Calling Toraya Akasaka a café would barely do it justice. With roots dating back to Kyoto in the early 16th century, Toraya is one of Japan’s most revered makers of wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets once served to the Imperial Court. Start in the shop on the first floor, where beautifully crafted confections are presented almost like works of art, before heading upstairs to the tea room for a leisurely lunch, matcha or an afternoon sweet. Fresh confections are made on site, offering a glimpse into the precision and craftsmanship behind a centuries-old tradition.

Séntire’s take: Make time for the full experience, rather than simply stopping for coffee. Pair matcha with a freshly made wagashi, or try Toraya’s signature yōkan, a rich, firm sweet made from azuki bean paste. Toraya is the perfect place for an upscale Japanese coffee house experience.