A lovely tea shop quietly nestled in Nakaizumi, Iwata CityL'atelier du Thé KUKAITo "L'Atelier de Thé Cuca"!
This person comes from a family that owns a tea wholesale business in Kawane, a famous tea-producing region.Kubota AiMs. [Name] has poured her love for tea, which she has been familiar with since childhood, into opening a tea specialty shop that handles tea leaves that she has newly branded herself, with the aim of letting young people who have become "away from tea" in modern times know the value and charm of tea and incorporate it into their daily lifestyle. She opened her small shop on May 5, 2015, in a corner of the Showa Building "Mario" in Iwata City, after getting married and moving to Iwata!
The shop name "KUKAI" traces the history of tea's introduction to Japan, and is said to be derived from the story of Kobo Daishi, who brought tea seeds and a stone mill from Tang China in 806 and planted them on Mount Hiei.KukaiIt seems the name was taken from the name of [name]!
The shop offers a selection of high-quality teas, including sencha, genmaicha, hojicha, and black tea from Kawane, the owner's hometown, as well as Chinese and Taiwanese teas. In addition, to enhance the tea experience, they also offer British baked goods, which the owner began making based on her experiences studying in England. Among these, the "Matcha Gateau Chocolat" and "Sencha Gateau Chocolat," made with carefully ground matcha from Kawane using a stone mill, are particularly popular as baked goods unique to a tea specialty shop!
Actually, the reason I came to know about this shop was because of an event held on February 3rd (Sat) and 4th (Sun) in Oroshihonmachi, Hamamatsu City.Ally's Winter and Summer 2018 “Rambling - Honmachi Rambling”It all started when I tried this "Lemon Cake" that was being sold at the event. I was captivated by the refreshing sweetness of the cake, covered in icing full of lemon fragrance, and how well it paired with my favorite Earl Grey tea, which has a lovely bergamot aroma! (〃)´艸｀)Delicious!!
When I visited the shop, I discovered that she had been a long-time reader of her husband's "Tabelog" (restaurant review site) and that we shared a love for Taiwan, so the conversation flowed easily without any awkwardness despite it being our first meeting. She is also a friend of Ei's who does dried flower arrangements.
Ikuno InoueI had a wonderful time sampling "Kawane Tea Black Tea" and "Taiwanese Red Apples" with [Name] ♪
This time, I had the opportunity to sample the aromas of various tea leaves, and I received "SEEDS," a 30g tea (864 yen) that is an original blend by Ei-san, which blends rosehip shell, dried apple, fennel, cardamom, and ginger. It has an exotic, foreign aroma and a spicy flavor, making it a herbal tea that warms you from the inside out!
The store's design, which blends in with an antique atmosphere, was handled by "Plus Art" in Iwata, creating a comfortable space! The cute packaging design of the tea leaves and tea bags isHaruyo NakanoCentered around Mr.Hiroshi YadoriIt's also made by [Name of person/organization], making it perfect for small gifts!
In addition, they sell tea-related tableware such as teapots from "Nankei Pottery Garden" and teacups from "4th market," as well as small dishes and plates for serving sweets with tea. There are plenty of items to enjoy tea, so please come and visit!
L'atelier du thé KUKAI
Address: Showa Building, 1267-4 Nakaizumi, Iwata City
TEL: 0538-86-6485
Opening hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed on: Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays
