GOOD TIMING TEA – A Haven of Japanese Tea and Comfort【Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture】

Located about a 10-minute walk from Shin-Shizuoka Cenova, the Takajo district offers a relaxed atmosphere and is home to an array of unique shops. Among them is GOOD TIMING TEA, a Japanese green tea cafe that opened in 2023. The owner, Ken Wada, hails from a family with a long-established tea wholesaler business, Darumaya Wada Kiyoshi Shouten. After gaining experience in the coffee industry, Ken transitioned to managing a Japanese green tea cafe, bringing his expertise and passion to GOOD TIMING TEA.

At GOOD TIMING TEA, you can savor a wide variety of drinks, including meticulously prepared Japanese tea from the family’s own tea wholesaler, lattes, and specialty coffees. Renowned for the quality of its beverages, the cafe also stands out for its attentive hospitality, earning the loyalty of a diverse customer base. In this article, we introduce the owner, Ken Wada’s roots and explore his vision for GOOD TIMING TEA through an in-depth interview.

About GOOD TIMING TEA

GOOD TIMING TEA is a Japanese green tea café that opened on November 11, 2023, in Takasho, Shizuoka City. It offers a variety of Japanese teas and specialty coffees, as well as an assortment of drinks and snacks.

The café features an open exterior visible from the outside, with a spacious frontage inviting first-time customers to stop by. The café is adorned with wood on the ceiling, walls, tables, and other areas, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

▲The store’s design concept is “an open space where customers do not have to whisper.”

Owner Ken Wada’s family runs a long-established tea wholesaler, Darumaya Wada Kiyoshi Shouten. The Japanese tea served at GOOD TIMING TEA is made from tea leaves meticulously prepared by Darumaya Wada Kiyoshi Shoten.

▲ Daruma dolls, tea utensils, and sundries are displayed in one corner of the counter alongside loose-leaf and tea bag options.

The café also features a gallery space, where various exhibition events are planned for the future, including a Daruma exhibition.

GOOD TIMING TEA Menu

Good Timing Tea offers a variety of teas, including green tea, hojicha, Japanese black tea, genmaicha (brown rice tea), and kamairi tea, all carefully brewed in a kyusu pot. Additionally, the menu features a range of unique tea arrangements.

The café also boasts an extensive selection of Ochawari(tea split) made with authentic Shizuoka tea, specialty coffees crafted with techniques the owner has honed in the coffee industry, matcha lattes and shakes, tea sweets, and more.

On limited days of the week, the café sells onigiri rice balls sourced from Katayama Rice Shop in Aoi-ku under the name “Enmusubi.” These meticulously crafted rice balls pair perfectly with Japanese tea. Some menu items are also available for take-out.

Wasanmitsu Matcha Latte

Experience the richness of the Wasanmitsu Matcha Latte, a luxurious blend of hand-crafted Shizuoka matcha green tea, Wasanmitsu sugar, and creamy milk. This full-bodied, flavorful drink is the standout favorite at GOOD TIMING TEA. (Photo shows iced option)

Wakocha-Japanese Black Tea-

Japanese black tea, known as Wakocha, is celebrated for its smooth flavor with minimal astringency and honeyed sweetness. As of May 2024, GOOD TIMING TEA proudly serves this exceptional brew made from Benifuuki tea cultivar. (Photo shows iced option)

Brown Rice Tea with Powdered Green Tea-Genmaicha with Matcha-

Our Genmaicha with Matcha combines expertly roasted Sencha green tea with aromatic roasted brown rice (a mix of glutinous and Uruchi rice) and premium Matcha. This tea boasts a vibrant dark green hue and a captivating aroma, offering a soothing and delightful cup. (Photo shows hot option)

Roasted Green Tea-hojicha-

GOOD TIMING TEA’s hojicha is crafted from the stems of the gyokuro variety known as ‘Karigane.’ This tea is distinguished by its aromatic profile, unique to hojicha. At the same time, the gyokuro stems impart a rich depth of flavor. The result is a robust and flavorful cup of tea that offers a satisfying and distinctive experience. (Photo shows iced take-out option)

Hojicha Pudding

Indulge in our homemade “hojicha pudding,” a delicacy available in limited quantities daily. This exquisite tea-flavored dessert is served with cream in a distinctive container perfect for photographs. The silky texture and lingering aroma of hojicha create a memorable treat that delights the senses.

Kettle Tea-kamairicha-

Discover kamairicha at GOOD TIMING TEA, a rare find in tea cafés. This tea is prepared by roasting leaves in a kettle, offering a floral aroma not found in typical sencha and a refreshingly unique taste. For many, this will be their first experience with kamairicha. (*Photo shows ICE ordered as a set with ankodama.

Ankodama-Manju (Steamed Bun) with Azuki Bean Jam Filling-

Enjoy ankodama, a beloved Japanese sweet from Daikokuya Confectionery, renowned for its artisanal craftsmanship in Aoi Ku, Shizuoka City. Each handmade manju is filled with rich azuki bean jam and pairs perfectly with Japanese tea. Its traditional preparation and beautiful presentation make it a delightful complement to any tea.

Ochazuke (Gyokuro) : Mondays and Sundays only

Our ochazuke is made with gyokuro from Asahina, Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture—renowned for its gyokuro, comparable to Uji in Kyoto or Yame in Fukuoka. This luxurious dish features a well-balanced, deep flavor and a crisp texture from nozawana greens. It’s a comforting choice that’s light and easy to enjoy, even with low appetite.

▲The ochazuke at Good Timing Tea is made with rice sourced from Katayama Rice Shop, which is the same high-quality rice used for their Enmusubi rice balls.

Interview: Enjoy a Moment of Relaxation with GOOD TIMING TEA, a Fusion of Tea Tradition and Coffee Expertise

We had the pleasure of speaking with Ken Wada, the owner of GOOD TIMING TEA, about his unique Japanese tea café.

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GOOD TIMING TEA: A Japanese Tea Experience Infused with Coffee Industry Expertise

–Can you tell us about GOOD TIMING TEA?

GOOD TIMING TEA is a Japanese tea café that aims to provide a space where people can easily discover the wonders of Japanese tea. As our name suggests, we aim to offer a relaxing and healing atmosphere by serving tea in “good timing.”

–Why did you decide to open a Japanese tea café?

My family runs a tea wholesaler called “Darumaya Wada Kiyoshi Shoten,” so I’ve been surrounded by Japanese tea and the tea industry since childhood. Japanese tea is an exceptional drink and an integral part of our culture. However, coffee is often more popular globally. I felt a strong need to promote the appeal and culture of Japanese tea more widely, leading me to open this café.

To achieve our vision, we needed a place where people could quickly discover the wonders of Japanese tea. With this in mind, we decided to open GOOD TIMING TEA.

–Working at a tea wholesaler must be very different from working in a café. Have you ever felt lost?

Initially, I worked for a tea wholesaler but switched careers to the coffee industry to learn café management. I spent about seven years involved in coffee shop operations. This experience proved invaluable in creating our tea café.

▲GOOD TIMING TEA’s menu also features specialty coffees brewed using techniques honed in the coffee industry.

Seasonal Tea Time in an Open Space Design

–You have learned the intricacies of running a café in the coffee industry. What did you focus on when deciding to open a Japanese tea café?

Tea shops often carry a high-profile image, but we wanted GOOD TIMING TEA to break that mold. We aimed to create a casual environment where anyone could stop by and enjoy Japanese tea.

Our Japanese tea café is designed to provide a relaxing tea time experience in an open, breezy space, complete with Wi-Fi and power outlets. Customers appreciate the comfortable atmosphere, where they can work or study while enjoying their tea.

▲The rooms are air-conditioned for comfort in both summer and winter.

–The space is indeed very open and comfortable. Do you have any thoughts on the differences between coffee and Japanese tea as beverages?

I don’t feel there is much difference between the two. Both coffee and Japanese tea share a deep passion among those who work with them and a solid connection to their respective cultures. However, I sometimes sense a unique “strong commitment” within the japanese tea industry.

GOOD TIMING TEA’s Values Extend Beyond a Passion for Japanese Tea

–What is a unique “strong commitment” within the japanese tea industry?

Indeed, that commitment is to showcase the wonderful flavor of Japanese tea brewed at the proper temperature, with the right amount of water, and in the correct way. They want people to appreciate Japanese tea as a traditional cultural treasure. This is their dedication and passion, and this is what they strive to achieve with their tea.

As a teahouse owner, having such feelings is not wrong. In fact, I deeply understand them. At GOOD TIMING TEA, we brew our tea carefully, using the optimal extraction methods to maximize the potential of the tea leaves.

However, sometimes, this dedication can overshadow the importance of customer engagement. No matter how excellent the tea is, if the customer doesn’t return for more, the tea’s charm is lost. Therefore, we greatly emphasize connecting with our customers at GOOD TIMING TEA.

Our goal is to be a teahouse that customers want to visit every day, continually pursuing the best for them.

–How do you connect with the customer? What exactly do you do?

It’s difficult to explain everything, as there are too many details to mention. It’s about paying close attention to the customer and keeping their best interests in mind.

For example, even when serving the same drink, we use different utensils for different customers—whether double-wall glasses, china, or take-out cups. We don’t follow a strict standard; instead, we choose the best option based on the customer’s condition and the specifics of their order.

If the customer is elderly, we prioritize serving in China. At the same time, we offer couples the option to switch to a take-out cup midway through their visit.

Charm is also vital. Charming staff members encourage people to return (laughs).

–True. When I visited GOOD TIMING TEA for the first time, I found the staff very easy to talk to.

We value repeat customers and aim to attract new ones. We offer a diverse menu to appeal to a broader range of customers. Naturally, all of our menu items are of solid quality.

–I’m sure I could come here every day without getting tired of it.

The rice balls sold at GOOD TIMING TEA are a specialty of Katayama Rice Shop. Some customers visit specifically for the rice balls, and I am also a fan of this rice.

–Japanese tea with a rice ball in one hand is an unbeatable combination.

Enjoy a relaxing time at GOOD TIMING TEA with a Daruma good-luck charm.

I love rakugo, and my favorite rakugo storyteller, Jakuta Katsura, often uses the term “good timing,” so I named the tea GOOD TIMING TEA in reference to that.

▲GOOD TIMING TEA original goods are also available.

GOOD TIMING is an auspicious phrase. “Good luck” can also be linked to Daruma, a traditional good-luck charm. In fact, Darumaya Wada Kiyoshi Shouten was originally engaged in producing Daruma dolls before it started its tea business, hence the name “Darumaya.”

–I see. Knowing that, it’s interesting to see so many Daruma dolls displayed in the store.

GOOD TIMING TEA is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. We don’t have any regular holidays. Come and visit us for tea time in “good timing!”

We look forward to serving you delicious Japanese tea in a relaxing atmosphere!

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Information of GOOD TIMING TEA

Address	Mochizuki Building 1F, 2-17-3 Takasho, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0839, Japan
SNS	https://www.instagram.com/goodtimingtea_shizuoka/
Phone number	054-374-9360
E-money and credit cards	Available
Open	9:00~21:00
Closed	None
Parking lot	Pay parking available nearby.
Access	15 minutes walk from Shizuoka Station.

 

Writer	Norikazu Iwamoto
Career	Ochatimes chief editer. Meeting with Vice Governor of Shizuoka prefecture. Judge of Shizuoka 100 tea’s award in 2021~24. Ocha Times link introduced at website of World O-CHA(Tea) Festival 2022, 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.