Jugetsudo, chic and sober Japanese tea salon and boutique in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

It's been 15 years since theJugetsudo tea house set up store in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, doubling as a chic, sober tea room, where you can savor top-quality teas while enjoying cookies and other sweet creations with delicate Japanese flavors.

The tea room, whose name means "the place from which we contemplate the moon", knows where to source its products, having been opened by Maruyama Nori, adried seaweed trading house founded in Tokyo in 1854. At the helm of Jugetsudo, Maki Maruyama has just one idea in mind: to introduce Parisians to Japanese tea and all the ancestral traditions that surround it.

Designed byJapanese architect Kengo Kuma, the Saint-Germain boutique is divided into two distinct spaces. On the first floor, the shelves display the Maison's tea ranges, as well as a multitude of cups and teapots, each more beautiful than the last; while the long table in light cypress invites you to relax and enjoy.

In the discreet, hushed basement, numerous events are organized throughout the year to showcase theart of tea in all its diversity, including exhibitions of traditionalobjets d'art, tea ceremonies given by masters in residence, introductions to Japanese green teas (€50 for a one-hour session), matcha tea discovery sessions (€50 for a one-hour session), and concerts.

On the menu, Jugetsudo unveils a wide range of green teas, sourced from three regions of Japan - Shizuoka, Kyoto and Kagoshima. Among the teas on offer are the imperial sencha Haru, the superior sencha Tsuki, the gyokuro Misho, and of course the must-try genmaicha, hojicha and matcha, which are enjoyed in a comforting, airy latte.

All can be enjoyed on their own or as part of tasting menus (17€-25€), with delicate, carefully-crafted accompaniments: madeleines, dorayaki, shortbread, nori seaweed to nibble on like potato chips, iced mochi and ice creams with truly unusual flavors, sourced from quality Parisian chefs and artisans.

• To be read
• The top Japanese tea rooms we love in Paris
• Gourmet tearooms for good pastries in Paris
• The best tea rooms in Paris, our favorite tips

We're particularly taken with the matcha, genmaicha and nori seaweed shortbread from Romain Gaïa's TOMO patisserie; the genmaicha and soba mini-truffles from RRRAW; and the incredible genmaicha ice cream from Enzo & Lily - a pure marvel - who also offer iced mochi with matcha, hojicha, genmaicha and sesame. A delicate tasting experience.

More than ever, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district resembles a Little Tokyo, similar to the well-known Little Tokyo on rue Sainte-Anne. Ramen, sushi, sando, dorayaki, mochi - all these marvels can be tasted in the German-Pratin district. That's why Maki Maruyama has decided to promote this Japanese village with the Sakura Passeport, a small booklet featuring the neighborhood's must-try addresses, distributed at partner addresses from May 1 to July 15, 2023. Each time a purchase is made, the passport is stamped and a variety of prizes are awarded, including a mochi workshop at Tomo's, a green tea workshop at Jugetsudo's and a trip to Japan.