Tokyo is a city of surprises. Take a walk down any side street, and you can be sure you'll find an interesting shop or restaurant. Such is the case with Mother Leaf, a pleasant discovery moments away from the Kabuki-za in Ginza.

With its forest-green awning and distinctive T logo, Mother Leaf makes it abundantly clear that its offerings are all natural and tea-related. That's right: no coffee here, only aromatic teas brewed from five varieties of Sri Lankan tea leaves. Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and garam masala teas are a few of Mother Leaf's selections that revive, refresh and relax.

The choice of moniker may sound like it was dreamed up at a Japanese advertising agency, but the fact is a mother leaf is a leaf cutting used for leaf propagation. Yes, even leaves have mothers!