Chun Shui Tang in Omotesando / Harajuku, Tokyo Japan

Having opened in March 2014, this gorgeous bubble tea lounge is the third branch of the popular Taiwanese chain, Chun Shui Tang to open outside of its homeland, Taiwan.

As soon as you enter through the uniquely designed wooden door with its horizontally aligned timber, you’re greeted with an open, well lit space accentuated by a modern interpretation of classical Taiwanese music playing through the speakers.

While many Western travellers may associate bubble tea with cheap Chinatown desserts, Chun Shui Tang takes it to another, much more sophisticated level. Like its music, Chun Shui Tang has taken something quite commonplace and made it a whole experience by modernising the experience with current design aesthetics and culinary expectations.

I have had bubble tea before but nothing has come close to the Tabioka Jasmine bubble tea that looked stunning and tasted just as fresh and distinctive. Each layer of the drink was arranged perfectly and impressed me so much, I had to double check how much it cost (only 450 yen!).

To complement my main drink, I also ordered a very cool dish called, Tekanon Anin Tofu which featured sweet pudding in a bowl covered with fresh azuki (Japanese sweet beans) and a small cup of concentrated tea which, as instructed by my waitress, was poured over the tofu and beans after waiting three minutes, infusing all the ingredients with the tea flavour. For me, this dish was such a revelation that I immediately made plans with several friends to return here the following week with them to share the experience.

Chun Shui Tang is a great place to meet friends, perfect for a date and with the free Wi-Fi (ask the staff for the password) even a pretty good place to get some work done. With its accessibility and quality Chun Shui Tang is bound to impress both bubble tea fanatics as well as first timers.

Station: Harajuku, Meiji-jingumae and Omotesando
Train Line: (Harajuku) Yamanote, (Meiji-jingumae) Chiyoda and Fukutoshin, (Omotesando) Ginza, Chiyoda and Hanzomon

Features: 100% no smoking, free wi-fi internet
Menu Language: English, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese

Hours: 9am – 9pm

Address: 〒150-0001　 東京都渋谷区神宮前4-28-11
4-28-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

Phone Number: 03-6804-6656
Online: www.ChunShuiTang.jp (Japanese, English and Mandarin Chinese) & @chunshuitang

Map: View on GoogleMaps
Directions: From Harajuku Station, take the Omotesando Exit and cross the road to the GAP building. Turn right and walk to the intersection then turn left and walk down this hill on the left side of the road until you get to another intersection. Cross the road to the shopping complex on the corner with the bizzare mirror covered escalators. Walk past it, continuing to walk down the hill for two blocks. At the end of the second block, turn left and walk down this much smaller street. Chun Shui Tang should be on your left after the second street on your left.
From Meiji-jingumae Station, take the elevator to the street level. This elevator doesn’t have an exit name but it is near Exits 5 and 6. Once on the street level and facing out from the elevator, walk two blocks ahead and turn left. Chun Shui Tang should be on your left after the second street on your left.
From Omotesando Station, use Exit 2 and walk down this hill until you get to the Omotesando Hills shopping complex on your right. Walk past Omotesando Hills and turn right down the third street on your right. Chun Shui Tang should be on your left after the second street on your left.