This elegant, upscale sweets and tea shop specializes in a modern approach to wagashi, traditional Japanese confections often made with rice flour, pounded fruits and red bean paste. Higashiya’s small, spherical creations are like nothing I’ve tried: They have a soft, fine sandiness that soon dissolves on the tongue. Improbable, not-at-all-sugary combinations like matcha and raisin or chestnuts and brandy meld into exquisite third tastes in which the separate ingredients are indistinguishable.

Served in the modern Sabo, the afternoon tea on offer at Higashiya Ginza is a tour of Japanese traditional sweets with a fresh twist. The company produce Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, using natural flavorings and a simple, ingredient-focused approach. The Samajiki option includes two teas of your choice (from the cafe’s selection of 30), inari sushi, light savory snacks and a selection of their seasonal wagashi for 4,950 yen per person.

Distinctly Japanese in content but with a classy nod to the traditional in presentation, Higashiya is high-end without a doubt. With a reputation for being one of the best teahouses in Tokyo, it offers a respite from the busy streets and an introduction to Japanese tea. The afternoon tea option is available in the afternoon and combines savory pieces like sushi, pickles and seasonal bites with sweet bites like cake and wagashi.

For a high-end treat in Ginza, I highly recommend visiting Higashiya, a tea and confectionery shop that is one of my favourites in the area. Higashiya sells seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) and offers a signature afternoon tea that features unique treats. I highly recommend the tea or sake tasting experience, which includes five types of teas or sakes accompanied by one type of dessert each.

If you find yourself at HIGASHIYA’s main location in Ginza, don’t miss the chance to savor their exquisite seasonal wagashi, served in the café alongside an exceptional selection of Japanese teas. The selection changes every few weeks, but includes some of the most delicious takes on traditioal wagashi you will find in Tokyo. On your way out be sure to take some Okoshi wih you.

Next, we will introduce “HIGASHIYA GINZA”, which is about a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza 1-chome Station. As a modern “Japanese tea salon”, this is a shop that proposes an unprecedented style of tea. In addition to various confectionery such as seasonal sweets, we have a wide variety of tea leaves and tableware carefully selected from all over the country.

HIGASHIYA GINZA is a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that offers daily delights. They specialize in seasonal fresh sweets and a variety of confections. In addition to their delectable sweets, they also curate a selection of carefully chosen tea leaves and tea utensils from various regions across Japan.

Located in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, Higashiya Ginza offers a unique Japanese-style afternoon tea. The minimalist design of the space sets the mood for a tranquil, calming tea experience. You can enjoy seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets), matcha, and an array of other tea types sourced from across Japan.

1 Chome-7-7 POLA Ginza 2FChuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan(813) 3538-3230. Higashiya Ginza, located in POLA THE BEAUTY Ginza, is an attractive establishment with a tea salon and a collection of traditional Japanese sweets and ceramics.

Traditional meets modern at this Tea, tableware, and confectionary venue. The concept sounds niche, but in practice, customers enter for some tea and light bites, buy some wagashi, and often leave with a serving plate or two.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by HIGASHIYA (@higashiya_higashiya). Japanese confectionery is all about dried fruits and nuts.