A shaved ice master opens his own store

On June 16th, a Japanese-style cafe specializing in shaved ice with a spacious and opulent interior opened its doors in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Its name, 茶寮億万 Saryō Okuman, literally means "billion tea house." The name is befitting of the caliber of the producer, a wagashi Japanese sweets chef and master of かき氷 kakigōri Japanese shaved ice, who previously worked at a famous wagashi shop and has finally branched out and launched his own store.

If you want a premium shaved ice experience in Tokyo, this should be on your list of places to try.

The kakigōri shaved ice desserts at Saryō Okuman fuse Japanese and Western inspiration, each creation featuring the chef's special ice craftsmanship in which ice melts in your mouth without giving you a headache.

In addition to shaved ice, you'll also find a selection of parfaits, cakes, and seasonal items to delight your palate, as well as green tea, coffee and other beverages. Even if you're not in the mood for icy desserts, Saryō Okuman also makes for an excellent cafe.

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The star attractions at Saryō Okuman are unmistakably their kakigōri shaved ice desserts. Let's take a closer look at the menu:

Regular Menu

Strawberry Milk

いちごミルク ichigo miruku

Shaved ice with strawberry syrup made from Shizuoka Prefecture Benihoppe strawberries and a house blend of milk and Wasanbon sugar. 1,210 JPY.

Hōjicha

ほうじ茶 hōjicha

Shaved ice with homemade hōjicha (roasted green tea) syrup, koshian (smooth sweetened red bean paste) and homemade hōjicha jelly. 1,210 JPY.

Ujikintoki

宇治金時 ujikintoki

Shaved ice made with Uji matcha green tea, homemade chunky red bean paste, and homemade matcha jelly. 1,210 JPY.

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Seasonal Menu

These selections are current as of June 16th, 2022. Saryō Okuman's seasonal shaved ice desserts change twice a month. Check their official Instagram account for updates.

Amazake Celebration

甘酒の祝杯 amazake no shukuhai (lit. "a celebratory drink of amazake")

Amazake syrup made with sake lees from Seikyo and Maboroshi Junmai Daiginjo sake brewed by Nakao Brewery in Hiroshima, koshian (smooth sweetened red bean paste) and amazake cream, topped with gold leaf. 1,320 JPY.

American Cherry Pie

アメリカンチェリーパイ amerikan cherī pai

Shaved ice made with American cherry syrup, spiced cherry compote, Crème Anglaise, cherry red bean paste (with liqueur) and pie crust wafers. 1,870 JPY.

Coconut and Pineapple

ココパイン koko pa'in

Shaved ice made with Okinawa peach pineapple syrup, coconut brown sugar milk, brown sugar gelée and coconut espuma. 1,320 JPY.

Melon Sampler

メロンの食べ比べ meron no tabekurabe.

Shaved ice made with Higo Green melon syrup from Kumamoto Prefecture, yogurt milk, lemon jelly, fresh cream bean paste and slices of Hachikyo Red muskmelon from Kumamoto Prefecture, Quincy Kiwami melon from Ibaraki Prefecture, Ams melon from Shimane Prefecture, and Higo Green melon from Kumamoto Prefecture. 2,200 JPY.

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Other Desserts

Japanese Chestnut and Hōjicha Mille-Feuille

和栗とほうじ茶ミルフィーユ waguri to hōjicha no mirufīyu

Japanese chestnuts from Kyushu and mascarpone cream are sandwiched in a homemade Mille-feuille pie crust. The crispy texture and sweetness of the Japanese chestnuts create a delicious harmony. Enjoy it together with hōjicha ice cream. 1,100 JPY (drink set starts from 440 JPY)

Okuman Matcha Parfait

億万抹茶パフェ okuman matcha pafe

This parfait is topped with intense matcha ice cream made from Uji green tea, white chocolate and berries. Inside, you'll find fresh cream bean paste, chocolate cake, matcha jelly, and Oiri, a traditional sweet from Kagawa Prefecture which are colorful, lightly sugar-coated rice crackers. Together, they create a combination of textures and flavors sure to please. You'll surely enjoy the mellow blend of matcha and cream. 1,320 JPY (drink set starts from 440 JPY)

Matcha

• 山政小山園 小倉山 Yamamasa Koyamaen Ogurayama (Uji, Kyoto Pref.): 1,100 JPY (set + 550 JPY)
• かねじょう さつき Kanejō Satsuki (Kakegawa, Shizuoka Pref.): 880 JPY (set + 495 JPY)
• 牛島製茶 白瑞 Ushijima Seicha Hakusui (Yame, Fukuoka Pref.): 880 JPY (set + 495 JPY)

In addition, Saryō Okuman offers a variety of Japanese teas that go well with desserts, such as sencha, genmaicha, and Japanese black tea, each cup to be brewed at your table. An hourglass is provided to tell you when to pour. You can enjoy the different flavors and tastes that change with each cup.

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Interior

Guests will enjoy private rooms surrounded by traditional kumiko woodworking. The wallpaper is decorated with a golden checkerboard pattern. Although there are glittering gold accents, the warm lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere.

COVID-19 control measures are in place so that customers can enjoy their meals with peace of mind.

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Reservations

Reservations only. To reserve, send a direct message in Instagram (account required) to the account at (@ysms_yatto) between 6 am and 3 pm as late as the day before your desired visit, indicating the following (in Japanese):

• Your name
• The date and time of your visit (please give a time range such as "9:00-11:00" so that they can adjust the schedule taking account of other reservations received)
• Number of people in your party
• Your order, if you know in advance what you'd like

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Information

• Name: 茶寮億万 Saryō Okuman
• Access：1 min. walk from Southeast Exit and 1 min. walk from New South Exit of JR Shinjuku Sta., 4 min. walk from Seibu Shinjuku Station, 164 meters from Shinjuku Station
• Address (Japanese): 東京都新宿区新宿3-36-12 杉忠ビル 4F
• Address (English): 4F Sugitada Bldg. 3-36-12 Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
• Number of seats: 120
• Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00 (food and drinks LO: 15:00)