Jugetsudo: Enjoy Green Tea and Matcha Sweets at Tokyo's Kabukiza

Jugetsudo: A Japanese Tea Sanctuary in Kabukiza Tower

The Kabukiza Theater in Ginza is home to Jugetsudo Tea Shop & Cafe, a serene facility that offers exquisite Japanese tea, matcha desserts, and high-quality seaweed products.

The cafe is located adjacent to the rooftop garden of Kabukiza Theater and is a beautiful space designed by none other than Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's most famous architects.

Promoting Japanese Tea Culture Worldwide

Founded in 1854, the long-established Maruyama Nori Shop started its history from a single sheet of seaweed. Originally located in Tokyo's Nihonbashi, the craftsmen traveled across Japan’s fishing grounds, extensively tasting and testing to select the finest seaweed.

After surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the store moved to Tsukiji. Today, many high-end sushi restaurants, Japanese cuisine establishments, and Michelin-starred chefs prefer Maruyama seaweed, earning the industry’s deep trust.

At one point, a customer asked, “Do you also offer delicious Japanese tea?” This prompted Maruyama Nori to take a bold step and establish Jugetsudo, a specialty Japanese tea shop. Combining the spirit of Zen with the art of tea, they promote the charm of Japanese tea worldwide.

Unwavering Commitment to Tea Quality

The tea leaves used at Jugetsudo primarily include high-quality varieties from Shizuoka Prefecture and vibrant green leaves from Kagoshima Prefecture. These are evaluated and selected from multiple angles by the brand, then roasted to create their original tea blends.

For matcha, they use the finest Uji matcha, and freshly ground matcha is served in the store using stone mills. Customers can also enjoy tea prepared by professional tea artisans.

The biggest feature of Jugetsudo’s tea is that it is intentionally not roasted for a long time. This allows the natural aroma and flavor of the tea leaves to shine through, providing a refreshing and crisp taste.

Designed by Kengo Kuma: Jugetsudo Feels Like a Bamboo Forest

In 2008, Jugetsudo opened a store in Paris, a city renowned for its delicate culinary culture. For this project, they entrusted the design to Kengo Kuma, an internationally acclaimed architect.

Then, in 2013, when the Kabukiza Theater was renovated, Jugetsudo aimed to introduce Japanese tea to more visitors through this cultural and historic site.

Once again, they commissioned Kuma Kengo, who skillfully employed natural materials such as bamboo and wood to create a space that embodies harmony with nature, designing a unique “Zen Tea World.”

Inside, a total of 3,000 bamboo stalks have been incorporated, creating a serene and calming space that feels as if you are surrounded by a bamboo forest.

Many visitors attending Kabuki performances are amazed, saying, “I can’t believe there’s such a relaxing and peaceful place like this in Ginza.”

Enjoying carefully brewed tea while overlooking the rooftop garden of Kabukiza, amidst the changing scenery and the shifting light, offers a moment to forget the busy city hustle.

Popular Matcha Sweets at Jugetsudo

At Jugetsudo Kabukiza, in addition to tea, they also serve light meals and desserts.

The menu includes a variety of dishes that highlight seaweed and tea leaves, such as Tsukiji seafood sandwiches, seaweed rice ball (onigiri) set meals, matcha soba noodles, matcha Mont Blanc desserts, and matcha French toast.

We ordered the Nakajima Farm Matcha Parfait. Nakajima Farm’s method involves analyzing the soil and applying fertilizers to maintain a healthy condition, ensuring that the crops contain abundant nutrients.

As a result, the flavor of the matcha has a subtle astringency and a deep sweetness. The parfait features layers of matcha ice cream, kinako warabi mochi, agar, azuki beans, granola, and fresh cream, offering a rich taste with every bite.

The pairing with refreshing roasted green tea is also outstanding, and its elegant aroma makes you want to savor it slowly. (Nakajima Farm Matcha Parfait with roasted green tea: 1,500 yen)

We also ordered the rich green tea pudding. Made generously with Uji’s highest quality matcha, Enkō, ground with a stone mill, and crafted using cream from Hokkaido and high-quality milk from Chiba, the pudding has a deep and satisfying matcha aroma.

Its smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture delivers an unforgettable, delicious experience. (Rich Matcha Pudding with roasted green tea: 1,360 yen)

Souvenirs to Pick up at Jugetsudo

The shop also sells gifts related to seaweed and tea. On the day of our visit, we saw foreign tourists choosing Japanese tea gift sets as souvenirs for their home countries.

The teabag set featuring the exterior design of the Kabukiza Theater contains Gyokuro tea, organic genmaicha with matcha, organic roasted green tea, and organic sencha. When you open the fold-out leaflet, it introduces the history of Kabukiza. (500 yen)

The organic matcha popcorn, created in collaboration with a famous French popcorn specialty shop, was originally exclusive to Jugetsudo Paris. Due to its popularity, it has now become available in Japan as well.

Made without any additives or oil, and crafted with organic-grown matcha, its crispy and refreshing flavor stands out from typical greasy popcorn. (1 box: 630 yen)

Our favorite item was the organic tea leaf series stored in elegant tea caddies. Its refined and sophisticated design makes it a perfect gift for anyone. (Prices vary depending on the tea type, starting from 840 yen)

Visit Jugetsudo at Kabukiza in Tokyo

Jugetsudo hopes that, through the calm and relaxing environment and carefully prepared Japanese tea, even those unfamiliar with tea will come to love the various types of tea and their desserts.

It is also their hope that younger generations will enjoy spending a delightful tea time at their café.

Official website: Jugetsudo Tea Shop & Cafe

Jugetsudo Ginza Kabukiza Store

Kabukiza Tower 5th floor, 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061