When you think of Okayama Prefecture’s specialties, fruits, vegetables, and seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea may come to mind, but it is also a Japanese tea-producing region.
However, now that it is easy to enjoy tea from a plastic bottle, you may rarely get the chance to taste locally grown tea.
“Saryo Cha Terrace,” in Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, is a Japanese tea specialty shop with a wide selection of Japanese teas from across Okayama Prefecture. You can take your time savoring a variety of Japanese teas that you rarely get to drink in everyday life.
The shop also serves Japanese-style sweets and meals, making it a convenient place to stop by when you’re feeling a little hungry.
Here’s a look at Saryo Cha Terrace, a place we recommend when you want to take a relaxing break.
The information presented was current when this article was published in February 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Saryo Cha Terrace
Saryo Cha Terrace (hereafter “Cha Terrace”) is a Japanese tea specialty shop in Higashimachi, just a short distance from the Bikan Historical Area. Its white noren (traditional shop curtain) and wooden sliding entrance door make it easy to spot.
Cha Terrace is open on weekends and public holidays. When we asked a staff member why it only opens on those days, they explained that on weekdays the premises are used as the office of Kibi Consultant Co., Ltd., so the shop opens only when the office is closed.
Payment is made in advance, so place your order and pay on the first floor before heading upstairs to the second floor.
Looking at the menu, we saw that tea leaves are used not only in the drinks but also in the dishes and sweets.
For the tea soba, it seems you can choose between hojicha soba and matcha soba. The menu is a real draw, with dishes unique to a Japanese tea specialty shop.
The next page featured Japanese teas from Okayama Prefecture, as well as cold sweets and float drinks.
We were surprised to find that the Japanese tea varieties were all unfamiliar names, such as “Fushun” and “Zetto Wan.”
These teas seem like rare varieties that you don’t often get the chance to drink, but they’re reasonably priced at 440 yen (tax included). It makes you want to visit several times and try a range of Japanese teas.
A relaxing tatami-mat space
The second floor, where the dining area is located, is a bright Japanese-style room filled with sunlight.
There are four tables and three counter seats, and the atmosphere makes it easy to visit on your own. The calming tatami-mat space looks like a lovely place to relax and unwind.
When I visited, I was free to choose where to sit, so I took a seat at the counter.
A varied menu for savoring Japanese tea
Here are some of the menu items.
Carefully selected Japanese tea drinks
The drinks let you experience the tea’s flavor just as it is, and are a must-try when you visit Cha Terrace. You can enjoy Japanese tea made from a choice of 13 varieties of tea leaves, as well as fragrant latte drinks.
The Mimasaka Hojicha Bancha has a rich, toasty aroma but no bitterness, making it easy to drink. Personally, I thought it would be a lovely tea to enjoy chilled on a hot summer day.
Drawn in by its name, I ordered Zetto Wan. This tea, grown in Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, has a beautiful bright green color. It has a distinctive flavor, but a refreshing aftertaste and an appealing umami that could become addictive.
The Matcha Latte, combining fragrant matcha with rich milk, has a depth of flavor that makes you want to drink it in place of dessert. It’s an exceptionally satisfying drink.
Drinks are generally available hot or iced. Iced drinks are served in clear cups, so they’re a good choice if you’d like to enjoy the color of the tea as well.
Japanese-style sweets made with tea leaves
Here are some Japanese-style sweets that pair well with Japanese tea.
The Rich Uji Matcha Brownie was moist and smooth, with the rich umami of matcha coming through. It’s a flavor matcha lovers will adore.
The popular Cat Monaka is often bought to take away by customers who love cats. It’s so cute that it almost seems a shame to eat it.
There was also a tai-shaped tai monaka.
The sweets come with a choice of drink, so it’s exciting to think about which Japanese tea to pair with them.
“Tea Soba with Silky Yuba in Thick Sauce,” with a choice of two types of tea soba
Cha Terrace also serves meals that make the most of tea leaves.
“Tea Soba with Silky Yuba in Thick Sauce” is available with a choice of two types of noodles: hojicha soba and matcha soba. The writer had always thought of tea soba as being green, so was surprised to learn that hojicha soba was an option. It makes you want to try both types and compare them.
Cha Terrace is a place you’ll want to visit for all kinds of occasions, from a light lunch to a snack break. Why did it open as a specialty Japanese tea shop?
We spoke with manager Ishii Emi.
Tea Salon Cha Terrace Information
| Name | Tea Salon Cha Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-26 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 050-3091-3561 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | Open Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 16 seats ・Counter: 4 seats ・Tables: 4 seats ・Low table seating: 8 seats |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Accessibility | The stairs to the second floor are steep, so if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the shop in advance. |
| Website | Tea Salon Cha Terrace |
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