Interview with Tea Advisor Reiko Nogami
We spoke with the shop’s tea advisor, Reiko Nogami.
You used to prefer coffee, right? What led you to pursue tea?
Nogami (surname only)
I used to be such a coffee person that I drank five or six cups a day.
It all started when a friend invited me to join a bus tour where we got to make tea by hand. I met instructor Eiji Miyamoto on the tour, and it began when he invited me to attend his tea classes.
From there, I began studying in earnest and gained knowledge about tea.
Tell us about your journey from starting to study tea to opening your shop.
Nogami
After finishing my studies with Mr. Miyamoto, I attended two other tea schools. For a while, I went to them while also working.
Eventually, I earned the “Tea Advisor” and “Cafe & Tea Advisor” qualifications offered by Chakuukan. After studying tea for years and finally earning the qualifications, I started thinking, “Maybe I should try running a shop.”
I built a combined shop and home, invited my son to join me, and opened in February 2010.
What do you find appealing about tea?
Nogami
I suppose it’s that the more you learn, the more fascinating and profound it becomes. Tea isn’t just for drinking; after brewing, the leaves can be eaten with ponzu sauce, for example, and if dried, they can also be used as a deodorizer.
In fact, per 100 grams, tea contains more caffeine than coffee. However, while about 10 grams of coffee are used for one cup, only about 3 grams of tea are used. So when consumed as a drink, tea contains less caffeine.
I think this unexpected side is also part of tea’s appeal.
If you don’t know much about tea, a specialty shop might feel intimidating.
Nogami
Please feel free to drop in and ask any questions.
All our teas are recommended, but if you’re not sure what to choose, just ask. I’ll find out what you like—for example, whether you’re okay with astringency or prefer milk tea—and suggest a cup that suits you.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Nogami
“You can always come here and enjoy a quiet cup of tea”—that’s what we’re proud of.
You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Relax, read, study, or even practice the piano. I hope you’ll unwind and enjoy spending your time however you please.
From the Writer
The moment I stepped into the shop, I felt a sense of nostalgia despite it being my first visit, and found myself saying, “Excuse me for intruding.” It felt like visiting an acquaintance’s home as a child.
Just as Ms. Nogami said, there’s no sense of being rushed inside. The delicious tea was certainly memorable, but so was the comfortable atmosphere that made me want to lose track of time.
Feel free to ask the staff for advice, and enjoy a relaxing moment with a cup of tea chosen to suit your taste.
TEA ROOM UP FIELD (Tea Room Up Field) Information
| Name | TEA ROOM UP FIELD (Tea Room Up Field) |
|---|---|
| Address | 178-18 Mizue, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-465-8817 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Irregular holidays *We recommend calling ahead before visiting. |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Reservations by phone |
| Seating | 18 seats; 2 counter seats and 4 tables |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Child-friendly amenities | Children’s chairs available |
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