Hyperlocal Tokyo

The Wako Annex on the second floor, located on Harumi-dori Street in Ginza 4-chome, is a popular tea salon among ladies taking a break during their Ginza stroll. I visited because I wanted to try their seasonal sweets. I ordered the Ginza Pudding à la Mode and a melon parfait from their seasonal parfait selection, along with a blended coffee. Most of the other patrons seemed to be enjoying cake sets with coffee. The clientele was predominantly female, and the atmosphere was refined and elegant, though not overly ornate. The furniture showed some signs of age, but the staff was courteous and the overall ambiance was distinctly Ginza-like. The prices on the menu are typical for Ginza, not exactly cheap, but this is a great place to indulge in a luxurious experience every now and then. You can also use your Wako points card here.

This is a very stylish cafe. I visited around 12:00 PM on Sunday. There were two groups waiting, and we were called in quickly. However, around 1:30 PM, there were about 12 groups waiting in line. You can wait while browsing the souvenirs on the first floor and basement. The seasonal mille-feuille is highly recommended as it offers a variety of cakes to enjoy. There was a wide selection of cakes and drinks, which was great. The staff was incredibly helpful.

## Wako Ginza: A Luxurious Tea Salon and Patisserie in the Heart of Ginza **Address:** Wako Annex 2F, 4-4-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo **Access:** 10 seconds walk from Ginza Station B1 Exit (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) **Hours:** * **2nd Floor Tea Salon:** 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Last order 6:30 PM on Sundays and Holidays) * **1st Floor Cake & Chocolate Shop:** 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM (7:00 PM on Sundays and Holidays) * **Basement Gourmet Salon:** 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM (7:00 PM on Sundays and Holidays) **Closed:** None (except for year-end and New Year holidays) **About:** Experience the exquisite taste of Wako's commitment to quality. The basement features a gourmet salon with seasonal treats perfect for gifts and greetings. The first floor houses a cake and chocolate shop showcasing fresh cakes made in the Ginza 4-chome atelier, along with a selection of over 30 types of chocolates. On the second floor, a sophisticated tea salon awaits, offering desserts and light meals in a chic ambiance. (From the official website) **2nd Floor:** Enjoy meals made with carefully selected ingredients and health in mind, along with delightful sweets. **Reservations:** Reservations are not accepted. Please obtain a numbered ticket from the ticket machine at the cafe entrance and scan the QR code to wait for your turn. **Order:** * **Homemade Cake Set:** Cake of your choice + ¥1,210 **Review:** **Food:** * **Fraisier:** The Annex's most popular shortcake. The combination of delicate sponge cake, milky domestic whipped cream, and juicy strawberries is a heartwarming delight every time. The sponge cake is soaked in lemon syrup, giving it a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth texture. (From the official website) The whipped cream is rich in milk fat and has a subtle sweetness, which is delicious. The strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the cake. The sponge cake is fine-grained, but not overly moist. The syrup is lightly infused into the cake itself, resulting in a light flavor. * **Mont Blanc:** A Mont Blanc crafted with a tall, thin swirl of chestnut paste. The chestnut cream, made with French chestnut paste and Kumamoto Prefecture's Japanese chestnut paste, offers a luxurious taste that allows you to fully savor the aroma and flavor of chestnuts. The base is caramelized, adding a nutty aroma and a crunchy texture that complements the chestnut flavor. (From the official website) The Mont Blanc paste is rich and has a strong chestnut flavor. The cream inside and the base have a restrained sweetness. The base is made with meringue, creating a light, crunchy texture that I enjoyed. This Mont Blanc is a personal favorite. * **Pudding:** A meticulously crafted dessert featuring vanilla bean-infused cake and two types of caramel sauce. The base is made with a bittersweet sauce of sugar and water, and the finishing sauce is made with added cream for a smooth, rich flavor. The interplay of sweetness and bitterness makes for an enjoyable dessert. (Partially from the official website) The round part is whipped cream, which is thick and dense, and delicious on its own. The caramel has a strong bitterness, a taste for adults. The pudding cake is not overly eggy, and while vanilla beans are generously used, they are not overpowering. The texture is incredibly smooth, almost like a mousse, and light. * **Dimbula (Black Tea):** "Sweet aroma reminiscent of flowers and fruits, pairs well with milk." The aroma wasn't as floral as described, and I could taste some bitterness. The tea is served in a pot, enough for several cups. **Overall Impression:** Due to its popularity, it's best to visit early or obtain a numbered ticket and do some shopping in the area. As expected of Wako, the service is excellent, and the sweets are incredibly delicious. On the first floor, you can purchase fresh cakes and baked goods, making it a great place to find gifts. The cafe offers a beautiful view of the Ginza intersection. It's a cafe I want to visit again and again.

While shopping in Ginza, I was tired and thirsty, so I stopped in for a break! I've been here a few times for a break when I'm tired from shopping! It's usually crowded on weekends, so I avoid it, but sometimes there's no wait on weekdays, so I go in right away then. ^^ You can make reservations with a QR code, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation in advance and then go there when a table is available after shopping! Wako has a wide variety of teas, and I usually get the Royal Milk Tea, but today I was craving something refreshing, so I ordered the Iced Lemon Tea! Oh, it's so delicious! It's so soothing... (´ｰ｀) Thank you for the meal!

I visited around 1 pm on a weekday and there were two groups waiting. You can check the waitlist status online when you make a reservation, and you can also use the call function by linking your LINE account. This time, I had the white peach parfait and jasmine tea. The white peach parfait was as delicious as always, and I was very satisfied this year. It seemed crowded from around 2 pm, so I recommend coming early. Also, the seats are limited to 90 minutes, so be careful if you are meeting someone. White peach parfait ¥3,740 Jasmine tea ¥1,430