Japanese cares a lot about details and that is exactly what you'll get at Higashiya. A hidden gem above the busy street of Ginza, Higashiya is a green tea and wagashi (confectionery) shop and cafe where you can slow down and experience tea drinking in the most respectable level. I am not doing an individual write-up on every place I ate during my Japan trip, but I wanted to highlight Higashiya because it was such a memorable experience and I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Ginza. I opted for the tea and wagashi pairing, but if you're a sake lover, you can do the same pairing but with sake instead of tea instead! What I love most about this experience is that it forces you to slow down and truly enjoy and appreciate your tea and wagashi. Each tea is roasted/prepared and poured right in front of you to ensure its freshness. It was also lovely to watch how the staff carefully handles everything!
Here are some tips for you if you plan on visiting Higashiya:
1. Make a reservation. Although this was on my list, I didn't have time to squeeze everything in on my itinerary so when my day opened up, I hopped over to Ginza to see if there was any opening and luckily, they told me to come back in an hour! But I would definitely make a reservation as this place is becoming very popular.
2. When I say hidden, I mean really hidden. When you get to the address, it looks like an office building or something. Take the elevator on your right to the second level and ta da!
3. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours, close to 3 here. When I say it makes you slow down, I really mean it. You take your time to drink each tea and eat every dish, in the best possible way of course!
4. Phone photos are ok but don't make the same mistake as I did and pull out your DSLR with loud shutter sound. I didn't know but as soon as a staff kindly told me to put my camera way, I quickly obliged.
5. Don't forget to check out the shop and grab some tea and wagashi when you leave! They make perfect souvenirs!
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