Month: February 2026

Matcha Café in Shibuya

A stylish, minimalist matcha café in Shibuya, Hatoya is popular spot with foreign tourists. The staff spoke English and were friendly, which made ordering easy. The open seating layout gives the space a modern, airy feel and would be perfect in warmer weather. Unfortunately, I visited in winter, and sitting on the cement seats made it quite chilly — cushions or seat mats would have been a thoughtful addition.

The café offers a variety of matcha options with different flavor profiles, allowing you to choose based on intensity and taste preference. In addition to matcha, they also serve hojicha, black tea, ice cream, and a small selection of desserts.

I ordered a hot matcha latte and matcha ice cream. I was really looking forward to the matcha, but it ended up being a bit disappointing. The matcha latte was quite light and tasted more of milk than matcha, lacking the depth and slight bitterness I usually enjoy. The ice cream had a bold matcha taste, which I enjoyed, but the texture was crumbly and slightly icy rather than smooth and creamy. The glutinous rice balls, however, were soft and chewy — easily the best part of the dessert.

Overall, it’s a beautiful space with friendly service and a strong concept, but the flavors didn’t quite live up to the aesthetic for me.

Hatoya Shibuya

Japan, 〒150-0047 Tokyo, Shibuya, Kamiyamacho, 3−8 AISKビル 1階

Hidden Behind a Parking Lot: A Coffee Gem at Weekenders

Weekenders Coffee is a specialty coffee shop tucked quietly behind a parking lot — the kind of place you’d easily miss if you weren’t looking for it. Once you step through, though, it feels like discovering a hidden gem. The space is small but beautifully aesthetic, set inside a traditional machiya with a charming Japanese front garden decorating the entrance. The greenery and wooden façade create a calm, understated atmosphere that feels very Kyoto.

They also operate a separate roastery and roast their own beans, which are available for sale at the coffee stand.

Seating is limited, with mostly standing room, so it’s more of a quick coffee stop rather than a place to linger for hours. Perfect for a morning caffeine boost or a takeaway cup before exploring the neighborhood. One thing to note: there are no non-dairy milk alternatives available.

I ordered a cappuccino. The foam was thick and smooth, holding its structure beautifully as I drank. The coffee itself had balanced flavors — rich but not overpowering, with a clean finish.

WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI

Japan, 〒604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, 560 離れ

Simple, Soulful Soba in Suwa

Soba Tomiya

A traditional soba restaurant in Suwa, a small city about two hours north of Tokyo in Nagano Prefecture. They specialize in handmade soba with a choice of 80% buckwheat or 100% buckwheat noodles — the 100% buckwheat option is an additional 1,500 yen.

The restaurant itself is simple, small, and no-frills — the kind of place that feels local and authentic. The staff were friendly and spoke some English, and there’s an English menu available, which was very helpful.

They offer both hot and cold soba options. I ordered the cold soba with tempura. The noodles had a wonderful firm bite and subtle nuttiness. The dipping sauce was light yet deeply umami, and the freshly grated daikon added a gentle sweetness and brightness that made each bite refreshing and balanced.

The tempura was exceptional — the batter light, delicate, and perfectly crisp without feeling greasy. Every piece was airy and beautifully fried.

I enjoyed the meal so much that I went back again the next day. It was one of those simple but memorable dining experiences — the kind that quietly stays with you. A truly memorable meal in Suwa.

 

Soba Tomiya

3 Chome-8-10 Kogandori, Suwa, Nagano 392-0027, Japan