A long-established Japanese tea specialty store with a European touch? "OHASHI" has attractive flavors and packaging

Hello! I'm Nakano Nonaka, who runs an Instagram gourmet account that focuses on Nakano's shops. From now on, I'll be reporting on the charms of Nakano from the perspective of a woman in her 20s as a Nakano tourism reporter! In the first instalment, I'll be introducing OHASHI, a Japanese tea specialty store with lovely antique-style product packaging.

After walking for about two minutes from the south exit of Nakano Station, you will come across a slightly retro sign.

I wondered if it was an old-fashioned tea shop, but when I looked at the shop's exterior, I was surprised at the stark contrast with the sign!

The atmosphere makes you feel like you've come to Europe. The shop was founded in 1653. In 2007, it underwent a major renovation, modeled after a shop in the French countryside. Inside the shop, there are so many carefully crafted products that you'll find yourself examining them one by one. There are also variety packs (600 to 1300 yen) that allow you to enjoy a variety of teas. They make perfect gifts or souvenirs!

The tasteful design started with an idea from Morita's partner, the shop owner, who said, "I want a package like this." Morita himself searches for the boxes and wrapping paper, and handles everything from printing to packaging. On the day we visited, he was packing products in the shop. A special feature of the floral patterned box is that the wrapping paper is pasted all the way inside. It's so cute that you'll want to keep it as a small trinket box even after you've finished your tea!

Another attraction of OHASHI is the variety of unique teas. Everything from blending to packaging is done in a factory directly managed by the store. There are plenty of interesting flavors to choose from, including strawberry green tea, yuzu roasted green tea, and mint green tea. I also discovered some kudzu soup that makes the most of the flavor. My recommendation is the raspberry kudzu soup! It has a slightly sweet aroma and a gentle taste. They sell them individually starting at 160 yen, so it's easy to try different flavors.

OHASHI

164-0001 3-34-31 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

The store was founded as a tea wholesaler in 1653. The store was renovated in 2007 with the aim of providing customers with a more comfortab...

Be sure to find your favorite item at "OHASHI" to reward yourself for your hard work or as a gift for someone close to you.

Address: 1F Ohashi Building, 3-34-31 Nakano, Nakano-ku

Access: 2 minutes walk from the south exit of Nakano Station on the JR Chuo Line

Business hours: 10:30 to 18:00 Closed: Sundays