Suwa no Chaya Teahouse, Tokyo

The Suwa no Chaya is by far not an average pit stop for matcha. This elegant Japanese teahouse has stories steeped in history, much like the tea it once served. Its name? A nod to the neighboring shrine devoted to the Shinto deity Suwa — because even deities appreciate good branding.

Back in the Edo period, this charming little pavilion was first placed in the Fukiage Garden, which is the west side of what is now the Imperial Palace. Prime real estate, as you'd expect.

Sadly, fire had other plans (as it often did in history), and the original structure was lost. But, thankfully, Tokugawa Ienari, the 11th shogun and part-time architectural revivalist, oversaw its comeback between 1787 and 1837. The place got another makeover in 1901 and, just to keep things fresh, Emperor Meiji ordered its final version in 1912. Because it never hurts to give a teahouse a bit of glow-up...

Further into the century, precisely in 1968, the teahouse was gracefully moved to Ninomaru Garden to add a touch of timeless elegance to the newly opened East Gardens.

Oh, and that peaceful grove nearby was planted between 1982 and 1985 at the request of Emperor Showa (aka Hirohito), who wanted to protect what little nature was left. A poetic move — and a much-needed breather from Tokyo’s hustle.

Today, Suwa no Chaya may no longer serve tea, but it’s still brewing admiration — a proud, silent witness to the charm of Meiji-era architecture and proof that some things really do age like fine sencha (infused green tea).