Japanese sweet maker Toraya is a Ginza institution: since opening here in 1947, its flagship shop survived subsequent decades of change in what has long been Tokyo’s most prestigious quarter. Now, with the premises recently reconstructed as the Toraya Ginza Building, its fourth floor is home to this quietly luxurious kissaten lounge. In a space conceived by acclaimed architect Hiroshi Naito to act as a cocooned refuge from the city streets, you'll get a close-up look at the crafting of Toraya’s timeless, delectable sweets.
Sound-absorbing walls and ceiling enclose the interior, which includes two private rooms as well as the natural-wood counter at which Toraya’s white-outfitted artisans can be observed as they work (reservation required for both the counter and the private rooms). Mirrored wall tiles reflect Ginza’s glitz literally and figuratively, extending out to the wood-decked terrace, which is dominated by a potted tree that is said to be over a century old.
Standout sweets include the Yowa no Tsuki (from ¥1,958 with drink). This sweet bean paste-containing delight, designed to resemble the full moon floating in a cloudy sky, has been a year-round favourite since Toraya introduced it back in 1994.
You’ll also find regular yokan and seasonal fresh sweets, offered with drink pairings that include black tea. Additionally, selected items are available from a takeout display counter by the entrance. These include a set of nine bite-size yokan, named chigusakan, that is exclusive to this store (¥2,484).