Japanese tea, Kimikura Main Shop

In Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the three major green tea producing regions in Japan, the deep-steamed tea (fukairicha) from Kakegawa has recently been gaining attention. You can try this type of tea at“Japanese tea, Kimikura”café run by a local tea company, Kimikura Co., Ltd. (Maruyama Tea Products Corporation group). Deep-steamed tea is prepared by using an extended steaming process which usually takes twice or three times longer than regular sencha tea. It is characterized by its soft sweetness and rich flavor, while its astringency is reduced.

The cafe is located on the second floor of a lovely wooden building near a tea farm. A beautiful traditional Japanese garden is attached and one can observe the changing of the seasons through its large windows. The interior of the store, partitioned off by a traditional noren curtain, has a chic and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cup of Japanese tea.

The notable menu offers luxurious Japanese sweets. These delights use an abundance of tea, letting customers not accustomed to drinking tea try new flavors. Especially, one of the most popular offerings from the opening days is the Macha Set, a sweet dish which includes ice cream, kanten jello, warabi-mochi, and sweet bean paste; all of which are made with green tea, with a finishing touch of green tea syrup to top it off. It is visually appealing as well as tasteful. They also prepare many seasonal special dishes such as Macha zensai in winter and shredded ice in summer.

The shop on the ground floor sells many Japanese tea-related items such as tea leaves, tea cakes, fashionable teapots, and unique bottles for cold tea. There are also many original "Kimikura" products that can only be purchased here. They can be perfect souvenir items. After tasting Japanese sweets at the café, search out your favorite tea goods.