Lost in matcha options in Asakusa? Here’s where I experienced a new way to enjoy Japanese tea

Asakusa is full of matcha shops.
But have you ever found yourself wondering where to go?
I was one of those people too.

That’s when a friend introduced me to MARUZEN Tea Roastery Asakusa.
This unique tea shop offers a new way to enjoy Japanese tea—you can choose both your tea and tea gelato based on roasting temperature.

But you might be wondering…
“What difference does the roasting temperature range make?”
“What are the most popular items?”
“Is it English-friendly?”

I had the same questions before visiting. But once I went, I experienced not only their attentive service, but also a completely new way to enjoy Japanese tea. 

In this article, I’ll guide you as your “friend in Asakusa,” sharing tips on how to fully enjoy your experience at MARUZEN Tea Roastery Asakusa and easing any concerns you might have!

1. How Does the Roasting Temperature Range Affect Flavor?

The gelato is made at their own factory in Kanagawa Prefecture, using no artificial flavors or artificial coloring—making it a gentle and more natural option.

At this shop, you can choose your tea gelato based on roasting temperature, ranging from 0°C to 200°C.

There is a wide variety of flavors, including Uji matcha, Shizuoka matcha, Nishio matcha, gyokuro, genmaicha, Japanese black tea, chocolate, and Hokkaido cream, as well as a vegan matcha option—14 flavors in total.

So how does the flavor actually change?

Here are some examples:

0°C (Matcha): Not roasted, so you can taste the natural sweetness and aroma of matcha with a light hint of bitterness

・100°C (Light roast / Sencha): A refreshing taste similar to green tea

・130°C (Medium Roast / Sencha): The flavor becomes richer, with peak astringency. It also has a deeper flavor and a stronger aroma

・160°C (Brown roast): Transforms into hojicha, offering a toasty aroma with a soft sencha undertone

・200°C (Dark roast): A bold, intense flavor with maximum roasted aroma just before burning

There are many other varieties as well, so trying a tasting comparison is highly recommended.

2. Recommended Menu

If you want to try and compare different roasting temperature teas, ordering them in a cup is highly recommended.
You can choose from single or double servings, as well as tasting sets such as the three major matcha comparison.

Since the flavor changes depending on the roasting temperature, trying multiple varieties helps you clearly experience the differences.

This tasting-style approach is perfect for those who want to enjoy a variety of flavors in one visit.

Genmaicha (130°C), Gyokuro (80°C), Milk Gelato

Also, I highly recommend the rich dessert topped with fresh mont blanc cream over tea gelato.

Watching them pipe ultra-fine mont blanc right in front of you is part of the experience and a real highlight.

Inside the mont blanc, there is a double scoop of gelato, and you can choose your favorite flavors. I chose sencha (100°C) and hojicha (200°C).

The refreshing taste of sencha and the deep roasted aroma of hojicha create a nice contrast, making every bite interesting from start to finish.

The best part is that you can customize it based on your own preferences, which makes the dessert even more special.

3. English Support

The shop has an English menu available at the ordering counter, so even first-time visitors can order with ease and confidence.

All staff members are also able to speak English, which makes it easy to enjoy your visit without any language barriers—a very reassuring point.

According to the owner, Mr. Ohnaka, on weekdays there are even more international customers than Japanese visitors, making the shop especially popular among overseas travelers.

Owner, Mr. Ohnaka, kindly explains the tea and gelato in detail.

For this reason, the environment is well-prepared for tourists, allowing for a smooth and stress-free ordering experience.

In addition to gelato, the shop also sells tea and goods, making it a nice option if you’re looking for a souvenir from Asakusa.

My Experience

MARUZEN Tea Roastery Asakusa will celebrate its first anniversary on May 1, 2026.

To mark this special occasion, they are offering a limited-time menu: Uji hand-picked 100% matcha latte × triple gelato.

This special treat will be available from April 20, 2026 to June 30, 2026 (planned), and is a limited-time and limited-quantity offer.

The Uji hand-picked 100% matcha latte is topped with three gelato flavors:

💚 Rich and smooth Uji matcha
🥛 Rich and creamy Hokkaido milk
🔥 Aromatic hojicha (200°C roast) with a deep roasted flavor

Normally, a double (2 flavors) costs 1,800 yen, but the triple (3 flavors) is 1,900 yen. That means you can upgrade to a triple for just +100 yen—a great value offer.

The matcha latte is carefully whisked right in front of you and lightly sweetened with beet sugar syrup for a gentle sweetness.

It has a clean, well-balanced taste, making it a great option even for health-conscious visitors. It’s a visually beautiful dessert drink that you can enjoy both watching and tasting.

If you’re visiting Asakusa, this is definitely a special cup worth trying!

Basic information

🏠 MARUZEN Tea Roastery Asakusa

📍 1-36-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 9:00 - 18:00

💤 No regular holidays

🚶 2-minute walk from Kaminarimon

💴 Cash, credit cards, and electronic money are accepted

If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!