Issho: A Focused Houjicha Tasting Experience

Issho (一笑) offers a singular, focused experience: a guided tasting of houjicha, or roasted green tea. Located in Kanazawa's historic Higashiyama district, it elevates a simple cup of tea into a memorable ritual. The process is the main attraction: staff present three different freshly brewed houjicha for you to smell and compare before you make your choice. Your selected tea is then served with a seasonal wagashi (Japanese confection), presented on beautiful, locally made Kanazawa ceramics.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality and intense aroma of the teas, with varieties like Kaga-bocha and BOTTO! earning special mention. The knowledgeable staff provide clear explanations, enhancing the tasting. The seasonal sweets are also a highlight, with past offerings including a rich pudding (プリン), delicate nerikiri (練り切り), and Engadiner nut tarts. The calm, minimalist interior design, which thoughtfully pairs the tea service with artisan tableware, is frequently commended.

The main drawback is practical: the café is popular and does not take reservations, leading to queues, with some visitors reporting waits of 20 to 80 minutes, especially on weekends. The menu is also very limited, consisting of the tea and confection set. A small number of guests have found the staff to be reserved, but this is not a common complaint.

For the quality of the experience, Issho offers excellent value. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,540 for the standard set of one tea and one sweet. Add-ons are available, with an extra cup of tea costing about ¥660 and an additional sweet around ¥440. The typical spend is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999, which most feel is a fair price for a moment of affordable luxury.

• Getting there: Issho is a 5-minute walk from the Hashibacho bus stop in the Higashiyama district.
• Reservations: Bookings are not accepted. It is walk-in only, and queues are common. Staff may take your phone number and call you when a table is free.
• Seating: The space is small, with counter seats and a few tables.
• Payment: Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are accepted. Bringing some cash is always a good idea in Japan.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
• Parking: No private parking is available. Paid public parking lots are located nearby.
• Language: Many international visitors have had positive experiences, with some noting that staff use English or translation tools to explain the teas.