lines / 7 minutes walk from Exit 4, Kanda Station on various JR lines

Address: 3-4 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

HP: www.1899.jp/ochanomizu/ (Japanese only; automatic translation available)

2. Sayama Kare Koubou Rittoru Hotto. (Sayama)

It may look like regular curry but the curry served at this restaurant incorporates the use of the local hojicha in the soup stock! Visitors come from afar to get a taste of this unique curry. The aroma of the hojicha accents the flavor of the curry, giving it even more depth. 

Another famous item on the menu is the visually surprising Blue Hawaii Curry. The restaurant owner loves Hawaii, so this dish was created. The brightly colored hibiscus flower sits on top of the rice, making the dish even more stunning. 

About Sayama Kare Koubou Rittoru Hotto.

Opening hours: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM / Dinner 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (*Saturdays and Sundays Only) *Temporary closures on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays may occur from time to time

Closed: Tuesdays, 3rd Wednesdays of the month

Access: 7 minutes walk from the North Exit of Shinsayama Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line (the restaurant is on the same side as the Shinsayama Golf Driving Range)

Address: 274-1 Higashimitsugi, Sayama-shi, Saitama (Google map)

HP: https://tabelog.com/saitama/A1106/A110602/11020700/ (Japanese only)

 

Hojicha You Can Enjoy at Home

1. Wakodo Gyunyuyasan No Hojicha Milk Tea

This is the highly anticipated new product from the Gyunyuyasan series that can bought at supermarkets. Have it with some cake at home or in the office as a teatime treat.

About Wakado Gyunyuyasan No Hojicha Milk Tea

Availability: Online shop/mail order, various supermarkets around Japan etc. 

HP: www.wakodo.co.jp/product/coffee/ (Japanese only)

2. Starbucks Coffee Hojicha Tea Latte

Did you know that you could get a hojicha latte easily at Starbucks outlets? 1 of the 4 tea lattes available at Starbucks, the hojicha latte is a flavor available only at Starbucks outlets in Japan. Be sure to try it when you're in Japan!

About Starbucks Coffee Hojicha Tea Latte

Availability: Starbucks branches across Japan

HP: www.starbucks.co.jp (Japanese)

3. Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Hojicha Latte *NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE

Even Häagen-Dazs has added a new hojicha product. On sale since April, this product is available only for a limited time. You'll be able to savor the authentic taste of hojicha at an affordable price - a reason for its popularity among women. The ice cream even has a marbled look that is reminiscent of a real cup of latte.

About Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Hojicha Latte

Availability: Supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores across Japan for a limited time

HP: www.haagen-dazs.co.jp (Japanese only)

4. Itoen Teas' Tea New Authentic Hojicha Latte

Since this is in a bottle, it's really easy to carry around. This Japanese version of milk tea is something that you could even recommend to non tea-drinkers. It stands out for the use of 100% Japanese-grown tea leaves and its low caffeine content. This reasonably priced product is a great place to start if you've never tried hojicha. 

About Itoen Teas' Tea New Authentic Hojicha Latte

Availability: supermarkets, convenience stores across Japan etc.

HP: www.teastea.jp (Japanese only)

Are you ready for some hojicha? Find your favorite hojicha food/drink and immerse yourself in the Japanese hojicha experience!