Teatime Away From Crowds: Funabashiya Koyomi Near Shibuya

Hiroo - A Serene Tokyo Neighborhood of Cafes and Charm

Hiroo is a residential district in Tokyo where most travelers don't visit. It is picturesque, filled with greenery, walkable streets, and tiny shops and eateries. Hiroo is between Roppongi and Ebisu on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and is relatively close to Shibuya. It is the ideal location for discovering a different side of Tokyo and avoiding typical city crowds. I discovered this area after living in Tokyo for around six months, searching for a quiet neighborhood to go on the weekends.

Funabashiya Koyomi, a Japanese cafe, is nestled among the small shops lining the streets near Hiroo Station. As a lover of Japanese desserts, this cozy cafe is one of my favorite places for a break with matcha, Japanese teas, and sweets of all varieties, from traditional to creative. Read more to learn about this must-visit cafe and how to savor a moment of peace in the metropolis.

Funabashiya Koyomi Hiroo - Savor Japanese Flavors and Relax

Funabashiya Koyomi in Hiroo
Funabashiya is a highly-regarded wagashi (Japanese sweets) maker that began business in 1805. Over time, the business has expanded to 25 branches in eastern Japan. Funabashiya's kuzu mochi,* in particular, is famous.

Funabashiya Koyomi Hiroo opened to help bring the delicious taste of kuzu mochi and Japanese sweets to a broader, younger audience. Koyomi strives to offer creative options like pudding and desserts infused with wagashi ingredients. It is also the only location with a cafe where customers can leisurely enjoy tea and sweets.

*Kuzu mochi consists of pounded rice cakes covered with kinako (soybean powder) and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup).

The first floor of Koyomi has a counter that sells sweets for take-out, such as mochi and other traditional treats. Individual servings and large boxes are both available.

The cafe is on the second floor. Tables for pairs and small groups, as well as counter seats for solo diners, are available. The large window by the tables floods the area with soft light, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

Recommended Treats at Funabashiya Koyomi

As mentioned above, Funabashiya Koyomi specializes in wagashi, making it an excellent spot for enjoying traditional treats and Japanese tea. The menu features everything from classic desserts to creative, original sweets like mochi-infused pudding. In Japanese, "koyomi" refers to a calendar, resulting in several seasonal choices on the menu, such as kakigori shave ice in summer.

All sweets and food at Koyomi are made with high-quality ingredients and come presented beautifully. Gozen meal sets, Japanese food featuring several types of dishes, are available during lunchtime (11:30 - 15:00).

Below are some recommended options to try at Koyomi that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Please note that the menu is in Japanese, but each selection is accompanied by a picture, making ordering simple.

Kuzu Mochi Pudding

Kuzu mochi at Funabashiya Koyomi is famous, as it has been part of the sweets lineup since around the confectionery was established. The kuzu mochi here is fermented, resulting in milky-white mochi. Pictured above is the kuzu mochi pudding (670 yen with tax), a unique option at Koyomi.

The pudding, made with traditional kuzu mochi, is an adorable dish, sweet with a springy and light texture. It contains just the right amount of creaminess, making for a satisfying dessert.

Matcha and Kuzu Mochi Set

Another way to savor Funabashiya's renowned mochi is to have it with a cup of warm matcha. Pictured above is the kuzu mochi and matcha set (670 yen with tax; comes with three pieces). The silky and chewy kuzu mochi is covered with fragrant soybean powder and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup).

The bitter, full-bodied matcha on the side complements the sweetness of the mochi.

Fragrant Rose Tea

A variety of drinks, from matcha to milk tea with tapioca and lattes, are available at Koyomi. Pictured above is the Japanese Tea Set (700 yen with tax) with rose tea. Customers can choose between gyokuro green tea, roasted green tea, and rose tea. The rose tea is a variety of rose tea blended with different green teas. It has a floral smell and light flavor that would pair well with any Koyomi dessert, like the pudding.

Colorful Anmitsu To Go

Before leaving, be sure to pick up a treat for on-the-go from the counter on the first floor. Pictured above is the special shitarama anmitsu with kuzu mochi (540 yen with tax), a traditional sweet with agar, mochi, red bean paste, mikan tangerines, and other ingredients.

Transfer the anmitsu to a different bowl if you'd like to enjoy it. Try using the kuromitsu syrup that comes with the anmitsu for extra sweetness. The different flavors and textures will delight your tastebuds. As the take-out desserts at Funabashiya are made fresh, it is advised to eat them within around 48 hours after your purchase.

An Oasis of Japanese Sweets in Hiroo, Tokyo

Funabashiya Koyomi is a cozy cafe where tea lovers and those with sweet tooths can enjoy a relaxing break from the crowds of Tokyo. After indulging in dessert, take a stroll around the neighborhood.

Visiting the Hiroo area allows me to forget the stresses of everyday life, and sipping on matcha and enjoying desserts helps me appreciate the sweeter, less-crowded side of Tokyo. I'm sure it will do the same for you, too.

Funabashiya Koyomi Hiroo store

5-17-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0012 Cafe Lunch Sweets Coffee Shop

In cooperation with Funabashiya Koyomi Hiroo
All photographs by Monami Ishii