Interview with Manager Ishii Emi
We spoke with manager Ishii Emi.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in January 2025.
Could you tell us how Cha Terrace came to open?
Ishii (honorific omitted)
The building housing Cha Terrace is also the office of Kibi Consultant Co., Ltd., where I work. In 2014, we were drawn to the pleasant atmosphere of Higashimachi and its convenient location that makes you want to stop by, and moved our office to its current location.
Our main business is real estate appraisal. Although we meet with specific clients, we had few opportunities to connect with people in the community.
Also, as someone working in the real estate industry, I thought, “Shouldn’t we do something to make use of this space?”
The office is generally open on weekdays. I thought it would be a shame not to use the space on Saturdays and Sundays to build connections with the community, so in 2022 we opened Cha Saryo Cha Terrace, a specialty Japanese tea shop.
I imagine you had many options when opening the shop. What led you to choose a specialty Japanese tea shop?
Ishii
Because of my main job, I often serve tea to clients, and I couldn't forget how delicious the Japanese tea supplied by a tea shop in Okayama was about ten years ago.
I think that tea was the shop's original blend. Its sweetness, astringency, and umami were perfectly balanced, and it tasted completely different from bottled tea. I also remember being surprised by the wide variety of tea leaves.
People who love coffee often care about the types and origins of coffee beans, but I think few people pay the same attention to the types and origins of tea leaves. I felt it was such a shame that “Japanese tea comes in such a wide variety.”
I thought the world of tea could become more interesting if people could choose Japanese tea to suit their food or mood, so I decided to open a shop specializing in Japanese tea.
What is the shop's concept, and what do you value?
Ishii
The name “Cha Terrace” expresses our wish to “brighten the future of tea” and to “brighten the hearts of tea drinkers, bringing them a sense of ease.”
We are a bridge connecting tea farms with our customers.
The number of tea farms is gradually declining as their owners age. We want to share the appeal of Japanese tea with our customers so that its long-standing culture does not disappear and can continue into the future.
We hope to be a presence that brings light to both the people who work at tea farms and the people who drink tea.
What do you think makes Japanese tea appealing?
Ishii
There are so many kinds of Japanese tea, so I think there's a joy in choosing to suit your mood or what you're eating and wondering, “What shall I have today?” There is also the appeal of being able to enjoy it across a wide range of ages, since varieties with less caffeine are easy for children to drink, too.
I think it's fun to choose something with a refreshing taste in summer, or to change your tea with the seasons.
Japanese tea is a familiar part of our everyday lives. I think its appeal lies in how easy it is for anyone to enjoy, whatever the occasion.
Do you have any recommended menu items?
Ishii
Cha Terrace also offers an experience where you make your own tea. We have three tea-making plans, and the one I especially recommend is the experience of grinding matcha with a stone mill.
Grinding matcha with a stone mill takes more effort than you might imagine and can take quite a while. But matcha that you have worked hard to grind yourself seems to taste even more special.
We planned this not as something as advanced as a tea ceremony, but as a way for people to enjoy tea in a more approachable way. We hope people will savor tea with all five senses and that this will inspire them to take an interest in it.
As for food, the matcha affogato is popular all year round. In colder seasons, the hojicha chocolate latte is also popular. The roasted aroma of hojicha goes well with the sweetness of chocolate.
Do you have any goals for the future?
Ishii
I'd like to offer an even wider selection of Japanese teas from Okayama Prefecture. We currently have 13 varieties, but if possible, I'd like to work toward stocking around 50.
Tea is grown in many parts of Okayama Prefecture, so I hope to visit the farms, taste the teas, and bring delicious Japanese tea to everyone.
I'd be happy if one day we could become the place to go when you want to drink Japanese tea from Okayama! We could share the goodness of Japanese tea with more people, and I hope that in time this will also help tea farmers continue their work.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Ishii
Of course, we want people to enjoy our many kinds of Japanese tea, but we also aim to be a tea shop where you can relax and feel at home, like at your grandmother's house.
We'd be happy if you dropped by whenever you have a little free time and spent a peaceful moment in our relaxing space.
Please come and unwind.
From the Writer
When I first visited Cha Terrace, I was surprised by the wide variety of Japanese teas on the menu. There was a long list of tea names I had never tried before, and I remember feeling excited and wondering what they would taste like.
After visiting a few times and comparing the Japanese teas, I came to understand the distinctive qualities of each tea. I found a new pleasure in choosing tea to suit my mood or what I was eating.
Cha Terrace is a little away from the Bikan Historical Area, which is bustling with tourists, so you can enjoy tea in a calm, relaxing setting. Visit and discover the new appeal of Japanese tea for yourself.
Cha Terrace also has an online shop, in addition to its physical store. Check it out if you're interested.
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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