Kagurazaka: saryō (神楽坂 茶寮 )

Summary: Come visit saryō for their Japanese style sweets and simple obanzai style dishes.

If you have a craving for Japanese style sweets and desserts, and looking to experience traditional Japan, I suggest you drop by saryō, an elegant little tea house located in the idyllic streets of Kagurazaka. 

Although saryō now has different branches across Tokyo, the original branch at Kagurazaka remains as a cosy place, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

They specialise in modern Japanese sweets like green tea parfait, cream anmitsu, green tea cheesecake, chestnut tarts and other sweets.

The interior is based on a wooden cabin - simple, homely and rustic.

At the counter, they sell Japanese style financiers, cookies, pound cakes, and original blend teas.

They also display all their cakes at the counter, The beautiful cakes are such a delight to look at!

their beautiful cakes on display

Besides their desserts, the drinks are also something to look forward to.

top: azuki latte
bottom: matcha latte

I would definitely recommend trying their Azuki Latte.
It had a good balance of the sweet, nutty taste of red beans, and the rich, creaminess of steamed milk.

azuki latte

azuki latte - also comes in iced version

The Matcha Latte was good too - however for those who are used to Starbuck's green tea lattes, you might find saryō's to be a little bitter.

pumpkin souffle cheesecake

matcha rare cheesecake

Besides desserts, saryō also serves a wide variety of healthy meals - I would recommend getting their obanzai, which usually comes with a choice of two or three small dishes, some pickles, miso soup and rice.

cake for lunch today!

If it's not too cold, you can also take a seat at their terrace and spend your afternoon people-watching, or just simply reading a book.

After enjoying your meal, take a stroll along the river canal, or explore the narrow cobblestone alleys of Kagurazaka while soaking in the sights and sounds of the old Japanese-French inspired district.

If you are feeling a little adventurous, you might also like to try out this cafe.

Address: 5-9 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825
〒162-0825 東京都新宿区神楽坂5-9
About 5 minutes walk from the South exit of JR Iidabashi Station (JR Sobu Line)
About 4 minutes walk from the exit 1 of Kagurazaka Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)
About 3 minutes walk from exit A3 of Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station (Toei Oedo Line)
Phone: 03-3266-0880
Hours: Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm (last order 10pm) Sun & PH 11.30am -  10pm (last order 9pm)
Website: http://www.saryo.jp/kagurazaka.html