Hyperlocal Tokyo

While strolling through the charming Ama-zake Yokocho alley in Nihonbashi, a delightful aroma wafted through the air. The source of this enticing scent was none other than 'Morinoyen,' a venerable hojicha specialty shop established in 1914 during the Taisho era. ⭐︎ Located just a two-minute walk from 人形町 Station, the shop's first floor features a variety of hojicha teas for sale, while the second floor is a traditional Japanese sweets shop. You can even enjoy hojicha shaved ice there. And on the first floor's side, they offer soft serve ice cream. This time, I ordered the 'Hojicha Soft Cream (¥450). I was able to enjoy it immediately without any wait. The taste and aroma of hojicha spread throughout my mouth, and it was absolutely delicious.

Location: Ningyocho Station, about a 5-minute walk. I had some time to spare, so I came to "Morinoyen" for shaved ice, but they said it was the end of the season. So I ordered the Hojicha Soft Cream (¥450). They offered a choice of cone or cup, so I went with the cup (◠‿◠). This was my first time trying Hojicha soft cream, and it was delicious! It was sweet, but with a hint of tea bitterness. It's definitely a testament to the tea from this famous shop (๑>◡<๑)

I visited the shop before 5 PM on a weekday. I was drawn in by the sign for the hojicha soft cream in front of the shop and the delicious aroma of hojicha. I later found out that it was selected as one of the Tabelog 100 Best Restaurants. I was thinking of getting the soft cream, but I had been walking around in the heat, which was close to 35°C, and my throat was very thirsty. When I entered the shop, I saw delicious-looking cold hojicha. After some deliberation, I decided that hojicha would be better for my thirst, so I ordered a cold hojicha for 350 yen. Payment is accepted by various cards, electronic money, and code payments. Please refer to the photos for details. There is no eat-in space, so I inserted a straw and enjoyed it while walking. The refreshing, roasted aroma of the hojicha soothed my parched throat. I finished it in no time. Next time, I want to try the hojicha soft cream, which is a specialty of Ningyocho. The second floor is a sweets shop, and the shaved ice is said to be ending this year, so those who want to try it should hurry. Thank you for the delicious meal. I will visit again.

A hojicha specialty store in Ningyocho, established in 1914 during the Taisho era. This shop offers hojicha soft serve. You have only two choices: cone or cup. Of course, I chose the cone for the full soft serve experience. The soft serve was a rich, deep color, indicating its density. The aroma was delightful. Taking a bite, I was amazed by its incredible smoothness. The sweetness was subtle, making it the perfect tea-based dessert. The only drawback is that it melts quickly, so as the weather gets hotter, it might be a race against time to enjoy it!

I came to Morinoen to try their hojicha soft serve. I visited on a weekday afternoon and it was empty. The shop sells a wide variety of teas, and the second floor has a sweets cafe. This time, I was aiming for the hojicha soft serve, so I sat on a bench outside the shop and enjoyed it. The aroma and flavor of hojicha were enjoyable, and it was refreshing, so it wasn't heavy and easy to eat. It might be a bit underwhelming for those who crave a richer flavor, but it was delicious. It was a humid and sticky day, so it was perfect to enjoy outside. There is also a trash can available.