HIGASHIYAGINZA

I don't give ratings frivolously. But this place....not my first visit. Not even my 5th or 6th visit. But when I came here last week I had the worst service I have ever encountered in Japan. And it's not a communication issue. Guy spoke passable English. It's Ginza. The whole city is crowded. I get... it. Tried looking for a reservation tab on their website but couldn't find it. Anyway I always go for dessert and tea. It does one of the best warabimochi and is a convenient place when in Ginza. Tried my luck at 11 am sharp on a weekday. So sorry we're full, the guy at the counter said. Come back at 2. Ok. Can I leave my name? Make a reservation? No need, he said. Went back at 2. So sorry we're full. Maybe come back at 3 or 4. And that is still not a guarantee of a seat. I got a bit upset. Reminded him he said there was no need to make a reservation. Then he said oh, they only accept reservations from a Japanese phone number. Could have easily asked my hotel concierge to do that if I had known. Bottom line: staff not helpful. Or inviting. It's not even a question of whether I'm local or a gaijin. This is poor poor service service with no attempt at service recovery. It would stink as bad in any country. Doubt the establishment would bother to read an English review, but tourists beware and be prepared. Pity since the food and atmosphere is quite good.

Visited April 2026

Their afternoon tea is so relaxing, beautiful and superb. Must-go for tourists (and locals). Perfect mix of modern and traditional Japan. Also, make sure to visit their toilet.

Visited July 2024

We were taken here for a tea experience. Basically, it is a tea tasting experience with 5 small cups of tea accompanied by a bean paste sweet for each one. It is slow with beautiful service and imparts serenity. The glassware and tea cups and teapots are exquisite. The ladies room is gorgeous, wit...h hand towels. It cost about $35 USD per person. It turns out sweet bean paste is a taste I have not yet acquired. Chocolate truffles would have been better.

Visited October 2024

Delicately flavored wagashi. Quite expensive but must definitely try at least once 😅 the sweets are carefully packaged but expire quickly.

Visited March 2024

Make a booking. You might be lucky walking in. I booked. As I was one person, I had one Japanese sweet ('Wagashi') which I picked from a selection and a green tea. If you are more than one in your party, you can go for a traditional set and a bigger variety. The menu has so many options, it bec...ame confusing! I had to ask a member of staff for their advice. Very traditional and nice. All freshly prepared and a nice cultural experience. You could really taste that this was the real thing. Although they are located on a main road in Ginza, you need to take a lift to go upstairs in the building. They sell Japanese confectionery as well. Nice light atmosphere. Not too pricey but not cheap either. I went as a treat and to have a more authentic Japanese cultural experience rather than Starbucks or the many chain places around! Some may find this bland or bitter as what you get here is not 'modified' with syrup and sugar or whatever else. They don't have wifi which is maybe a good thing so you can switch off. My 4 rating instead of 5 was service. It was fine but just very 'snobby' which annoyed me.

Visited May 2023