Yamamotoyama, a Japanese tea specialty store established in 1690 in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi area, is a renowned and historic establishment that played a significant role in popularizing sencha among the common people during the Edo period and is also credited with creating gyokuro.
Since 1947, they have been selling nori (seaweed) and have continued their business as a specialist store for Japanese tea and nori in the heart of Nihonbashi.
Fine Japanese tea and seaweed
In 2018, they opened their flagship store, Yamamotoyama Fujie sabo which takes pride in its history and tradition. The concept is to create a tearoom where visitors can intuitively experience the charm of tea and nori, fully engaging all five senses in the world of Yamamotoyama.
The interior features high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the space, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Despite its location in the center of Nihonbashi, the store offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a serene environment to enjoy a peaceful time.
Offering the rich flavor of tea
Their tea selection includes the signature product “Gokumi Tenka Ichi,” a blend of tea leaves from Shizuoka, Kyoto, and Kagoshima. They also offer carefully selected premium tea from various regions across Japan, such as Kawane-cha from Shizuoka, Organic Kirishima-cha from Kagoshima, Sayama-cha from Saitama, and Yame-cha from Fukuoka.
At Yamamotoyama Fujie Sabo, the staff is particular about the temperature of the water and the steeping time to allow customers to savor the changing flavors and aromas of the tea with each infusion. Alongside the tea, they serve seasonal Japanese confectioneries, as well as sweet treats like “Matcha Warabimochi” and “Matcha Shiratama Zenzai(sweet red bean soup) .”
Seaweed is the main ingredient of the menu
The restaurant also boasts a tantalizing menu of meals that use nori generously and emphasize the selection of quality ingredients. One of their specialties is the “Nori Juu (Salmon),” made by placing premium roasted nori in the middle and bottom layers, seasoning it with homemade soy sauce-based dressing, and sprinkling sliced nori on top of the rice. This dish allows you to fully savor the flavor of nori.
Additionally, they recommend the “Nori Men,” featuring noodles with a delightful chewiness, combined with the rich umami of nori sauce.
Luxurious tea and seaweed afternoon tea
Their popular afternoon tea “Chagashi-Kou” allows customers to enjoy both tea and nori simultaneously. The set includes two types of tea, along with ten assorted confectioneries (contents vary seasonally), three nori-wrapped sushi rolls, and three kinds of pickles.
For those interested in alcoholic beverages infused with tea, they offer options like matcha beer and sencha shochu to enjoy after a day’s work.
A wide selection of products
A retail section is available on-site, showcasing a variety of exclusive teas and popular items unique to Yamamotoyama that are also available on their cafe menu.
They sell a wide range of nori products, featuring eye-catching packaging that makes them ideal gifts.
Explore the new world of Japanese tea and nori proposed by this pioneer with a lasting legacy in the history of Japanese tea. Be sure to experience it firsthand at Yamamotoyama Fujie Sabo.
Store Information
Address: Takashimaya Mitsui Building 1F, 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3271-3273
Opening hours: Shop 10:30am-8pm / Cafe 11am-7pm
Open seven days a week
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