Tabelog ratingEstablished in 1914, Morinoen (森乃園) is a family-run tea shop and roastery in Nihonbashi Ningyocho that has become a landmark for one specific creation: its hojicha soft-serve ice cream. Using its own freshly roasted tea leaves, the shop produces a soft-serve celebrated by visitors for its deep, smoky aroma and a complex, pleasantly bitter flavour that is refreshing rather than overly sweet.
Across reviews, the signature hojicha soft-serve is the main draw. Guests consistently praise its concentrated tea flavour. The version served in a crisp monaka (wafer shell) with a dollop of hojicha-flavoured an (sweet bean paste) is also frequently highlighted as a delicious combination. While the shop's primary focus is tea, many visitors also purchase packaged teas to take home, noting that staff are helpful with recommendations despite limited English.
The experience is primarily takeout-focused. The second-floor café is now closed, and seating is limited to a few benches outside the shop, which can lead to queues of up to 30-45 minutes on weekends. Some reviewers find the prices high for a takeout treat, and a few minor complaints mention the ice cream melting very quickly or soggy biscuit toppings. However, for most visitors, the quality and unique flavour are worth it.
Reviewers in 2024-2026 typically paid around ¥600 for a hojicha soft-serve cone and ¥700 for the monaka version. Other items noted include a hojicha castella cake for ¥2,240. The typical spend is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999.
- Access: The shop is a 30-second walk from Exit A1 of Ningyocho Station (Hibiya Line) or a 2-minute walk from Exit A3 (Asakusa Line).
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. It is a walk-in-only establishment, and you should be prepared to queue during peak hours.
- Seating: The upstairs café is closed. Seating is very limited, consisting of about six spots on outdoor benches.
- Payment: Cash, credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Smoking & Parking: The entire establishment is non-smoking. No parking is available.
