Tabelog ratingSantoku Do (三徳堂) is a highly regarded tea purveyor in Ginza, focusing on fine Chinese and Taiwanese teas. It has built a formidable reputation among connoisseurs for its exceptional collection of aged pu-er teas, with reviewers noting lots from as far back as 1988 and 1999. The owner is consistently praised for his deep knowledge and willingness to guide customers through the nuances of each leaf.
Many visitors' reviews focus on the second-floor tea salon, which historically served guided tea tastings and Taiwanese desserts. However, the venue has confirmed that the second-floor café space is currently closed. Visitors should not expect a sit-down café experience. The ground floor remains open as a retail shop selling an impressive range of tea leaves and teaware.
In the past, guests raved about the salon's seasonal Taiwanese shaved ice (kakigori), especially the mango and doudou bing (豆豆氷) varieties, calling them generous and well-balanced. While these are not currently available, the quality of the tea for purchase remains a major draw. Reviewers have paid around ¥1,080 for a pot of the house pu-er tea and ¥500 for a takeout cup. When the salon was open, shaved ice desserts were priced around ¥1,000–¥1,380, and a reserved tea set was about ¥2,500.
For serious tea lovers and collectors, Santoku Do offers excellent value, providing access to rare leaves and expert advice. Casual visitors should be aware that it currently operates as a retail shop, not a café.
- Getting there: Santoku Do is a 4-minute walk from Ginza Station, Exit B3.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome at the ground-floor shop. The second-floor café is closed.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (VISA, JCB, AMEX) and d Barai QR code payments. Electronic money is not accepted.
- Language: Staff are friendly, but some visitors have noted that English communication can be limited.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
- Parking: No parking available.
