Toraya (Tokyo Midtown)

Appreciate the art of wagashi and try other traditional desserts at Toraya in Tokyo Midtown.

What is Toraya?

Founded in Kyoto in the early 16th century, Toraya became one of the most famous confectionery companies in the country. Having supplied wagashi (sweets enjoyed with green tea) to the Imperial court during the late 1500s, it is no wonder it has retained its status as one of the best. These days, Toraya has around 80 shops across Japan and even a boutique in Paris.

In Roppongi’s Tokyo Midtown, you can find both a Toraya shop and the adjoining tea room, Toraya Karyo. At Toraya Karyo, you can enjoy a variety of desserts including anmitsu (agar jelly) and kuzukiri (jelly-like noodles). No tea shop would be complete without tea, and you’ll find a solid selection of green tea — sourced from Kyoto — on the menu as well.

As you can imagine, given its legendary status, dining here comes at a price. Expect to pay around ¥770 for a drink and over ¥1,000 for a dessert.

After you’ve appreciated your desserts, take a moment to look around the main Toraya shop. Here, you can buy exclusive wagashi to take home with you. In addition, the store sometimes host small temporary exhibitions where you can learn more about traditional Japanese sweets.

What to know before you visit Toraya

Do you need reservations for Toraya?

We recommend calling to make a reservation, as online reservations are not available. Walk-ins are also, but please note that the café can get quite busy in the evenings and on weekends, so you may need to queue.

by Jane Pipkin