Senju Sabo

Take a bite of the shiratama, and the steaming heat and supple chew of freshly boiled mochi dumplings become immediately apparent. Nestled in a backstreet of Kita-Senju, Senju Sabo is renowned for these made-to-order rice dumplings across its dessert menu. In the Cream Shiratama Dainagon Anmitsu, plump, lightly sweetened Dainagon azuki beans and firm cubes of agar complement the soothing warmth of the shiratama. The accompanying ice cream can be chosen from 3 varieties—vanilla, matcha, or roasted hojicha—with the deeply toasty hojicha being a particular favourite.

When you crave something warm, the Shiratama Dainagon Zenzai coats fresh dumplings in generous red bean sauce, while the Inaka Shiruko sends up fragrant steam from an aromatic toasted mochi cake that warms you to the core. Traditional treats like warabimochi drizzled with mellow black sugar syrup and chilled kuzukiri noodles, served after waiting 15 to 20 minutes, round out the classic offerings.

Beyond tea and confections, many guests come for a satisfying midday meal. The Daily Set Meal brings both meat and fish together on one tray, serving dishes like steamed chicken and grilled fish alongside sides such as miso stir-fry and pounded burdock, plus salad, miso soup, and rice. Finishing polished, subtly sweet rice and carefully seasoned side dishes, then following them with a mini anmitsu or warabimochi, is one of the tearoom's great pleasures.

The interior offers counter and table seating, thoughtfully equipped with under-seat luggage storage that makes solo visits comfortable. The soothing warmth of tea served upon sitting down and the gentle service combine to provide a restful pause from the bustle of daily life.