Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture has nurtured its own unique culture of Kaga Boucha (roasted twig tea) and the art of tea ceremony. It is a charming city where not only tea but also elegant traditional cultures such as Japanese sweets and crafts thrive. In Kanazawa City, you can find Japanese tea cafes where you can leisurely savor specialty tea like Kaga Boucha and matcha, as well as specialty tea shops that sell hojicha (roasted green tea). Here are some of our recommendations.
Kaga Boucha originated in the Kaga region and is a type of roasted twig tea that is beloved in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is made by roasting the finest stems, resulting in a fragrant aroma, natural sweetness, and refreshing taste. Each establishment carefully roasts Kaga Boucha using its own unique roasting methods passed down through generations. We highly recommend trying their meticulously crafted Kaga Boucha to experience its distinctive flavor.
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1. Issho
Maru Hachi Seichajyo, established in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1863, is a renowned tea manufacturer and retailer specializing in Kaga Boucha. They are the creators of Issho, a hojicha specialty shop that opened in 1994. Located in the heart of Kanazawa’s famous Higashi Chaya District, Issho stands as a prominent establishment.
Issho embraces the concept of “Fragrance, Taste, Connection” to introduce the enchanting allure of Maru Hachi Seichajyo’s tea. The interior of the shop, which occupies a renovated traditional machiya (townhouse), features a cafe, gallery, and co-working space.
The cafe offers spacious counter seats and table seats, providing ample room for guests to fully enjoy the deliciousness of Maru Hachi Seichajyo’s Kaga Boucha.
The cafe menu features three types of tea “Kenjo Kaga Boucha,” “Kaga Hojicha,” and a seasonal hojicha. The flagship product, “Kenjo Kaga Boucha,” originated in 1983 when Maru Hachi Seichajyo presented Kaga Boucha to Emperor Hirohito during the National Tree-Planting Festival in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is characterized by the meticulous roasting of the highest-quality stems, resulting in a refreshing taste and a delightful aroma.
You can enjoy hojicha paired with a seasonal Japanese or Western confectionery in a set called Seasonal Sweet. This allows you to savor the flavors of hojicha while complementing it with a delightful treat that changes with the seasons.
Details
Address: 1-26-13 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City
Phone: 076-251-0108
Opening hours: 12am-5pm（L.O.4:30pm）
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
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2. Amano Chaten
Amano Chaten is a Japanese tea specialty store located near Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District. Established 97 years ago in 1923, it is a renowned and long-standing store in Kanazawa.
The flagship product of Amano Chaten is Kaga Boucha, a specialty tea from the region.
The 4th generation owner, Mr. Kiichi Amano, and his son, the 5th generation owner, Mr. Rito, are committed to preserving the traditions of Kaga Boucha that have been passed down through the generations.
One of their popular and classic products is “Kaga Boucha Kaga Kaori,” which utilizes only the most tender parts of the tea leaves, specifically from the veins to the stems, carefully selected from the first flush. These stems are meticulously roasted in small batches over direct flame and finished using three different roasting techniques, resulting in a deep and flavorful brew.
In celebration of their 90th anniversary, Amano Chaten opened a Japanese tea café called “Wabisabi” with the heartfelt desire of its owner, Mr. Kiichi Amano, to share the easygoing enjoyment of authentic tea.
The cozy cafe space allows visitors to enjoy Amano Chaten’s prideful selection of Japanese teas, including their renowned Kaga Boucha, alongside delectable sweets and desserts.
Details
Address: 1-3-35 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City,
Phone: 076-252-3489
Opening hours: 9am-6pm
Open seven days a week
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3. Shima / Kanson-an
Shima is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located in the Higashi Chaya District of Kanazawa City. It is a prestigious teahouse built in 1820 during the Edo period.
The elegant building from that time has been preserved, making it a precious place where you can experience Kanazawa’s teahouse culture. Please do take the opportunity to savor the refined atmosphere unique to teahouses, which were once venues where geisha entertained guests.
Within a separate building of “Shima” is a tearoom called “Kanson-an.” Here, you can enjoy matcha tea and sweets while overlooking the garden in a calm and serene space.
Since the teahouse is relatively less crowded immediately after opening, it is recommended for those who wish to spend a leisurely tea time to arrive early.
Details
Address: 1-13-21 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City,
Phone: 076-252-5675
Opening hours: Mar-Nov 9:30am-5:30pm, Dec-Feb 9:30am-5pm
Open seven days a week
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4. Yonezawa Chaten
Yonezawa Chaten is a long-established Japanese tea specialty store in Kanazawa, founded in 1875. It is located near the famous Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa City, and its traditional and charming appearance leaves a lasting impression.
The flagship product of this store is the Kaga Boucha called “Boucha Kaga Iri Cha.” It is manufactured using only the stems of the first flush tea leaves, using a unique deep roasting method that has remained unchanged since its establishment.
The distinct characteristics of “Bocha Kaga Iri Cha” are its deep roasted aroma and rich flavor.
If you are looking for a robust Kaga Boucha tea for everyday use, I highly recommend it. This particular “Bocha Kaga Iri Cha” received the Bronze Award at the “2020 Japanese Tea Selection Paris,” a Japanese tea competition held in Paris, France.
Details
Address: 3-2-20 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City,
Phone: 076-252-1876
Opening hours: 9am-4pm
Closed on Sundays, National holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays
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5. Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho
Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho is a Japanese tea specialty store located in Kanazawa City. It was established in 1949, inheriting the name of a prestigious old tea merchant from Kyoto.
Situated close to the Higashi Chaya District, you’ll find the main branch of Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho. They offer various teas for sale, including Kaga Boucha, Matcha, Sencha, and Japanese black tea.
Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho sells three types of Kaga Bocha that are carefully roasted using far-infrared roasting machines. The most popular variety is the “Hyakumangoku Kaga Boucha.” It is a hojicha tea made by lightly roasting the stems of the first flush tea to preserve its umami flavor and achieve a plump texture.
The cafe serves traaditional Japanese confections from Kanazawa’s renowned confectionery shop called “Yoshihashi Kashi-ten,” along with Japanese tea such as matcha and Kaga Boucha.
Details
Address: 1-7 Shimo-Shinmachi, Kanazawa City
Phone: 076-231-0390
Opening hours: 9:30am-4pm（L.O. 5pm）
Closed on year-end and New Year’s holidays and the third Sunday of the month
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6. Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho Kanazawa Emza store
Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho Kanazawa Emza store, located in the central department store of Kanazawa, Emza, is a Japanese tea specialty store with a focus on cafe-style seating. The store offers both table and counter seats where you can leisurely enjoy tea and traditional Japanese confections.
One of the popular items on the cafe menu is the “Japanese Tea Set,” which includes a selection of tea such as Kaga Boucha, Sencha, and Matcha, accompanied by freshly made Japanese confections. The “Kaga Bocha” from Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho is known for its lightly roasted stems of high-quality first flush tea, boasting a delightful fragrance and elegant flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with the traditional confections.
The store also recommends trying their soft-serve ice cream flavors made from Kaga Boucha and Matcha.
In the retail area of the store, a wide variety of tea are available for purchase. Kanazawa is known as a city with a thriving tea ceremony culture, boasting one of the highest numbers of tea ceremony practitioners in Japan. Kanbayashi Kanazawa Chaho is beloved by tea enthusiasts in Kanazawa and offers not only Matcha but also a rich selection of tea utensils such as Matcha whisks to cater to the local tea culture.
Details
Address: 1F, Kanazawa Mza, 15-1 Musashi-machi, Kanazawa city
Phone: 076-260-2608
Opening hours: 10am-6:30pm
Closed following the schedule of Kanazawa Mza
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7. Chasha Mikoto
Chasha Mikoto is a specialty tea shop in Kanazawa City that focuses on both Japanese tea and Taiwanese tea. It is located near the picturesque Machiya District, known for its charming streets, and sits alongside the Asano River.
Chasha Mikoto operates from 10am to 1pm with tasting hours and from 1pm to 5pm as a cafe. During the Tasting hours, you have the opportunity to taste three types of tea (Japanese tea and Taiwanese tea).
For Japanese tea, they source their selection from producers in various regions across Japan, including Shizuoka, Kyoto, Saitama, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Ibaraki. They offer over 30 unique tea ranging from Sencha to Black tea, Oolong tea, Gyokuro, and Kamairicha. Additionally, they also carry more than 10 varieties of Taiwanese tea, including Oolong tea and Black tea, sourced directly from tea producers and roasters in Taiwan. It’s important to note that “Tasting” requires advance reservations, which can be made via phone or through their website.
The cafe menu features recommended teas such as Gyokuro, Sencha, and Black tea from Japan, as well as Taiwanese teas like Oriental Beauty tea and Tongding Oolong tea. You can relax and enjoy your tea at the counter seats or on the tatami floor seating inside the shop.
Details
Address: 1-9-66 Hikosan-cho, Kanazawa City
Phone: 070-3982-0463
Opening hours: Tasting 10am-1pm Cafe 1pm-5pm (L.O.4pm)
Closed on Thursdays, Sundays and holidays
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8. The Tea Shop Chanomi
The Tea Shop Chanomi is a Japanese tea specialty store located in Kanazawa City. With the theme of “Proposing a Wonderful Life with Japanese Tea,” they offer a wide selection of teas from various regions in Japan. The main store, located in Tomigashi, Kanazawa, has a cafe where you can enjoy their carefully selected teas along with original Japanese sweets.
One of their flagship products is “Fukurocha”. It is an original tea bag product created with the intention of allowing everyone, even those without a teapot, to enjoy a delicious tea. Fukurocha offers over 50 varieties of tea, including Kaga Boucha, Sencha, domestic Oolong tea, flavored tea, herbal tea, and caffeine-free tea. They also have a rich selection of teas that are suitable for cold brewing.
At The Tea Shop Chanomi , you can sample any tea that catches your interest. The staff is knowledgeable and will provide detailed explanations and recommendations when you have any questions about selecting tea.
The cafe space within the store is open and inviting. They offer a variety of menu items, including all the teas available such as Fukurocha, Premium matcha, and various sweets.
Details
Address: 2-8-24 Togashi, Kanazawa City
Phone: 076-227-9400
Opening hours: 10am-7pm
Closed on Wednesdays except New Year’s holidays
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9. The Tea Shop Chanomi Kanazawa Omicho Market Store
The Tea Shop Chanomi’s Kanazawa Omicho Market Store is located in the heart of Kanazawa at the Omicho Market.
At the “Kanazawa Omicho Market Store,” their flagship product, “Fukurocha”, takes center stage. Fukurocha is an original tea bag product created with the intention of allowing everyone, even those without a teapot, to enjoy a delicious tea.
They also offer the famous local specialty “Kaga Boucha” in a special package exclusive to the Kanazawa Omicho Market Store. This makes it a recommended souvenir from Kanazawa. In addition to Kaga Boucha, they have over 40 varieties of tea available, including Sencha, domestically produced Oolong tea, flavored tea, and caffeine-free tea. The store also provides a selection of takeaway menu items.
You can enjoy unique treats such as soft-serve ice cream made with powdered Kaga Boucha and the refreshing flavors of their bagged tea.
Details
Address: 50-1 Kamiomicho, Kanazawa City
Phone: 076-254-0214
Opening hours: Weekdays 9am-3:30pm
Weekends and holidays: 8:30am-4pm
Closed on Wednesdays
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10. Nodaya Chaten
Nodaya Chaten is a long-established Japanese tea specialty store founded in 1859, located near the bustling Higashi Chaya District, which is Kanazawa’s representative downtown area.
The store features a cafe space and has been cherished by the local community for many years. The flagship product of Nodaya Chaten is, of course, the renowned “Kaga Boucha”. The tea leaves used are sourced from a trusted tea wholesaler in Shizuoka. The roasting method involves direct fire roasting of the stems from the first-picked tea, followed by additional sand roasting, ensuring meticulous attention to the roasting process.
In the cafe space, you can enjoy the specialty “Kaga Boucha” and other drinks such as Matcha Latte, as well as sweets made with tea. A popular menu item that many customers order is the “Matcha Soft” prepared using freshly ground matcha from a stone mortar inside the store, allowing you to savor the authentic aroma and richness of matcha.
In addition, the menu also includes various Japanese-style sweets such as Kaga Boucha Parfait and Matcha Parfait. You can leisurely enjoy your tea time while overlooking the inner courtyard.
Details
Address: 3 Tatemachi, Kanazawa City
Contact: 076-221-0982
Opening hours: Weekdays 9:30am-6:30pm
Open seven days a week
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11. Kanazawa Saryo
Kanazawa Saryo is an experiential art cafe where you can enjoy Japanese tea in self-made ceramics. Located in a renovated old folk house on Utatsuyama, offering a panoramic view of Kanazawa’s cityscape, “Kanazawa Saryo” opened in March 2022.
At “Kanazawa Saryo,” a unique 120-minute program consisting of two steps – “Art Experience” and “Cafe Experience” is offered, allowing you to create your own ceramics using the innovative painting technique called “Kanazawa-nuri” and enjoy Japanese tea using your handmade ceramics. It’s a special experience that combines painting, savoring, and appreciating the art.
In Step 1, the “Art Experience,” you can select a ceramic piece from the “Kutani-yaki” traditional crafts of Kanazawa, such as a teacup or a sake cup, and create an original-coloured ceramic using the “Kanazawa-nuri” technique.
In Step 2, the “Cafe Experience,” you can enjoy a recommended cup of tea from the three varieties offered under the tea brand “shu ha ri” which embodies the concept of “Shu Ha Ri” a principle in the tea ceremony. Using your freshly made original ceramics, you can fully immerse yourself in the pleasant atmosphere and savor your tea time.
Details
Address: 16-17 Utatsu-cho, Kanazawa City
Phone: 076-254-6647
Opening hours: 10am-6pm
Irregular holidays
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