Hyperlocal Tokyo

This shop is located inside Takashimaya, a department store in Nihonbashi. It's very popular, so you'll likely need a reservation to get in. Honestly, I'm not a tea connoisseur, so I find the prices a bit steep. However, if you're someone who appreciates Japanese tea, it's definitely worth a visit. The atmosphere is calm and serene, and they serve the tea three times (like three refills). Some of the wagashi (Japanese sweets) are only available after 2 pm, so you'll need to plan your visit accordingly. If you're looking for a casual experience with Japanese tea and sweets, this is the place for you. They also sell seaweed in addition to tea.

I enjoyed a weekday-only hand-rolled sushi set of four, featuring Yamamotoyama seaweed. Upon being seated at the counter, I was served roasted green tea sparkling water and cold-brewed green tea. Both had a delightful aroma that whetted my appetite. The sushi was prepared right before my eyes, with the seaweed toasted to perfection, and served according to the base I chose. As it was a late weekday lunch, I had the pleasure of chatting with the chef while enjoying my meal.

The nori bento box at Yamamotoyama's main store allows you to savor the simple aroma and deliciousness of nori. ☺️ They use three sheets of the highest quality nori! 😳 Of course, the tea at Yamamotoyama is also delicious. ♪

Yamamotoyama's Tea Room, famous for its seaweed. Their seaweed bento is truly a masterpiece. After your meal, you'll be served tea and sweets (sets are also available). The tea is brewed to perfection by the staff, so you don't have to worry about the steeping time.

I made a reservation and visited with a friend. I ordered the salmon and seaweed rice bowl. The bowl was filled with fluffy, fragrant seaweed that completely covered the rice. Underneath, there was another layer of familiar seaweed, allowing me to enjoy different types and aromas. The side dishes were also delicately seasoned to complement the seaweed's flavor, creating a very refined taste. As the name suggests, the salmon rice bowl featured three slices of rich, flavorful salmon with a delicate saltiness that paired perfectly with the rice. The dessert was from Nagato, and it was also very delicious with a pleasant sweetness. I had the seasonal green tea, which was a grape tea. The tea had a lovely aroma with a subtle touch of grape acidity and fragrance, making it incredibly delicious. The cashless payment system was also convenient and efficient. I definitely plan to visit this restaurant again.