Icho no Ki

It isn't the easiest place to find, but those passing through the area between Shinagawa and Oimachi will do well do opt for a tea break at this traditional kissaten-style sweets shop, named after the impressive ginkgo tree outside. Nostalgic-minded patrons will enjoy the anmitsu parfait, made with ingredients sourced from some of the city's most venerable suppliers, but the most popular option here is the kakigori, available year-round. Choose freely from a wide variety of toppings and styles, including cake and pie formats, or go straight for the orthodox Uji Shiratama mixture, made with green tea- and milk-flavoured ice plus a hearty helping of anko bean paste and fresh shiratama rice dumplings. The wa is strong with this one.