Matcha and Hydrangea Afternoon Tea with Gion Tsujiri
A refreshing early summer moment enjoying Gion Tsujiri’s matcha in the season when hydrangeas bloom beautifully, glistening with raindrops.
Each spring, the afternoon tea series at select venues draws consistent attention for its rotating seasonal themes and meticulous execution by an exclusive pastry chef. This year’s early summer installment centers on Gion Tsujiri’s matcha—renowned for its depth of aroma and umami—set against the visual motif of hydrangeas in peak bloom, their petals heavy with raindrops.
The first tier presents a study in contrasts: a Japanese-Western fusion Hojicha Verrine layered with seasonal fruits and shiratama dango; a Matcha Opera built from multiple strata of traditional matcha; and a translucent jelly whose appearance evokes the specific phenomenon of hydrangeas glistening after rainfall.
The second tier comprises six distinct preparations where the pastry chef deploys Gion Tsujiri’s matcha and hojicha in concentrated form. Notable compositions include a mousse calibrated so the slight bitterness of matcha meets the sweet-tart edge of strawberries; hojicha cookie butter sandwiches finished with edible flowers; and a hojicha tart where the textural interplay between crisp pastry shell and rich cream receives deliberate emphasis.
The third tier balances the preceding sweetness with three savory items: a bonito consommé whose aroma derives from carefully extracted dashi; a chicken ham open sandwich accented by the crunch of lightly pickled burdock; and a matcha couscous tabbouleh with marinated tuna that extends the tea theme into the savory realm.
Those seeking amplification of the core experience may add the Uji Matcha and Strawberry Parfait with Gion Tsujiri (from 2,990 yen including cafe charge), engineered to deliver both matcha and hojicha simultaneously through tiered ingredients that preserve each tea’s distinct character.
Menu Details
Sweets
- Hojicha Verrine
- Butterfly Pea Jelly
- Matcha Opera
- Strawberry and Matcha Mousse
- Hojicha Cookie Butter Sandwich
- Hojicha Tart
Savories
- Bonito Consommé Soup
- Lightly Pickled Burdock and Chicken Ham Open Sandwich
- Matcha and Couscous Tabbouleh Salad with Marinated Tuna
Scone Stand
- Matcha and White Chocolate
- Plain (served with condensed milk)
Drinks
Yokohama and Omiya Stores: All-you-can-drink tea (Mariage Frères), coffee, etc. (last order at 90 minutes)
Tokyo Shirokane Store:
| Plan | Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Standard | 1 cup of Mariage Frères tea + all-you-can-drink tea, coffee, soft drinks |
| Tea Selection | Mariage Frères tea selection + all drinks from Standard Plan |
Options
- Parfait (from 2,990 yen including cafe charge)
- Mini Parfait
- French Fries
- Matcha Drink (Hot & Ice)
Items other than the parfait may be ordered as a set with the afternoon tea. The Tokyo Shirokane store offers only mini parfaits and matcha drinks (hot & ice).
Practical Information
Venues & Access
| Venue | Location | Nearest Station |
|---|---|---|
| Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama | Yokohama | Sakuragicho Station |
| Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant Shikiteni | Saitama | Toro Station / Kamomiya Station |
| Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club | Tokyo | Meguro Station |
Event Period
- Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama: Wednesday, May 13 – Monday, June 29, 2026 | Closed Tuesdays
- Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant Shikiteni: Wednesday, May 13 – Monday, June 29, 2026 | Closed Tuesdays
- Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club: Thursday, May 14, 28; Friday, May 29; Thursday, June 4; Friday, June 19 | Closed Mondays, Tuesdays (except holidays), and company-designated days
Hours
| Venue | Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama | Weekdays 12:00–17:00; Weekends/Holidays 14:00–16:30 | 15:00 |
| Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant | 11:00–16:30 | 15:00 |
| Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club | 12:00–14:00 | Reception closes 15 minutes prior; L.O. 30 minutes prior |
Pricing
| Venue | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama | from 5,500 yen | from 6,000 yen |
| Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant | from 4,580 yen | from 4,800 yen |
| Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club | from 5,500 yen (flat rate) | — |
All prices include consumption tax and a 15% service charge.
Reservations & Inquiries
| Venue | Phone |
|---|---|
| Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama | 045-260-8845 |
| Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant Shikiteni | 048-662-5551 |
| Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club | 03-5475-3388 |
Official Sites
- Ristorante Mangiare Iseyama
- Omiya Riku Cafe & Restaurant Shikiteni
- Shirokane Geihinkan Art Grace Club
Listed content may be subject to change. Please confirm current details through the official venue or organizer website.
What is Tsujiri?
Tsujiri is a Japanese tea company founded in 1860 in Kyoto’s Gion district by Tsuji Riemon, a tea merchant who concentrated on developing methods for matcha cultivation and production. The original shop still operates in the same location.
Riemon’s work centered on refining tea processing techniques and establishing quality standards. His methods attracted enough attention that he received recognition from the imperial court—a formal acknowledgment of his contribution to tea production rather than a narrative of revolutionary transformation.
The company has since expanded into cafés and confectionery shops across Japan. These locations serve matcha drinks, desserts, and seasonal items, with the Tsujiri brand associated specifically with Uji matcha, a variety grown in the Uji region near Kyoto.
The Gion Tsujiri name refers to the original flagship operation, maintaining the connection to the company’s founding location while operating as a modern business.
