When you visit an area with a traditional Japanese setting, wouldn’t you want to sit down and taste some tea-flavored desserts and a cup of nicely brewed tea? If your answer is yes, Wahōan (狭山茶カフェ 和芳庵) is the spot you want to visit. The cafe is operated by a local tea farming company, Nagamine-en (長峰園), specializing in Sayama tea (狭山茶). Sayama tea is one of Japan’s top three green tea, produced in the southwestern Saitama Prefecture. Compared to tea grown in other parts of the country, Sayama tea has a richer and more distinct flavor from its thicker leaves.
About Wahōan Cafe
The cafe is located on the second floor. The entrance is at the side of the building. Remember to take off your shoes and put them in the shoe bag provided, as tatami mats cover the cafe’s floor. If you love traditional crafts, you might want to examine the shoe bag because it is made from Kawagoe Tōzan (川越唐桟), a type of cotton fabric that originates from Kawagoe.
When you go up to the second floor, you can feel the warmth of wood throughout. The dining space is decorated with various Japanese tea ceremony utensils. Although you won’t be able to experience the ceremony here, it is your chance to examine the intricate utensils in detail.
In addition, you might notice a large Kimono shop signboard hanging on one of the walls (refer to the 3rd photo in the IG post). This was the signboard before the tea maker took over the shop. The traditional building used to be a Kimono store.
Based on the signboard’s size and design, it seems like the Kimono shop was quite popular in the area and received a lot of customers!
What to Order at Wahōan Cafe
If you aren’t sure what to order, the most popular menu is called Sayama Kissako (さやまきっさこ).
Kisakko means “Welcome, please come in and enjoy some tea”. The set comes with a pot of Sayama tea and a plate of the cafe’s original sweets, including Nama-Chocolate (Japanese ganache), cookies, marshmallows, and more!
If you don’t eat eggs, the Premium Sayama Matcha Nagomi (プレミアム狭山抹茶 なごみ) can be a good choice for you. Matcha is the best way to enjoy Sayama tea’s rich flavor. The matcha is usually coupled with matcha-flavored Nama-Chocolate!
While they don’t have an official English website, you can scroll through the photos on their menu on the Japanese one HERE.
Tip: Most of the tea and desserts served in the cafe are also available at the tea shop on the first floor. You can purchase the ones you like to share with your family and friends.
Our Visit to Wahōan
We visited Wahōan on a Sunday during the busy Golden Week. Luckily, there was only one group of customer in the cafe when we arrived. Thus, we had plenty of space to take the photos we wanted. Through the cafe’s window, we had some relaxing moments drinking tea while watching the busy Kura no Machi Ichibangai street.
Because we had plenty of sweets on the day already, we ordered a set of Kahori-kurabe (かほりくらべ) and Sayama Hojicha Honnori (狭山ほうじ茶 ほんのり) instead of the Sayama Kissako (さやまきっさこ).
Hahori-kurabe is a set consisting of two different tea leaves. You can compare their tastes as they are served separately, hence the name Kurabe.
Because one of the tea has tea leaves in the cup, we asked for refill several times to enjoy the tea as much as possible.
The tray of Sayama Hojicha Honnori contained a bowl of Hojicha and two pieces of Hojicha-flavored raw chocolate. The chocolate was so smooth that we wanted more!
It turned out that most customers didn’t stay for long on the day. We were at the cafe for an hour or so. The cafe was full at once but became empty by the time we left. So, if Wahōan was full when you get there, seats might be vacated soon!
Wahōan Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Wahōan Cafe is open from 11 am to 5 pm.
- The last order is taken at 4:30 pm.
- The shop on the first floor is open from 10 am to 5 pm.
- It is around a 15-minute walk from Honkawagoe Station.
Other Recommended Dessert Shops and Cafes Along Kura no Machi Ichibangai Street
When you visit Kawagoe (川越), Kura no Machi Ichibangai Street (蔵の街一番街) being on your itinerary is a must. The street isn’t just about Kawagoe’s landmark, Toki no Kane Clock and those old black-plastered luxurious warehouse-style houses. The historical ambience and the shops and restaurants that line the road have attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists every year!
So, refer to our article on the Must-Visit Dessert Shops and Cafes on Kura no Machi Ichibangai Street!
Other Attractions in Kawagoe
Kawagoe’s historical area has many attractions, shops, cafes, and workshops that might interest you. You might also want to visit a couple of interesting shrines and temples and perform simple rituals that might boost your fortune!
So, refer to our Guide to the Little Edo, Kawagoe, for more travel ideas!
