I discovered this place on social media and, as a matcha lover, I knew I had to try it. They’re famous for offering seven levels of matcha ice cream, ranging from Level 1, which is sweet with a mild matcha flavor, to Level 7, which is strong, thick, and slightly bitter. If you’re visiting Sensoji Temple, I definitely recommend stopping by since it’s nearby.
To manage crowds and avoid disrupting neighboring stores, they use a ticketing queue system. When you arrive, look for a worker holding a sign, and they’ll give you a ticket with a timeslot if there’s a wait. My partner and I arrived around 11:40 AM and received a ticket to return between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM.
We came back at 12:10 PM, entered the store, and were given a menu to browse while waiting. The line moved quickly, and there were shelves of items for sale, including matcha sets and snacks. Once you place your order and pay, you step to the side, and they’ll hand you your ice cream once it’s scooped. For other items like drinks or desserts, you’ll receive a slip with a letter or number. You’ll need to take this upstairs to the kitchen area, where the staff calls out orders in sequence.
We ordered a double scoop of ice cream with Levels 7 and 4, along with a matcha drink. The ice cream was definitely the highlight. Level 7 had a bold, slightly bitter flavor with a thicker, almost grainy texture (but in a good way—it’s clear it contains a high concentration of matcha). Level 4 was sweet with a balanced matcha taste, and I personally preferred it over Level 7, though the latter is great for those who enjoy less sweetness. The matcha drink was decent but not memorable, and the mochi included had a jelly-like texture that tasted more like milk than anything else.
If you plan to eat onsite, the upstairs area has a few benches and standing tables. Fortunately, turnover is quick since people generally eat and leave. This made it easy to find space to enjoy our treats. Overall, the ice cream was worth the visit, especially if you want to explore the range of...
Read moreA shop specialized in matcha that is popular for their different levels of matcha ice cream. I’ve been here many years ago and decided to revisit. Apparently, this has become a tourist must visit spot now because there was a line in front of the shop. We honestly did not expect it to be a long wait since it’s an ice cream shop and the line was not too long, but it was about an hour wait.
When we were nearly in front of the line, we figured that they had a queuing system where you need to pick up a queue and come back at indicate time slot on the paper since they do not encourage people to line up. However, the staff did not inform this to us and the signs were not shown when we first arrived. We eventually managed to get in after discussing with the staff that no one informed us and we’ve been here for almost an hour. It’s ridiculous if they want us to come back in another 30 minutes after standing and waiting for so long. It was another 15 min wait when you get into the shop. Service was super slow and they it’s cash only.
I ordered matcha ice cream level 3 and 6. Both have strong and intense matcha flavors but melted incredibly fast. However, it’s not much different or outstanding from other matcha ice cream you can find around Tokyo. Would not recommend this place if the wait is over 30 minutes. Not worth the...
Read moreA Matcha Lover’s Paradise! Suzukien Asakusa is a must-visit destination for matcha enthusiasts. Known for serving the world’s richest matcha gelato, this charming shop offers seven levels of matcha intensity, ranging from mild to an intensely bold flavor that’s perfect for true matcha connoisseurs.
The experience begins with a beautifully curated display of gelato options, where you can also find other delightful flavors like hojicha and black sesame. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, offering recommendations and free tastings to ensure you find your favorite.
The highlight, of course, is Level 7 matcha gelato, which bursts with authentic umami and bitterness that only premium-grade matcha can deliver. The texture is creamy, the flavor is rich, and the overall experience feels like indulging in a high-quality Japanese tea ceremony in frozen form.
The shop’s atmosphere is cozy, and it’s conveniently located near Sensoji Temple, making it a perfect stop during your Asakusa exploration. Prices are reasonable, given the exceptional quality and unforgettable taste.
Suzukien Asakusa elevates matcha to an art form, and every scoop is a testament to their dedication to quality. If you love matcha, this is a place you simply can’t miss.
Rating: 5/5 – Perfection in...
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