Matsubaya Saryo / Hakobune Gallery
By Matthew Eisenhauer
Pull up a stool to the umber-toned sugi (Japanese cedar) table, fingertips tracing its smooth groove. Lean in and inhale—the woodsy, balsamic scent confirms its origin. Above your personal goyoumat (Japanese white pine) bonsai, a flickering candle glows within an opaque glass lantern, casting gnarly root-like shadows on the charcoal-grey concrete walls of Matsubaya Saryo / Hakobune Gallery .
From a chakouro (traditional incense burner), warmed tea leaves release an earthy, roasted aroma. The menu offers only the finest Japanese teas and sake.
For a morning visit, try the matcha or sencha; for a cozy afternoon, the hojicha latte. Opt for the ¥1,500 seating charge per person to experience the tea ceremony counter in the back. Still craving more luxury? Take home their centerpiece—a stunning Juniper bonsai—for a cool ¥3 million (tax included).
Matsubaya Saryo / Hakobune Gallery
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