When it comes to specialty products from Okayama Prefecture, fruits, vegetables, and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea come to mind, but it is also known as a production area for Japanese tea.
However, in this age where it is easy to enjoy tea from a plastic bottle, there may be few opportunities to taste local tea.
Located in Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Charyo Cha Terrace is a specialty store for Japanese tea that offers a wide variety of Japanese teas from Okayama Prefecture. You can slowly savor various Japanese teas that are not often consumed in daily life.
There are also menus for Japanese sweets and meals, making it a convenient place to visit when you feel a little hungry.
I would like to introduce "Charyo Cha Terrace," which I recommend for when you want to take a breather.
About Charyo Cha Terrace
Charyo Cha Terrace (hereinafter referred to as "Cha Terrace") is a specialty store for Japanese tea located in Higashimachi, just near the Bikan Historical Area. The entrance is marked by a white noren (traditional shop curtain) and a wooden sliding door.
Cha Terrace is open on weekends and public holidays. When I asked the staff why it only opens on weekends and public holidays, they explained that it is used as the office of Kibi Consultant Co., Ltd. on weekdays, so it is only open when the office is closed.
Since payment is made in advance, you should place your order and pay on the first floor before heading up to the second floor.
Looking at the menu, I noticed that tea leaves are used not only in drinks but also in dishes and sweets.
You can choose either "Hojicha Soba" or "Matcha Soba" for the tea soba. The menu is eye-catching, unique to a specialty store for Japanese tea.
On the next page, Japanese tea from Okayama Prefecture, as well as cold sweets and float drinks, were introduced.
The varieties of Japanese tea include many that I have never heard of, such as "Fushun" and "Zettowan," which is surprising.
Although it feels like a rare tea that is not often consumed, the price is reasonable at 440 yen (including tax). I want to visit several times and try various Japanese teas.
A calming tatami space
The second floor, which serves as the dining space, is a bright Japanese-style room with sunlight streaming in.
There are four tables and three counter seats, creating an atmosphere that is easy to use even for one person. It is a calming space with tatami mats, where you can fully relax.
When I visited, I was able to choose my seat freely, so I sat at the counter.
A Variety of Menus to Enjoy Japanese Tea
Here are some of the menu items.
Specialty Japanese Tea Drinks
The drinks that allow you to experience the taste of tea directly are a must-try menu when you come to Cha Terrace. You can enjoy Japanese tea selected from 13 types of tea leaves, as well as aromatic latte drinks.
The "Mimasaka Hojicha" has a robust roasted flavor without any bitterness, making it easy to drink. Personally, I think it's a tea that I would want to enjoy chilled on a hot summer day.
I ordered the "Zettowan" because the name intrigued me. It is a beautiful bright green tea made in Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture. It has a unique flavor, but the aftertaste is refreshing, and it has a deliciousness that makes you want more.
The "Matcha Latte," which combines fragrant matcha with rich milk, has a richness that makes you want to drink it as a dessert. It is a very satisfying cup.
Basically, you can choose between iced and hot drinks. If you order iced, it will be served in a transparent cup, so if you want to enjoy the color of the tea, iced is also recommended.
Japanese Sweets Using Tea Leaves
Here are some Japanese sweets that you will want to enjoy with Japanese tea.
The "Rich Uji Matcha Brownie" is moist and smooth, allowing you to feel the rich flavor of matcha. It is an irresistible taste for matcha lovers.
The popular menu item "Neko Monaka" is often purchased to-go by cat-loving customers. I think it's too cute to eat.
There was also a "Tai Monaka" shaped like a sea bream.
The sweets come with a choice of drink set, so it's exciting to think about which Japanese tea to pair with them.
"Fuwatoro Yuba no Ankake Chasoba" with a choice of two types of tea soba
Cha Terrace also offers meals that make use of tea leaves.
The "Fuwatoro Yuba no Ankake Chasoba" can be chosen from two types: hojicha soba and matcha soba. The author was surprised to find hojicha soba, as I had the image that tea soba was always green. I want to try comparing the two types of tea soba.
Cha Terrace is a place you want to visit for a light lunch or snack time. Why did it open as a specialty store for Japanese tea?
Store manager Ishii Emi spoke to us.
Data on Cha Terrace
| Name | Cha Terrace |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-26 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 050-3091-3561 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays From 10 AM to 5 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 16 seats total ・Counter seats: 4 ・Table seats: 4 ・Tatami mat seats: 8 |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Barrier-Free | As the stairs to the second floor are steep, it is recommended to inquire in advance if this is a concern |
| Website | Cha Terrace |
