🍙 TARO TOKYO Onigiri at Shinjuku Gyoen: Rice Ball Delights in a Historic Tea House
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🌿 New Onigiri Venue Inside Shinjuku Gyoen
Opened on March 13, 2024, TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI Shinjuku Gyoen is nestled within the Akafuji Teahouse inside Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This is the brand’s first shop with eat-in seating, alongside takeaway options.
🪑 Atmosphere & Seating
The interior feels like a traditional Japanese house, with tatami areas, low chabudai tables by the windows, and a few four-person tables. At launch, over half the customers were foreign tourists enjoying the relaxed vibes. Daily Shinjuku
🍱 Menu Highlights
| Menu Item | Price (tax incl.) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Onigiri Gozen (2 rice balls set) | ¥1,200 | Includes pickles and hearty tonjiru miso soup |
| Salmon onigiri (grilled) | ¥350 | Classic grilled salmon using Yamagata “Yukiwakamaru” rice |
| Scallop salted koji & butter | ¥400 | Bold, creamy combination |
| Silver cod saikyo-yaki + yuzu miso | ¥500 | A unique flavor with cod |
| Hokkaido ikura soy-marinated with mitsuba | ¥550 | Fresh salmon roe with herbs |
| Other options: ume, chirimen sansho, roast beef truffle sauce, mochi, teas – all ¥500–550 etc. |
🍚 Tasting Notes at Opening
- Onigiri Gozen set came with grilled salmon and scallop flavors, plus homemade pickles from Tsukiji’s Yoshiokaya and rich tonjiru with root vegetables. Seaweed is provided separately so you can keep it crispy until eating. Daily Shinjuku
- Scallop & butter onigiri had a bright, creamy taste, best eaten with chopsticks.
- Ikura & cod onigiri stood out with fresh salmon roe texture and balanced savory-yuzu flavor.
- Tonjiru was packed with pork, fried tofu, carrot, daikon, and leek, featuring a mellow white-miso sweetness. Great complement to rice balls.
🌸 Recommended for Picnics
Take-out bento options are available—perfect for picnicking on benches inside Shinjuku Gyoen during the warmer months.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’re exploring Shinjuku Gyoen, TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI offers a blend of historic charm and creative flavors in a relaxed tea house setting. Whether dining inside or enjoying a self-made picnic, their unique rice ball combinations make for a delicious, memorable experience.
Enjoy your visit—and maybe try making your own onigiri-making and tea experience nearby for a deeper cultural touch!
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