Have you ever tried Japanese green tea? If you’ve been to Japan, you must have had it along with meals. Recently, visiting tea houses to try authentic Japanese tea has become a popular way to experience local culture.
In this feature, we introduce one such place where you can truly enjoy the traditional flavors of Japanese tea, Chachanoma (茶茶の間).
The Art of the “Three Brews”
At Chachanoma, a single serving of Sencha (煎茶) is an evolving story. The tea is typically brewed three times, with each “extraction” revealing a different character
The first time when the leaves are fresh, you brew the tea at a lower temperature; then you pour cold water into the teapot. You brew the tea for about three minutes so you can taste the umami.
The second time, since you brew the same leaves again, the water temperature is higher than the first time. You don’t have to wait for a long time before drinking this second brew. The tea had a wonderfully elegant aroma.
The third time, you can enjoy the taste and aroma of the tea that emanates from its depths since the same leaves have been brewed twice already. You can see how the leaves have changed color after finishing the third brew. Since you can see the leaves returning green similar to how they appeared when picked from the plants on the mountain, it is said that you can “get a taste of the mountains in Japanese tea.”
You can taste the depth of flavors as the sweetness cuts through the bitterness but you will also realize that each brew offers a completely different flavor.
You can also try matcha here (not the watered down version you get in vending machines).
Check out this video to see how tea is made at Chachanoma!
Of course, like any traditional tea ceremony, no tea experience is complete without Japanese sweets.
Chacha No Hon Warabi Mochi (茶茶の本わらび餅)
Bracken-starch dumplings covered in kinako (sweet toasted soybean flour) is an excellent choice to have with matcha.
Ice cream Zenzai (冷やしアイスクリームぜんざい<ぜんざいあんこ・白玉・バニラアイス・抹茶の生チョコ>)
Zenzai usually refers to red bean soup made with adzuki beans and this one goes well with the sencha.
In 2026, Chachanoma has adjusted its hours to focus on high-quality tea service. It is highly recommended to check their status before visiting, as they occasionally host tea seminars and workshops.
Omotesando Chachanoma (表参道 茶茶の間)
Address 5-13-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Google MAP)
Business hours: Thu-Sun 13:00 – 17:00 (Tea service L.O. 16:00).
Closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (subject to change; check official SNS).
Official Website: http://chachanoma.com/
A Mindful Moment in Omotesando
Chachanoma is a sanctuary of calm hidden just steps away from the high-end boutiques of Omotesando. Watching a tea sommelier prepare your cup with such precision is the perfect 2026 “slow travel” experience to help you reset during a busy day in Tokyo.
