Looking for a relaxing café experience beyond the usual coffee chains in Shinjuku?
Oiwake Dango Main Store offers a peaceful atmosphere and a taste of traditional Japanese sweets, just steps from the bustling shopping district. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, this spot is perfect for a quiet, cultural tea break.
🏮 A Long-Established Japanese Tea Shop in the Heart of Shinjuku
Located just steps from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Oiwake Dango Main Store offers a relaxing escape from the busy streets. Though often crowded near the front where dango are sold, there’s a tearoom in the back that provides a surprisingly quiet atmosphere.
The lighting is calm and gentle, with seasonal flowers decorating the space. Many of the customers are older locals, solo female visitors, and international tourists. The tearoom is a true hidden gem in Shinjuku.
🍵 Popular and Unique Dango Flavors
Oiwake Dango offers a wide variety of dango, from classics like mitarashi, koshi-an, and yomogi to more unique options like chocolate, kinako-an, and matcha-an. All are available for purchase by the skewer, making it easy to sample different flavors.
Other menu items include anmitsu, kishimen noodles, sekihan (red rice), and tokoroten.
On our visit, we tried:
- Two-skewer set (567 yen): Yomogi and mitarashi dango
- Warabi Mochi Ice Cream (823 yen): Topped with kuromitsu syrup and paired with tea
The mochi was fresh and soft, and the anko was mild and pleasant. The small side dish of kombu added a perfect savory contrast.
🗺️ Store Information
- Name: Oiwake Dango Main Store
- Address: 1F NSO Building, 3-1-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
- Nearest Station: Shinjuku-sanchome Station (Fukutoshin, Marunouchi, Toei Shinjuku Lines) – 113m
- Hours: Shop: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM / Tearoom: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on weekends & holidays)
- Closed: New Year’s Day
- Power Outlets / Wi-Fi / Smoking: Not available
🌸 Final Thoughts
Oiwake Dango Main Store is a hidden gem where you can enjoy Japanese sweets in a relaxed setting. Especially during summer, their shaved ice is a must-try. When Shinjuku’s usual cafés are too crowded, step into this quiet traditional space and enjoy the seasonal wagashi with a warm cup of tea.
Japanese Version Link:Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.