Enjoy the calmness of a beautiful garden while sipping on matcha tea. You can experience this peaceful retreat not only in Kyoto but also at Kosoan tea house, just a short 5-minute walk from Jiyugaoka Station in Tokyo. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, offering a break from the busy city life.
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History since the Taisho era
When you arrive at Kosoan tea house, you’ll first see a beautiful Japanese garden. The pathways are made with white millstones instead of traditional stepping stones, giving them a unique and gentle feel. Kosoan is part of the main house, which was originally built by Mr. Watanabe, the grandfather of the current owner, Ms. Setsuko Nakayama, in the late Taisho period. Mr. Watanabe, who used to play tennis with novelist Yuzuru Matsuoka, the son-in-law of Natsume Soseki, a prominent novelist from the Meiji to Taisho periods, named the tea house “Kosoan”.
Handcrafted with love for grandchildren
Kosoan’s charm lies in its beautiful Japanese dolls. When I visited in February, there were lovely Hina dolls on display. In Japan, there’s a festival called Hina Matsuri on March 3rd, where families pray for the healthy growth of young girls and display these dolls. The dolls at Kosoan are made by Ms. Fukuko Watanabe, Ms. Nakayama’s mother, who is a doll artist. She started making dolls because she wanted to make Hina dolls for her grandchildren. Over time, she made many dolls, and once a year, during the season when the Japanese garden turns red, she held an exhibition that eventually turned into a café where she served tea to guests. The dolls, made of crepe cloth and old fabric, have soft and gentle expressions that warm the space. Although their delicate nature may tempt you to touch them, it’s advisable to admire their beauty with your eyes to preserve their craftsmanship.
A luxurious moment to savor with aromatic matcha
What you must try in this preserved space from the Taisho era is definitely matcha. Whisked matcha is served with Japanese sweets. You can enjoy flavors like “matcha shiratama zenzai,” a combination of sweet red bean with chewy rice pudding in a bitter matcha broth. Another option is “anmitsu,” a delightful dessert with fruits, sweet red bean paste, agar jelly made from seaweed, and rich black syrup. During the summer, indulge in “kakigori,” shaved ice desserts with sweet syrup. These Japanese treats complement the matcha perfectly, offering a delightful experience in this serene setting, for your own enjoyment.
If you’re interested in other areas in Jiyugaoka, please refer to the article below.
Details
Contact: View Website
Address: 1-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00 – 18:30, For Weekdays, it opens from 12:00. Closes on Wednesday
