KIMIKURA: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Tea, Delivered to the World【Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture】

Kakegawa City in Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned for its tea production, particularly for fukamushicha, a deep-steamed tea celebrated for its rich and sweet flavor. The Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store, featured in this article, is a specialty store dedicated to Japanese tea, focusing primarily on Kakegawa’s deep-steamed varieties. Located approximately 8 minutes by car from Kakegawa Station, the store offers a diverse range of Japanese teas, tea sweets, and tea utensils on the first floor. The second floor houses a tea house where visitors can savor high-quality tea.

In addition to the main store, the ‘KIMIKURA CAFÉ’ and ‘matchaKIMIKURA,’ sister establishments of Nihoncha Kimikura, are forging new paths in tea culture by showcasing the allure of Kakegawa tea to a broader audience.
In this article, we will explore the unique charm of Nihoncha Kimikura and its sister stores, introduce the café menu, and delve into the brand’s origins through an interview with Yasutoshi Fujimoto, Manager of the Nihoncha Kimikura Sales Division.

About Nihoncha Kimikura

Nihoncha Kimikura is a specialty store that offers a meticulously curated selection of teas from across Japan, particularly emphasizing fukamushicha( a deep-steamed tea) from Kakegawa City in western Shizuoka Prefecture. The store is operated by Maruyama Tea Products Co., a respected tea manufacturing company established in 1933 with a rich heritage and commitment to quality.

As of April 2024, Nihoncha Kimikura has expanded its presence with two locations in Kakegawa City, three in Shizuoka City, and one at Haneda Airport Garden, including several sister stores.

Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store

[Address] 510-5 Itazawa, Kakegawa city, Shizuoka prefecture, 436-0016
[Parking] Available
[Website] https://kimikura.jp/honten/
[Telephone] 0537-24-6008
[Opening Hours] 1F 10:00~18:00 2F 10:00~18:00 (LO 17:30)
[Holidays] the New Year’s holiday

[Access]<By Car>8minutes from Kakegawa Station, 5 minutes from Tomei Kakegawa IC, and 5 minutes from Tomei Expressway Kakegawa.

<By Bus>From the north exit of JR Tokaido Line Kakegawa Station, take the Shizutetsu Justline Kakegawa-Daito-Hamaoka Line bound for the Hamaoka Office or Daito Branch Office, and alight at the Itazawa stop.

The Japanese-style tea house, Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store, boasts a charming two-story structure crafted from cedar wood. The exterior exudes a serene ambiance that harmoniously blends with the surrounding nature.

The first floor serves as a store offering a curated selection of Japanese teas, sweets, and tea utensils sourced from Shizuoka Prefecture and beyond. The second floor features a sophisticated café space where guests can enjoy original sweets and other Japanese tea confections, providing a tranquil setting for a leisurely visit.

▲ Adjacent to the café, Maruyama Tea Products Co. ensures a continuous supply of fresh, high-quality teas for both the store and the café.

Large windows provide a stunning view of a meticulously landscaped Japanese garden, enhancing the experience as you savor a cup of Japanese tea or finely ground Matcha prepared by Maruyama Tea Products Co.’s skilled tea masters.

▲On the second floor, you’ll find exquisite bonsai from the renowned Taisho-en bonsai store in Suruga-ku, Shizuoka Prefecture, adding a touch of elegance to the space.

KIMIKURA CAFE

[Address] 2242-1 Ooike, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 436-0043 (located in Ooike Park)(located in Ooike Park)
Pets OK / Free Wi-Fi available
[Telephone] 0537-25-7744
[Website] https://kimikura.jp/cafe/
[Opening Hours] 10:00~18:00 (Last Order for sweets 17:30)
[Lunch] 11:00~14:00
[Holidays] the New Year’s holiday
[Access] <By Car>15 minutes from Tomei Kakegawa Interchange
<By Bus>Approximately 30 minutes northbound from the north exit of Kakegawa

KIMIKURA CAFÉ, which opened on November 9, 2017, is a charming and casual café next to the general gymnasium ‘Sunrena.’ Known for its signature matcha latte, the café offers a variety of teas, including matcha-infused sweets and one-plate lunches, all served in a way that promotes easy and healthy enjoyment of tea.

▲Enjoy seasonal flowers, the melodies of chirping birds, and the soothing sounds of the wind, all of which enhance the open-air tea experience.

Some menu items are available for take-out, so we recommend picking up the drink of your choice and taking a leisurely stroll around the park.

KIMIKURA CAFÉ also offers rentals for outdoor chairs, mini-tables, and leisure seats. Find your perfect spot in Ooike Park and savor your tea in a relaxed, camp-like setting.

matchaKIMIKURA, Shizuoka Station Parche Store

[Address] 1F Shizuoka Parche, 49 Kurogane-cho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0851, Japan
[Telephone] 054-272-2365
[Website] https://kimikura.jp/matcha/
[Opening Hours] 9:30~20:00
[Holidays] No fixed holidays; subject to facility schedule
[Access] Located on the 1st floor of Shizuoka Parche (Food Section)

On September 7, 2023, matchaKIMIKURA, a dedicated matcha stand, opened on the first floor of JR Shizuoka Station’s Parche, within the Food Court area.

Located on the left-hand side of the station as you exit the conventional train ticket gates, the Food Court serves as a souvenir market featuring many popular local stores. The matchaKIMIKURA stand is situated near the center of the street, at the far end of the station concourse.

▲The stand features photo-friendly elements, including eye-catching photographic goods and oversized tea whisks, perfect for sharing on Instagram and other social media platforms.

Adjacent to the order counter, a dedicated workspace ensures each cup of matcha is meticulously brewed to order. While Shizuoka, known for its tea, has several establishments where tea is professionally prepared before your eyes, matchaKIMIKURA’s casual setting near the station highlights the company’s commitment to showcasing the charm of Japanese tea.

Although primarily a take-out venue, matchaKIMIKURA offers a small seating area with three chairs where you can relax and enjoy your drink.

The menu features a variety of enticing options, including a classic matcha latte, a latte made with oat milk and almonds, and a frothy, fluffy drink that leaves a charming green mustache on your upper lip. There’s also a drink enriched with healthy enzymes. Each original beverage is visually appealing, tempting visitors to visit the Shizuoka Station area and try them all.

Saryo Kimikura, ASTY Shizuoka Store

[Address] ASTY Shizuoka West Wing, 47 Kurogane-cho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0851, Japan
[Telephone] 054-266-7750
[Website] https://kimikura.co.jp/
[Opening Hours] 10:00~21:00(Last Order 20:30 PM)
[Holidays] No fixed holidays
[Access] Located inside Shizuoka Station

Saryo Kimikura, a Japanese tea café, opened on November 29, 2023, in the west wing of ASTY Shizuoka, a commercial facility adjacent to JR Shizuoka Station. The café’s glass walls offer a glimpse inside, and its elegant Japanese-modern exterior creates an inviting yet upscale atmosphere.

At Saryo Kimikura, you can savor Kakegawa Fukamushicha(deep-steamed tea) and a variety of tea-infused sweets and dishes. Highlights include the vibrant gozen set meal and ochazuke brimming with fresh ingredients.

The café features a counter with a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of a traditional ryotei (Japanese-style restaurant). Here, you can observe the staff meticulously brew tea right before your eyes, the aromatic steam wafting gently through the air, enhancing the soothing experience of the tea. If you inform them in advance, they will adjust the water temperature to suit your preference.

Additionally, you will be provided with a pot of hot water, allowing you to brew a second pot yourself or request the staff to do it for you.

▲The popular Sencha Anmitsu (with tea) is a limited menu item at the Saryo Kimikura Shizuoka ASTY store.

matchaKIMIKURA, Kakegawa Station Flagship Store

[Address] ASTY Kakegawa Kitaguchi, 77-24 Nanseigo, Kakegawa, Shizuoka, 436-0024, Japan
[Telephone] 054-272-2365
[Website] https://kimikura.jp/matcha/
[Opening Hours] 7:00~19:00
[Holidays] Year-end and New Year holidays
[Access] Adjacent to the wooden station building at the north exit of Kakegawa Station

Opened on March 15, 2024, the matchaKIMIKURA Kakegawa Station Flagship Store features a charming two-story design with a retro cedar plank exterior. It is situated next to the wooden station building at Kakegawa Station’s north exit.

The first floor offers visitors a welcoming, casual environment to easily stop by. At the counter, customers can enjoy matcha lattes and sweets crafted with organic matcha green tea produced in-house.

▲To highlight the gentle taste and rich aroma of the matcha, each order is meticulously prepared with a traditional tea whisk.

The store also features a variety of offerings, including matchaKIMIKURA’s own matcha products, deep-steamed tea, and sweets from its sister brand, Nihoncha Kimikura. Additionally, you’ll find limited edition dorayaki in collaboration with JR Kakegawa Station, as well as exclusive quiches and focaccias made by local restaurants in Kakegawa City.

The store’s second floor offers a serene retreat with expansive windows overlooking the city of Kakegawa and art adorning the walls. This space is designed for relaxation, allowing you to enjoy drinks, sweets, and lunch ordered from the first floor. It’s an ideal spot not only for café time but also for a leisurely breakfast or lunch.

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On October 27, 2023, Nihoncha Kimikura expanded with a new retail and gift store in Shin-Shizuoka Cenova.

Menu Highlights from Nihoncha KIMIKURA, Saryo KIMIKURA, and matchaKIMIKURA

At Nihoncha KIMIKURA and matchaKIMIKURA, you can experience premium Japanese tea paired with an assortment of complementary sweets. Here are a few highlights from their menus. Please note that some items are seasonal.

Matcha Zukushi Set【Available at Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store and Saryo Kimikura】

This indulgent Japanese sweet assortment includes matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, matcha bean paste, and warabimochi, all drizzled with matcha honey. The set is accompanied by deep-steamed sencha green tea, Shizuoka matcha green tea, or seasonal tea.

The delicate sweetness of the Matcha Zukushi Set perfectly complements the rich aroma and slight bitterness of matcha green tea, making it a beloved favorite since its introduction at Nihoncha Kimikura.

(The photo features a set with Shizuoka matcha.)

▲Dark green tea sauce complements it beautifully.

Shizuoka Green Tea Zenzai【Available at Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store and Saryo Kimikura】

This dish features a harmonious blend of azuki bean paste with a touch of saltiness and matcha bean paste. The subtle sweetness of the bean paste is perfectly balanced by the bittersweet and refreshing aftertaste of Kakegawa matcha.

The chewy shiratama and fluffy chestnuts add a satisfying texture, while salty rice crackers provide a delightful contrast.

Seasonal Tea Sweet Assortment【Available at Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store and Saryo Kimikura】

This set plate offers a trio of treats: Jo-namagashi, Matcha Tiramisu, and Glass Dessert. It’s an excellent way to sample three distinct flavors that pair beautifully with tea. Choose from six types of tea, including seasonal recommendations, sencha, Fukamushicha(deep-steamed tea), hojicha, gyokuro, and matcha.

(Set contents may vary by season and location.)

Kakegawa Matcha Parfait【Available at Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store and Saryo Kimikura】

This visually stunning parfait features a gradient of tea sweets, including whipped cream with matcha sauce, agar, chocolate, jelly, matcha granola, fluffy matcha cake, and two types of matcha ice cream with varying consistencies.

It’s served with authentic Kakegawa Fukamushicha(deep-steamed tea) brewed in a kyusu teapot. It offers comforting warmth to complement the chilled dessert. (*Serving details may vary by location.)

Their most popular dessert is Kakegawa Matcha Parfait, made with a wide variety of ingredients. The refreshing taste of matcha without any bitterness is irresistible.

Sencha Anmitsu【Available at Saryo Kimikura】

This delightful dessert features a blend of sencha jelly with a refreshing aroma, rich matcha jelly, shiratama, azuki bean paste, sweet black beans, and matcha ice cream. It’s served with a separate portion of sencha-mitsu, a honey that adds a refreshing finish with its natural sweetness and fragrant tea flavor.

The dessert highlights a robust and tea-infused flavor.

Matcha Tiramisu【Available at Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store and Saryo Kimikura】

This dessert combines mascarpone cream with matcha green tea to create a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet flavors. Its rich, smooth texture makes it an excellent companion for tea.

Matcha Latte with Fluffy Milk【Available at matchaKIMIKURA】

This signature offering is topped with a cloud-like layer of creamy low-fat milk espuma and dusted with organic matcha powder. The thick, fluffy cream provides a rich yet subtly sweet taste experience while the aroma of matcha green tea gently wafts through.

Sip as is to enjoy playful green whiskers on your upper lip, or stir with a straw to indulge in a sweet, creamy treat.

Interview: The Legacy of Maruyama Tea Products Co. Lives On Through Nihoncha Kimikura

We enjoyed speaking with Mr. Yasutoshi Fujimoto, General Manager of the Nihoncha Kimikura Sales Division.

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The Legacy of Maruyama Tea Products Co. Continues with Nihoncha Kimikura

–Can you tell us about Nihoncha Kimikura?

Nihoncha Kimikura has its roots in an agricultural cooperative established in 1891. During a period when Japan’s tea industry was flourishing as a primary export sector, Tsujimatsu Maruyama, the founder of Maruyama Tea Products Co., ventured from his birthplace to start a new chapter as a tea merchant in a neighboring town.

The current location of Nihoncha Kimikura Kakegawa Flagship Store is where Tsujimatsu Maruyama’s house once stood.

–Why did you open a Japanese tea café, Nihoncha Kimikura, in Kakegawa?

Initially, Maruyama Tea Products Co.’s tea offerings were confined to simple tastings and sales from a modest space adjacent to the Kakegawa main branch of Nihoncha Kimikura. We chose to open the Japanese tea café to better promote the Kakegawa tea industry and its rich heritage.

Kakegawa City, renowned for its deep-steamed tea, has recently expanded its production to include organic green tea and matcha. From the land where our founder’s journey began, we are thrilled to welcome tea enthusiasts to experience the world of Nihoncha Kimikura.

Introducing ‘Kimikura:’ A New Brand Reflecting the Spirit of Maruyama Tea Products Co.

Maruyama Tea Products Co. is excited to unveil its new brand, ‘Kimikura,’ designed to promote the essence of Japanese tea. The brand’s motifs—”wind,” “village,” and “budding sprout”—are elegantly rendered in calligraphy by renowned female calligrapher Kasetsu.

The brand name signifies “a storehouse where precious, beautiful things gather. Nature’s essence, human creativity, and artisanal techniques converged to produce exceptional tea.”

–How is this motif represented in Kimikura’s products?

This distinctive motif is featured prominently on various Nihoncha Kimikura products, including packaging and handbags, underscoring the brand’s unique identity. These items are exclusively available at Nihoncha Kimikura.

Recently, Nihoncha Kimikura’s packaging and handbags have become popular choices for gifts at weddings and other special occasions, reflecting a robust, positive reception to our efforts.

Given the growing interest from international visitors, we plan to enhance our English-language resources to better share the richness of Japanese tea with a global audience.

▲In addition to our selection of loose-leaf tea, expertly brewed in a teapot, we offer a diverse range of tea bags that make enjoying a delightful cup of tea simple and convenient.

Japanese Tea Kimikura: A Café Experience that Appeals to Modern Sensibilities

To engage younger generations who may not traditionally drink much tea, Nihoncha Kimikura presents a café menu featuring an array of sweets and parfaits designed to introduce them to the pleasures of tea.

–How do you develop your menu?

Initially, menu development involved consulting with experts. Now, the team at Nihoncha Kimikura, alongside the skilled tea masters from Maruyama Tea Products Co., crafts menus that highlight the unique qualities of Japanese tea.

We are grateful for our customers’ enthusiastic response. On busy holidays, our café often quickly reaches full capacity, with some guests queuing for their turn. To better accommodate our guests, we have reconfigured the second floor by removing the showcase area and adding additional tables.

From Kakegawa to the World: The Expanding Reach of KIMIKURA CAFÉ and matchaKIMIKURA

–Nihoncha Kimikura is developing a wide range of sister establishments, like KIMIKURA CAFÉ and matchaKIMIKURA, right?

At KIMIKURA CAFÉ, tea is served similarly to coffee, aiming to promote its health benefits as a refreshing choice post-exercise.

Launched in 2023, matchaKIMIKURA is a brand under Kimikura dedicated to promoting matcha, the green tea booming worldwide, as a fresh representation of Kakegawa.

The brand’s trademark logo, inspired by the “M” for matcha, reflects the iconic mountains and tea fields of Kakegawa, along with the playful green foam whiskers that appear on your upper lip after sipping a frothy matcha latte.

Locations:
● Shizuoka Station Building Parche: An organic matcha stand on the 1st floor.
● Kakegawa Station: The flagship matchaKIMIKURA store.
● ASTY Shizuoka: “Saryo Kimikura,” located in the west wing of this commercial facility adjacent to JR Shizuoka Station.

Leveraging the convenience of our direct connections to the station, we aim to continually promote the appeal of Shizuoka tea.

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Writer	Norikazu Iwamoto
Career	Ochatimes chief editer. Meeting with Vice Governor of Shizuoka prefecture. Judge of Shizuoka 100 tea’s award in 2021~23. Ocha Times link introduced at website of World O-CHA(Tea) Festival, Tea Science Center, The City of Green Tea Shizuoka,  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

 

English translator	Calfo Joshua
Career	Born and raised in England, living in Japan since 2016. Studying arboriculture in Shizuoka Prefecture whilst operating his landscape business Calfo Forestry. Appreciating the nature of Japan and the culture that places such importance in it.