Tabelog ratingRun by an 80-year-old tea merchant, Cha no Ikedaya (茶の池田や) is a tiny stand in the labyrinthine underground of Shinjuku Station that draws crowds for one thing: its exceptional matcha soft-serve. This is not the generically sweet green tea ice cream found elsewhere; it's a deep, intensely green soft-serve with the authentic, slightly bitter flavour of high-quality matcha.
Reviewers consistently praise the signature 濃厚抹茶ソフトクリーム (rich matcha soft-serve) for its creamy texture and powerful, complex tea taste. The matcha float (抹茶フロート) is also a popular choice. At around ¥350 for a cup (or ¥400 for a cone), visitors consider it excellent value. Beyond the ice cream, the shop offers a surprisingly deep selection of ceremonial-grade matcha powders for sale, with brands like Marukyu Koyamaen sometimes available. Reviewers have seen tins of matcha powder from ¥1,000 to over ¥6,000, and tea bowls for around ¥2,200.
The main challenge is finding the shop, which is tucked away in the Odakyu Ace South underground mall. The space is very small and often has a queue. Visitors also note that English is limited, so it helps to know what you want. While the shop has a tax-free machine, multiple reviewers have reported it as being out of service for extended periods, so it's best to assume you'll pay the full price.
- Location: In the Odakyu Ace South underground shopping mall, accessible from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station.
- Booking: Walk-in only. Reservations are not accepted. Be prepared for a queue during peak times.
- Payment: The venue officially accepts credit cards, but numerous reviews and the shop's own notes specify that takeaway items, including the popular soft-serve, are cash only. It is safest to bring cash.
- Seating: There are only two seats available; most customers get their items to take away.
- Tax-Free Shopping: The tax-free system is frequently reported as unavailable. Plan to pay the full price including tax.
- Parking: Paid parking is available in the underground mall's car park.
- Smoking: The entire underground mall is non-smoking.