Restaurant in Tokyo, Japan
Refined wagashi and tea, no full dinner required.
HIGASHIYA GINZA is the most accessible entry point into Tokyo's wagashi and tea culture in central Ginza — more considered than a café, less expensive than a full kaiseki room. Book easily, arrive without prior knowledge, and expect a quiet, well-executed afternoon experience that holds its own against venues charging considerably more.
Yes — if you want a refined Japanese tea and wagashi experience in Ginza without committing to a full multi-course kaiseki dinner, HIGASHIYA GINZA is the right call. Situated on the second floor of the Pola Ginza Building at 1-7-7 Ginza, it delivers the kind of quiet, considered hospitality that the neighbourhood's better-known restaurants charge significantly more for.
HIGASHIYA is one of the few places in central Tokyo where the tea ceremony tradition has been genuinely rethought for a contemporary setting rather than performed for tourists. The focus here is on Japanese confectionery — wagashi , paired with quality teas, served in a space that reads as minimalist without feeling cold. For a first-timer, the format is approachable: this is not a venue that demands you know your matcha grades or wagashi seasons in advance. The staff can guide you through choices, and the experience scales well whether you arrive curious or already informed.
At its price tier, HIGASHIYA GINZA sits in an interesting position: more considered than a typical Ginza café, less expensive than a formal kaiseki room at RyuGin or a full omakase counter at Harutaka. If you are spending time in Ginza and want something genuinely Japanese rather than another hotel lobby lounge, this is the most direct answer. It also works as an afternoon stop between other bookings , the pacing is relaxed enough that you will not feel rushed.
For first-timers to Tokyo's tea and wagashi category, the comparison that matters most is against similar venues in other neighbourhoods. HIGASHIYA has a location in Aoyama as well, but the Ginza address is the more convenient anchor for most visitors doing central Tokyo. If you are already planning evenings at L'Effervescence or Crony, building in an afternoon at HIGASHIYA GINZA adds texture to a Tokyo food itinerary without duplicating the dinner-format experience. Explore more options in our full Tokyo restaurants guide, or browse our Tokyo bars guide and Tokyo hotels guide to round out your trip. If your travels extend beyond Tokyo, Gion Sasaki in Kyoto and HAJIME in Osaka are worth building into your wider Japan itinerary. Other strong regional options include akordu in Nara, Goh in Fukuoka, 1000 in Yokohama, and Abon in Ashiya. For international context, the calibrated precision here is not unlike what Le Bernardin in New York City or Lazy Bear in San Francisco achieve in their own categories: quality that exceeds what the setting's visual restraint suggests.
| Detail | HIGASHIYA GINZA | RyuGin | Den |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo | Roppongi, Tokyo | Jimbocho, Tokyo |
| Format | Tea & wagashi | Kaiseki | Innovative Japanese |
| Price tier | Mid-range | ¥¥¥¥ | ¥¥¥ |
| Booking difficulty | Easy | Moderate–Hard | Moderate |
| Leading for | Afternoon, solo, pairs | Special occasions | Casual evenings |
| Venue | Price | Booking Difficulty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGASHIYA GINZA | Easy | — | |
| Harutaka | ¥¥¥¥ | Unknown | — |
| L'Effervescence | ¥¥¥¥ | Unknown | — |
| RyuGin | ¥¥¥¥ | Unknown | — |
| Crony | ¥¥¥¥ | Unknown | — |
| Den | ¥¥¥ | Unknown | — |
Key differences to consider before you reserve.
HIGASHIYA GINZA has a counter-style tea bar where solo guests and pairs can sit and order wagashi with tea — this is actually the format the space is built around. It is a more intimate setup than a table booking and works well for a shorter visit. Counter seats may fill quickly during peak Ginza shopping hours, so arriving early in the session is advisable.
For a full multi-course dinner in Tokyo, RyuGin and Den are the natural escalation from HIGASHIYA GINZA's lighter tea-and-sweets format. If you want high-end Japanese cuisine with a counter experience closer to omakase, Harutaka is the sushi counterpart. L'Effervescence and Crony serve a different audience entirely — contemporary and creative rather than traditional — so the comparison only holds if you are flexible on format.
Yes — the counter format at HIGASHIYA GINZA suits solo visitors well. A tea-and-wagashi pairing is a low-pressure way to spend an hour in Ginza without committing to a multi-course meal, and solo guests are a natural fit for counter seating. It is a practical stop between other Ginza commitments rather than a destination dinner.
It works for a specific kind of occasion: a quiet, considered afternoon with someone who appreciates traditional Japanese craft. If you need a full dinner, a long tasting menu, or a wine list, HIGASHIYA GINZA is not the right call — RyuGin or Den would serve better. For a refined pause during a Ginza itinerary, or as a standalone tea experience for a couple, it carries enough ceremony to feel deliberate.
Booking at least one to two weeks in advance is sensible, particularly for weekend visits or holiday periods in Ginza. The space is compact and located in the Pola Ginza Building at 1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo City — foot traffic in this district is high year-round. Walk-ins may be possible on quieter weekday afternoons, but confirming availability before travelling is the safer approach.
Keep this venue in your Pearl passport, rate it after you visit, and track it alongside every other place you collect.
