Kusunoki Sabo

Strolling through the expansive grounds of Kokyo Gaien National Garden toward the statue of Kusunoki Masashige, you will come across Kusunoki Sabo. Framed by an open lawn and black pines, this kiosk-style tea stand is a convenient rest stop where walkers can pause for tea and Japanese confections amidst the tranquil scenery.

Fragrant, Pleasingly Bitter Soft Serve and the Miyabi Parfait

A favorite order here is the special Uji matcha soft serve, known for its distinct tea aroma and refined, gentle bitterness. Those who prefer a balance of dairy sweetness and tea astringency can opt for the vanilla-matcha swirl, with an option to top it with gleaming edible gold leaf. For something more elaborate, the Miyabi Parfait layers vanilla soft serve and Japanese black tea ice cream with chewy warabi mochi, crisp candied sweet potato strips, crushed sweet potato, brown rice flakes, and tencha tea powder. The smooth chill of the ice cream contrasts nicely with the springy mochi and the crunch of toasted flakes right through to the final bite.

East Meets West: Coffee Shiruko and Monaka Ice Cream

An inventive sweet on the menu is the coffee shiruko, prepared using Hokodo's proprietary Kizaemon coffee bean blend. The gentle sweetness of red bean paste melts seamlessly into the roasted bitterness of the coffee, while chewy mochi dumplings provide a comforting texture that revives tired legs. For a lighter, cooling treat on the move, the monaka wafer sandwiches filled with matcha or Japanese black tea ice cream offer a crisp shell enclosing fragrant tea flavor.

Grab-and-Go Teas and Warm Bites Under the Trees

Savory snacks round out the offerings, including hot dogs scented with tencha leaves and a comforting miso soup with mochi, perfect for staving off hunger between sights. The drink roster is equally wide-ranging, featuring sencha blended with matcha, hojicha, and Japanese black tea alongside hot honey sencha lemonade and stone-ground coffee brewed by French press. Taking a chilled dessert or hot drink to enjoy while gazing at the wide sky and trees makes for a pleasant interlude on a walk through the palace gardens.