Irresistible Bubble Tea Charm: Three Popular Taiwanese Brands Conquer Japan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 

Taiwan’s bubble tea is famous worldwide, and many foreign tourists make sure to try a cup when visiting. Now, you don’t have to be in Taiwan to enjoy it—recently, three well-known Taiwanese bubble tea brands have made their way to Japan. If you’re traveling in Japan and craving a taste of home, keep an eye out for these shops and treat yourself to a rich, flavorful bubble tea to soothe your homesickness.

● Gong Cha

The first Gong Cha store opened in Kaohsiung in 2006, and the brand quickly expanded across Taiwan. It now has over 800 stores in 18 countries. The first Gong Cha in Japan opened in Tokyo in March 2015. In addition to its popular bubble tea, Gong Cha offers a wide range of unique flavors based on Taiwan’s signature teas, which have won over Japanese customers.

【Info】
Gong Cha Tokyo Store

Address: 3F, Kitayama Yoshikawa Building, 2-12-16 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo

 
● Chun Shui Tang

Originating in Taichung, Chun Shui Tang is one of the most renowned teahouses in Taiwan. The world’s first bubble tea was introduced at its Sihwei branch in Taichung. After Chun Shui Tang added Taiwan’s local dessert “tapioca pearls” to milk tea, bubble tea quickly became a global trend. In 2013, it entered the Japanese market, opening its first branch in Tokyo’s Daikanyama, which was a huge success. Since then, additional branches have been established in Roppongi, Omotesando, Iidabashi in Chiyoda, and Shinjuku.

【Info】
◎ Chun Shui Tang Roppongi Store
Address: 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo (Note: Address appears partially garbled in source)
Phone: 03-6277-8622
◎ Chun Shui Tang Daikanyama Store
Address: 20-9 Axis Bldg. 1F, Daikanyama, Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6809-0234
◎ Chun Shui Tang Omotesando Store
Address: 4-28-11 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6804-6656
◎ Iidabashi Grand Bloom Sakura Terrace Store Address: 2-10-2 Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo (Note: Partial address in source is garbled)
Phone: 03-5357-1987

◎ Chun Shui Tang LUMINE Shinjuku Store

Address: B2F, LUMINE Shinjuku 1, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Phone: 03-6302-0545
 
 
● Café de L’ambre

Since its opening in 2006, Taiwan’s renowned afternoon tea spot “Cama Café” has garnered a large fan base thanks to its stylish ambiance and delicious desserts. In addition to opening two overseas branches in Hong Kong, it also launched its first Tokyo branch in Harajuku this year. The most popular item on the menu is the crispy waffle dessert, along with the marshmallow ice cream, where customers can drizzle espresso over fluffy marshmallows. This eye-catching dining experience—watching the marshmallows transform under the heat—along with the perfect combination of marshmallows and ice cream, has quickly won the hearts of the Japanese.