2026 Tokyo Jiyugaoka Desserts | Kosoan (古桑庵) Stunning Japanese Garden Matcha Tea House

The menu is concise and easy to choose from, focusing primarily on matcha-flavored desserts, along with anmitsu and cream anmitsu options.

The most popular choice is the Kosoan-style Matcha Shiratama Zenzai. At the bottom of the bowl lies a textured red bean paste, topped with several soft shiratama (rice flour dumplings), all drizzled with hot, thin matcha. The matcha is neither bitter nor astringent, carrying an elegant tea aroma that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the red beans. With every spoonful of soup and bite of shiratama, a warmth slowly spreads from your stomach. This dish is typically served with a cup of hot hojicha and a small side of salted kelp, allowing you to switch between sweet and savory flavors.

Another popular choice is the Cream Anmitsu. The agar jelly is crystal clear and topped with seasonal fruits—perhaps melon in the summer, or kiwi, pineapple, or mandarin oranges in other seasons—along with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream and a generous portion of Ogura red bean paste. The refreshing fruit and the richness of the ice cream intertwine, creating a dessert that is never overly sweet. Those who prefer a lighter taste can also opt for the simple Anmitsu.

The matcha itself is also a major highlight. When you order a bowl of matcha, it comes with a small confection prepared by the shop—sometimes a monaka, other times a seasonal wagashi. The bitterness of the matcha and the sweetness of the confection balance each other out perfectly. Sitting on the tatami mats and enjoying it slowly while looking out at the greenery of the garden is the perfect way to rest after exploring the shops of Jiyugaoka. In the summer, they also offer shaved ice in flavors like Uji Kintoki, Shiratama Kintoki, lemon, or milk; the refreshing chill of the ice is particularly delightful in the old house.