Did you know that Kumamoto is one of the top ten tea-producing regions in Japan? 

You may have some image that black tea often conjures up European scenes, but Japanese black tea has been gaining attention in recent years. 

Japanese black tea (Wakocha)…Wakocha refers to black tea made from Japanese-grown tea leaves. 

“Nanashiki-Kochaten” in Ezu, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City is a tea specialty shop where you can choose and taste various kinds of black teas and Wa-Kocha (black tea). 

Opened in January 11th, 2024. 

”Nanashiki-kochanten” is situated directly across from the Ezu housing complex. 

There are three parking spaces. Two are next to the entrance, and one immediately in front.

The interior, with its wood finishing, is designed to be relaxing. That is probably because the owner wanted visitors to enjoy their “me time”, either reading books and daydreaming in a spacious setting. 

The business cards look like a spout of a teapot and are cute! 

The café is operated by the owner alone, so sometimes it takes more time to serve the dish.It’s the best to visit when you have some time to spare. 

A Wide variety of Tea Leaves

It is so interesting to choose the taste of tea because there are many types of flavors such as milk tea, flavor tea, and caffeine-free rooibos tea. 

Currently, the food meny offers two options: Lunch (1500 yen) and Cream Tea (1300 yen), both served with a pot of black tea. 

Each menu has a pot filled with tea. 

Lunch (a one-plate meal of bread, scones, salad, and ham) looked delicious, but this time, I ordered cream tea because I really wanted to enjoy having black tea. 

As you can see in the picture below,  the cream tea came with scones with jam and cream on the plate, just like, “I have seen it before in picture books and movies!!”

The kind of scones is different from day to day, and you can choose from several types of them.

I picked “chocolate chip” and “cream cheese and fig.”

The homemade cream which was made from fresh cream and milk wasrich yet refreshing.

 The scones of course…

pair well with fruits!

The jam flavor changesseasonally, and you can choose from different types. 

The shop serves blueberry flavor jam in this season. 

The recommended drink was Japanese black tea (Wakocha) which perfectly complemented the cream tea. 

The deep flavor and aroma of Japanese black tea filled my senses, enhancing not just the taste but also the olfactory experience. 

The combination of Japanese black tea, scones, cream, and jam was a guaranteed delicious treat…!

Takeout Options & Tea Leaves Available for Purchase

The shop offers scones (takeout) and tea leaves in addition to eating inside.

It is also good to find your favorite flavor of tea, ask the owner how to brew and enjoy having a tea time at home. 

 The Joy of Choosing

At Nanashiki-kochaten, you can choose your own cup and saucer from the collection. 

Among the predominantly Hakuji cups (white porcelain) that showcases tea beautifully, there are also cups with vibrant designs.

This pattern was so beautiful and instantly caught my eye.

I asked the owner about the cup. She answered that the cup is Arita-yaki, and it is colored by a potter named Jeremy who lives in Arita, Saga. 

*Arita-yaki: Porcelain which is made in Arita town, and surrounding areas of Saga Prefecture. 

The design is a popular choice among customers. 

Isn’t it a meaningful time to choose your favorite cup and saucer by yourself, the black tea and food which you want to drink and eat? 

Be sure to visit and savor the tea and scones. 

Nanashiki Kochaten