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Tea Culture Creation Museum, Oi Ocha Museum
Two museums where you can experience the appeal of Japan’s proud tea culture.
In May 2024, Ito En, known for its tea beverages, opened this multi-purpose museum inside the Former Shimbashi Station building to mark its 60th anniversary. It’s made up of two museums with different themes, where you can experience the appeal of tea, which has long been closely tied to everyday life in Japan.
At the “Tea Culture Creation Museum,” theme-based booths introduce the history and culture of tea. Exhibits include a large-screen theater, a recreated Edo-period tea shop, and tea utensils showcasing how tea drinking has evolved.
The other museum, the “Oi Ocha Museum,” introduces the secrets and initiatives behind Ito En’s flagship long-selling product, “Oi Ocha.” You can experience the brand’s dedication as it has evolved alongside customers. Hands-on activities (paid, reservation required) are also popular, including brewing tea with a kyusu teapot and designing a label to create a one-of-a-kind “Oi Ocha” bottle.
There’s also a cafe where you can enjoy tea-based drinks and sweets, plus a shop selling limited-edition tea leaves, treats, and more.
Highlights
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A multi-purpose museum where you can explore the appeal of tea.
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Opened in 2024 to celebrate Ito En’s 60th anniversary.
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The “Tea Culture Creation Museum” introduces how tea drinking has evolved.
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The “Oi Ocha Museum” lets you learn about the story of “Oi Ocha.”
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Hands-on activities are also popular (reservation required, paid).
Photos
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A tea theater with a large screen showcasing tea fields and more (Tea Culture Creation Museum)
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Introducing machines born alongside the development of tea culture, including a tea-serving doll (Tea Culture Creation Museum)
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A recreated Edo-period tea shop (Tea Culture Creation Museum)
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Brewing tea with a kyusu teapot (Oi Ocha Museum)
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Try making your own original “Oi Ocha” bottle, too (Oi Ocha Museum)
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Tea-based drinks and sweets at the on-site cafe (Oi Ocha Museum)
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes. However, large items such as suitcases won’t fit.
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
Yes, re-entry is allowed on the day of purchase.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- お茶の文化創造博物館·お〜いお茶ミュージアム
- Postal Code
- 105-0021
- Address
- Former Shimbashi Station building, 1-5-3 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
- Phone
- 03-6263-9281
- Closed on
- Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a holiday), and New Year’s holidays
- Hours
- 10:00am-5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
- Admission
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Tea Culture Creation Museum: Adults 500 yen, Students 300 yen, Free for ages 70+ and high school students and younger
※Admission to the Oi Ocha Museum is free - Access
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1) Approx. 5 min on foot from Shimbashi Station (JR)
2) Approx. 1 min on foot from Shimbashi Station (Yurikamome)
3) Approx. 3 min on foot from Shiodome Station (Toei Oedo Line) and Shimbashi Station (Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) - Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (English)
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