Tokyo’s Top 5 Spots to Enjoy the Edible Flower Trend

Nothing lifts your spirits like a bouquet of fresh flowers, but did you know these pretty petals also pack a nutritional punch?

You probably already know that certain types of flowers are indeed edible, from lavender and roses and even lesser-known varieties like alyssum and nasturtium. The compounds that give flowers their hue contain polyphenols, which many believe have antioxidant properties. They’ve also been found to contain nutrients essential for your beauty like vitamins C and A as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Now that you’ve got a whole new reason to celebrate the summer season, head to these floral cafes in Tokyo to enjoy the health and mood benefits of edible petals.

1. Cotito 

 

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A post shared by Yuka Maeyama (@cotito_yuka) on Jul 12, 2019 at 6:56am PDT

Pronounced “kochito”, the name of this cozy flower shop and sweets cafe means watashitachi (us) in old Japanese. Tucked away behind hand-wrought wreaths and exotic cacti is where you’ll find this cafe. Here you’ll find an intimate space for eating in, although most customers get their edible flower fix to-go. That’s because Cotito is best known for its handmade flower cookies called ohana sabure or “flower shortbread”. With real violets, rosebuds, and other floral edibles scattered artfully over the icing, they’re as much a work of art as they are a sweet snack. Cotito has unpredictable holidays so be sure to check their official Instagram or website for closures before you make the trek out to see them.

Open: Daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., check here for holiday schedule announcements
Where: 5-26-18 Nishiogikita, Suginami-ku
Savvy’s Recommendation: Flower Shortbread Cookies

2. Botanist Cafe 

Buddha Bowl. Photo from Official Facebook Page.

You can find Botanist’s shampoos and body washes in just about any drugstore in Japan, but only on the second floor of their Shibuya flagship will you find this stylish cafe specializing in healthy, vegetarian and vegan delights. You’ll find edible petals here scattered over popular dishes like their Buddha bowls—a wholesome mix of grains and veggies—and desserts like waffles made with banana mash. And while it may not come from the prettiest part of the flower, another must-try is the bee pollen smoothie bowl. Bee pollen is flower pollen collected from bees as they return to the hive, usually by knocking a few granules from their legs at the entrance. The research is still in progress on whether or not bee pollen can live up to its health claims, but one encouraging study showed it may benefit women suffering from PMS. And at the very least, just like the petals, flower pollen is a nutritious source of vitamins and minerals.

Open: Daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 2F, 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Savvy’s Recommendation: Buddha Bowl

3. LORANS.

 

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A post shared by KUMISUKE❥❥ (@nagata_kumiko) on Mar 1, 2018 at 12:15am PST

LORANS. Flower and Smoothie Shop is a stylish cafe and upscale florist all rolled into one. Aside from classic smoothies made from fruits and vegetables, you’ll also find floral favorites like the “rose bouquet”. You can also look for them scattered over toast, desserts and cakes, even lunch specials like dry curry. Since the cafe shares space with the flower shop, there’s no shortage of gram-worthy flora here. In case that’s not enough of a reason to head over to this hip Kitasando neighborhood, did we mention the owner is committed to providing persons with special-needs employment? Challenging the workplace status quo and enjoying the health and mood-boosting benefits of flowers—no reservations required.

Open: Daily, 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: 3-54-15 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Savvy’s Recommendation: Rose Smoothie

4. Essence87

 

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A post shared by Coffee, Sweets, & Flower (@essence_cafe_ebisu) on Jul 28, 2017 at 8:31am PDT

Formerly Essence Cafe, Essence87 reopened in January of 2019. Back and better than ever, the cafe kept a customer favorite on the menu: rose sparkling water. Made with real flowers, this light and healthy refreshment is a perfect pick-me-up on a hot summer day.

Open: Daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 3-14-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
Savvy’s Recommendation: Rose Sparkling Water

5. Aoyama Flower Market Tea House 

Rose Parfait. Photo taken from Official Website.

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House now has multiple locations in Tokyo, but the flagship in Aoyama is what started it all. This flower shop and cafe combo is partly responsible for spurring on the trend of floral cafes. The interior was painstakingly designed to include the shop’s own flowers and greenery wherever possible, attracting snap-happy Instagrammers from all over the world. So many, in fact, that at peak times you can anticipate a wait of up to an hour! The beautiful interior and floral-inspired menu more than make up for it though, incorporating the flower shop’s own edible petals in everything from salads and teas to parfaits and French toast.

Open: Daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 5-1-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku
Savvy’s Recommendation: Rose Parfait

Did we miss any of your floral favorites? Tell us in the comments below!