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. Do try the Hojicha Castella Parfait (1,296 yen). The fluffy hojicha castella, rich ice cream and refreshing agar jelly come together in perfect harmony. This is one dessert that you'll surely be satisfied with. 

This is a picture of the Hojicha Parfait (1,198 yen). 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)

Morinoen is known for being a hojicha specialist. The Hojicha Anmitsu (agar jelly) (1,080 yen) pictured above 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!

Homemade Hojicha Shaved Ice will also be available from July 1st, 2017 so be sure to try this delicious concoction if you're there!

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

About Hojicha No Mise Morinoen Kanmidokoro

Main Store

Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (last orders at 5:00 PM)

Closed: New Year Holidays

Access: Short walk from Exit A1, Ningyocho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Short walk from Exit A3, Ningyocho Station on Toei Subway Asakusa Line

Address: Morinoen Building 2F, 2-4-9 Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

HP: r.goope.jp/morinoensabo/ (Japanese only)

Branch Store

Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (last orders at 5:00 PM)

Closed: New Year Holidays

Access: Short walk from Exit A1, Ningyocho Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Short walk from Exit A3, Ningyocho Station on Toei Subway Asakusa Line

Address: Shin-Morinoen Building 1F, 2-10-11 Ningyocho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo  (Google map)

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. What you see above is the Hojicha Anmitsu (agar jelly) (1,080 yen). Hidden beneath the huge mountain of shaved ice is where you'll find the delicious Anmitsu. There are tea sets as well, so you can immerse yourself in the word of tea when you're here!

There a items on the menu that are available only at this store, like this soft serve ice cream pictured above! 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)

Check out these popular parfaits from Nana's Green Tea with hojicha in them. On the left is the Hojicha Shiratama Parfait (Shiratama is a sweet glutinous rice dumpling) (790 yen) and on the right is the Hojicha Ganache Parfait (880 yen). Both of these are a sweet-lover's dream come true! 

When summer comes around, the Hojicha Latte (regular (464 yen), large (551 yen) 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!

 

About Nana's Green Tea

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last orders at 8:30 PM ) / Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Closed: All days/hours apart from the above

Access: Short walk from main exit of Tokyo Skytree Line Station on the Tokyo Skytree line / Short walk from Exit B3 or A2 of Oshiage (Skytree) Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line or Keisei Oshiage Line 

Address: Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 4F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

HP: www.nanasgreentea.com/en/

HP: www.nanasgreentea.com (Japanese)

5. Ryogokubashi Sabo (Ryogoku)

At the Ryogokubashi Sabo that was opened last year, 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) (880 yen). 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. 

This is the hojicha soft serve ice cream that's also available. The rich flavor of the gyokuro hojicha is condensed into this smooth ice cream. It's so good, you'll finish it before you know it.

About Ryogokubashi Sabo

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last orders at 8:45 PM)

Closed: Jan 1st and 2nd, facility inspection days (not fixed)

Access: Directly at the West Exit, Ryogoku Station, JR Sobu Line / 7 minutes walk from Toei Subway Oedo Line Ryogoku Station

Address: 1-3-20 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Google map)

HP:www.jrtk.jp.e.wz.hp.transer.com/edonoren/

HP: www.jrtk.jp.t.wz.hp.transer.com/edonoren/ (Traditional Chinese)

HP: www.jrtk.jp/edonoren/ (Japanese)

6. Japanese Ice Ouca (Ebisu)

Here, you'll be able to find the luxurious kusa-an dango (mugwort glutinous rice balls topped with red bean paste) topped with hojicha ice cream. East meets West in this refreshing combination. This is a seasonal item so be sure to try it before it's gone! 

 

This is almost too cute to eat!  You're looking at the famous Kuma-chan Shaved Ice (Little Bear Shaved Iced) that Japanese Ice Ouca is known for. This seasonal item is popular every year. It's available only for a limited period of time each year (this year, it went on the menu from June 13, 2017) so bring a friend who loves animals and be healed by this adorable dessert!

[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)

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 (500 yen plus tax). 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 (hot regular 600 yen, large 800 yen / ice (regular only) 600 yen) is so cute you might hesitate to drink it. Take in the lovely aroma of the hojicha as you enjoy your latte leisurely. On rainy days, you can even request for the barista to draw the picture of a frog for the latte art (frogs are associated with the rain in Japan). 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: www.dixans.jp (Japanese only)

9. Japanese Tea Cafe Cha Cha Koubou (Takadanobaba)

This is Cha Cha Koubou's version of the Hojicha Parfait (600 yen). The toppings include 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. Among them, the Plumy Shaved Ice with Condensed Milk (600 yen) is great in the summer! Give it a try if you're curious about this taste combination!

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: www.chachakoubou.com/index.htm (Japanese only)

 

New Ways to Enjoy Hojicha - Unique Hojicha Gourmet Items!

1. Green Tea Restaurant 1899 (Ochanomizu)

What do you think this dark-colored drink is? This is actually the Hojicha Black Beer (720 yen)! You'll find this at the Green Tea Restaurant 1899, 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 open between June 1st, 2017 and September 30th, 2017! You'll get a free flow of 10 kinds of beer at an affordable price. There's a discount when you reserve online via their homepage so do check it out!

Additionally, they also serve the 1899 Afternoon Tea Set (1,800 yen) which is 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 (850 yen). 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: www.sayamaweb.com/shopdata/disp.cgi?code=00162 (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/en/

HP: www.starbucks.co.jp (Japanese)

3. Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Hojicha Latte

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!