Cool Hunting
by Julie Wolfson
Nestled between the shops and trees in Tokyo's tranquil Nakameguro neighborhood, Higashiya is a seasonal confection shop and tea bar selling traditional Japanese sweets in the setting of a rustic house. The brainchild of design firm Simplicity , Higashiya brilliantly integrates the old with the new. Known for adding modern twists to conventional crafts, designer and confectioner Shinichiro Ogata creates elegant dishes like Japanese buns with grated yam and wheat cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves.
While they do offer year-round desserts, the seasonal confections are the stars of the menu. This month's sweet is Shiso-mochi, a treat made using fragrant Shiso leaves that fans cherish for its scent before eating. Combined with a warm cup of matcha, these sublime treats make for an incredible afternoon.
Higashiya
1-13-12 Aobadai Meguro-ku
Tokyo 153-0042 map
tel. +81 3-5428-1717
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