A Quiet Matcha Experience at Kabukiza, Tokyo

Last Updated on March 2, 2026

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In Ginza

One day in early summer, I visited a Japanese tea shop cafe at Kabukiza Tower in Ginza, Tokyo. In this post, I’ll share my matcha experience and offer tips for enjoying it, as well as some insights about Kabukiza—perfect for those who want to enjoy an authentic Japanese experience.

Kabukiza Tower

The reason I went to Kabukiza Tower was to take an exam related to bookkeeping. Kabukiza Tower, built in 2013 along with the rebuilding of the Kabukiza Theater due to its aging structure, is a large office building that also houses a venue for certification exams. That is why I chose this venue, thinking I could have something delicious after the exam.

Kabukiza Theater

This is the current Kabukiza Theater and Kabukiza Tower. On the first floor, there is the main entrance for visitors and a small souvenir shop. The basement is a mall with many shops featuring Japan-themed products.

Kabuki began in Kyoto in the early 1600s, around the same time opera was born in Europe. In 1624, the first Nakamuraza theater was established in Edo (present-day Tokyo), making Kabuki a popular form of entertainment in the city.

The Kabukiza Theater itself opened later, in 1889.

Kabukiza reached its current form after undergoing four major reconstructions. It is surprising to learn that the very first Kabukiza was actually a Western-style building.

Japanese Green Tea Shop

Now, let’s move on to the story about the cafe, located on the 5th floor of Kabukiza Tower.

This is a shop called Jugetsu-do. Jugetsu-do is a tea specialty shop opened in 2003 in Tsukiji by a seaweed merchant that has been in business since the Edo period. They expanded to Paris in 2008 and opened this location in Kabukiza Tower in 2013.

Many seaweed merchants also deal in tea. It is generally believed that seaweed merchants started tea shops for a few key reasons: the storage methods are similar, the harvest seasons complement each other, and both were daily essentials.

Best Matcha Location

The interior design, created by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, heavily incorporates bamboo on its walls.

Kengo Kuma is famous for his designs that blend Japanese tradition with modern elements using natural materials. In this shop and cafe area, his style creates an atmosphere that perfectly complements a Japanese tea shop. Also, here you can enjoy tea while overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden, right in the heart of the city. You can even step outside to explore the garden.

Matcha with Wagashi

The set I ordered this time was Matcha and Wagashi. Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets designed to be enjoyed with green tea. Since I was a member of the tea ceremony club in my student days, I can’t resist ordering matcha whenever I have the chance to have it prepared for me.

However, this shop is a place where anyone can casually enjoy tea, so there is no need to worry about the formal etiquette or procedures at all.

At the Jugetsu-do Kabukiza branch, you can enjoy wagashi from Shiose Sohonke. I was told that this particular sweet was designed with a Clematis (tessen in Japanese) motif.

What is Matcha

Matcha is made by grinding specially processed tea leaves into a fine powder and whisking it with hot water. Because matcha is made from powdered tea leaves that you drink whole, it’s stronger than traditionally brewed green tea. Many people around the world now enjoy it with milk or sweeteners.

Matcha, black tea, and oolong tea all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but their flavors and colors differ because of how the leaves are processed.

Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony is a ritual of preparing and serving matcha with care and respect. The guest’s feelings toward the host are also essential. By handling the tea bowl with care and sharing your impressions when possible, the shared space and moment become truly complete.

This means that the Japnanese tea ceremony is not a relationship between a shop and a customer, but is essentially a person-to-person interaction. Sen no Rikyū, the master who perfected the Japanese tea ceremony, served famous warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, and is said to have held political influence through tea.

Tips for Enjoying Matcha

During a tea ceremony, the host shows their care in several ways:
– Each action is performed thoughtfully
– Seasonal items are carefully prepared
– A sincere feeling of welcome is expressed

If you ever have the chance to enjoy matcha, pay attention to these details and savor the experience.

Best Grilled Fish lunch

By the way, I also had lunch around the Kabukiza area, so let me introduce that to you as well. At Echigoya Yasokichi, they charcoal-grill the fish right at the storefront. It seems to be popular with businesspeople, as several people were waiting in line.

The smoke from the grilling fish drifted outside, carrying a wonderful savory aroma. You can choose your meal from a wide variety of fish, including dried fish and fish preserved in miso. The fish is grilled to perfection, bringing out its best flavor.

I chose the Gindara Saikyo-zuke (Black Cod marinated in sweet miso). The fatty white fish is marinated in sweet miso, and it pairs perfectly with white rice. With occasional bites of miso soup and soy-flavored pickles, I enjoyed every last bit of the meal.

Izakaya restaurant

Looking to the side, I saw a hallway stretching back, with more seating available further inside. At night, it turns into an izakaya (Japanese pub), and its traditional, old-style atmosphere would make for a great setting.

I was truly satisfied to enjoy both a delicious lunch and something sweet this time. Since I spend most of my days cooking for my family, having a meal prepared just for me is something I am deeply grateful for. Also, I would like to report that I had passed the exam I took that day.

I look forward to bringing you more of these daily joys from Japan again soon!

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Information

Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.

Jugetsudo

Matcha set
– ¥1,700 (approx. $10.7 / €9.3)
Access
– Directly connected to Higashi-ginza Station

Charcoal-Grilled Fish lunch

Gindara Saikyo-zuke set meal
– ¥1,320 (approx. $8.3 / €7.2)
Access
– Just a few steps from Higashi-ginza Station
– Echigoya Yasokichi

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