Tranquil Matcha Moments in Shizuoka: Unwind at the Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI【Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture】

Located about a 15-minute walk from Shizuoka Station, Shichikencho is a charming area where traditional townscapes blend seamlessly with modern shops amidst ongoing redevelopment. Follow the path to the left of Wakeikazuchi Shrine along Aoba Street, and you’ll soon find yourself in Ika-zuchi Yokocho—a vibrant area lined with small, well-established izakaya (Japanese-style pubs).

Nestled in this lively neighborhood is Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI, a unique establishment dedicated to showcasing the allure of Shizuoka matcha. Open from midday to late at night, NAGOMI offers a wide variety of dishes made with high-quality organic matcha sourced from Shizuoka. It is loved by locals not only as a tea café but also as a popular evening drinking spot.

In this article, we’ll dive into the captivating menu of Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI and share the inspiring story of its owner, Takahiko Yoshimura, who has relentlessly pursued his vision of the ideal matcha café, even after relocating six times.

What is Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI?

Opened on August 27, 2020, in Hitoyado-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI is a café specializing in organic matcha. The café is the brainchild of Takahiko Yoshimura, whose passion for Shizuoka matcha and commitment to excellence have shaped this one-of-a-kind establishment.

The interior of Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI is compact yet inviting, with four tables and eight chairs. The large glass doors allow bright sunlight to pour in, softly illuminating the space, while a mirrored wall at the back creates an illusion of depth.

Upon stepping inside, you’re greeted by a retro-modern atmosphere, both nostalgic and welcoming, with time seeming to slow down as you settle in. You place your order at the counter near the entrance, then choose your seat and relax in the cozy ambiance.

Menu at Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI

The matcha served at Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI is premium organic matcha sourced from Kawane, a renowned tea-producing region in Shizuoka Prefecture. The menu offers a variety of options, from classic drinks that even matcha skeptics will enjoy to original creations that blend matcha with alcohol for a unique twist. Each drink is carefully crafted by owner Takahiko Yoshimura, who takes great pride in delivering a memorable experience.

▲ NAGOMI cat, an adorable cat character, is featured on the right in the cup. This original character is a playful nod to the café’s owner, who loves matcha so much that he drank too much and turned green!

In this section, we’ll introduce some of the signature menu items at NAGOMI. Please note that take-out and eat-in options are available except for a few items.

Organic Matcha Latte (Iced/Hot) – 4 Levels of Matcha Intensity

Their Organic Matcha Latte, which has four levels of matcha concentration, is the signature offering at Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI. It was created to let customers explore the full range of matcha flavors based on varying concentration levels.

▲ Organic Matcha Latte : Chokoi (take out Cup)

The latte’s four different levels are given playful, matcha-inspired names based on words for love and thick, offering something for every preference:

● Hatsukoi (3g of matcha)
● Chokoi (5g of matcha)
● Mechakoi (7g of matcha)
● Zokkon (12g of matcha)

No matter which level you choose, each latte delivers a deep, aromatic flavor and mellow matcha taste. With such variety, you are guaranteed to find your perfect matcha experience.

▲ The matcha levels are displayed from Hatsukoi (on the left) to Zokkon (on the right), showcasing a beautiful gradation of vibrant green hues that visually highlight the difference in strength.

Matcha Affogato

Indulge in the luxurious Matcha Affogato, where rich, organic matcha sauce is poured over creamy vanilla ice cream from New Zealand. The smooth sweetness of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the bittersweet, robust flavor of the matcha, creating an unforgettable treat. Popular among regular customers, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a memorable matcha experience.

Watching the warm, rich matcha sauce slowly melt into the cold vanilla ice cream is mesmerizing. The contrast between the bittersweet finish of the matcha and the creamy sweetness of the vanilla creates an unforgettable combination.

Incidentally, the word affogato comes from Italian, meaning drowned, which perfectly captures the essence of this dessert. Immerse yourself in the indulgent experience of the Matcha Affogato and let yourself be swept away by its sweet bitterness.

Fluffy Matcha Latte (Iced)

The Fluffy Matcha Latte is as delightful to look at as it is to drink. When the matcha is poured in, the milk foam rises so dramatically it seems ready to spill over the edges of the cup. This playful and visually appealing drink results from careful experimentation by Mr. Yoshimura, who tirelessly tested different ingredient combinations to perfect the fluffy texture and deep matcha flavor.

▲ This latte is so popular that it frequently appears on social media, often with customers sharing its beautiful presentation.

NAGOMI Matcha Terrine

NAGOMI Matcha Terrine is a dessert that embodies the essence of matcha with its rich aroma, bittersweet flavor, and smooth texture. Initially offered only on weekends, its overwhelming popularity has led to it being served daily, making it the café’s best-selling item.
Available for take-out in individual packages, NAGOMI Matcha Terrine also makes a wonderful gift or treat for someone special.

Kahlua Matcha

According to the owner, Mr. Yoshimura, the Kahlua Matcha is the king of matcha-flavored drinks. The homemade matcha syrup adds a rich, deep flavor that perfectly complements the distinct aroma of matcha, and it pairs harmoniously with the matcha liqueur. This indulgent creation offers a unique fusion of bold flavors that’s sure to impress.

Seasonal Special Drinks

In addition to the regular offerings, Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI features seasonal specialties such as the Sakura An Matcha Latte (available only in spring) and the Waguri Matcha Latte (available only in autumn).

The Sakura An Matcha Latte stands out with its use of cherry blossom paste, which provides a delicate, less intense sweetness compared to traditional cherry blossom syrup. The combination of matcha and cherry blossom flavors creates a beautifully balanced drink, offering a gentle yet rich flavor profile that’s particularly popular during spring.

Interview : Taking Shizuoka Matcha to the World – The Story of a Matcha Cafe that Began in a Trailer

We had the opportunity to speak with Takahiko Yoshimura, the representative of Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI, about his journey and vision behind bringing Shizuoka matcha to the world.

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Studying Abroad in the U.S.: The Inspiration Behind Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI

— Can you tell us about Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI?

Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI is a cafe dedicated to showcasing the beauty and flavor of organic matcha from Shizuoka Prefecture. Our philosophy is simple: bringing the appeal of Shizuoka matcha to the world. We offer a wide selection of matcha lattes and sweets, allowing both locals and visitors from outside Shizuoka to experience our matcha’s rich, authentic taste.

— What inspired you to open a matcha cafe?

My journey began when I studied abroad in Nebraska, USA. At the time, cafes were an integral part of campus life. I tried a matcha latte for the first time and was instantly struck by how delicious it was.

What amazed me even more was how cafes on American campuses served as vibrant spaces for students to socialize and connect. In Japan, cafes were typically places to relax with a drink, but I had never seen them function as community hubs in quite the same way.

This experience opened my eyes to the potential of matcha and cafes, sparking the idea to bring a taste of Shizuoka matcha to the world.

▲ Mr. Yoshimura during his exchange program in the U.S. in September 2019.

The idea of opening an organic matcha cafe called NAGOMI came to me when I thought it would be nice to have similar cafes like this on campuses in Japan. Starting a matcha cafe in Shizuoka, a famous tea-producing region, and promoting matcha’s appeal would also help spread Shizuoka’s appeal to the world.

The History of NAGOMI: From a Trailer to a Matcha Cafe Loved by the People of Shizuoka

After returning from studying abroad, I began preparing to open my cafe. However, with prior experience in the industry, I started by visiting numerous cafes and seeking advice from the owners. I also made trips to tea-growing regions on the outskirts of Shizuoka, working tirelessly to build relationships with matcha producers.

▲ Mr. Yoshimura visits a tea plantation at Matcha Organic Japan, the company behind the organic Kawane Matcha.

In April 2020, I was finally ready to open my cafe temporarily. However, just as we were gearing up, the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, and a state of emergency was declared, halting our plans and forcing us to postpone the cafe’s opening.

Despite the setback, my dream of opening a matcha cafe remained unshaken. I decided to purchase a kitchen trailer and pursue the idea of opening a cafe on wheels. Coincidentally, I was introduced to someone looking for a business owner to run a trailer-based shop. After discussing the details, they offered me excellent conditions to make it happen.

On August 27, 2020, I opened the first Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI in trailer form. This marked the beginning of the cafe’s journey.

▲ In its early days, the cafe was a trailer. At that time, it was called University Student Cafe NAGOMI.

— So, Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI started as a trailer-based cafe. That’s quite remarkable! Did you have any prior experience running a cafe?

No, I had no experience at all. I started by temporarily operating a small cafe near the university I attended. Once I got the hang of the operations, I planned to move to Hitoyado-cho in Shizuoka City.

— How did the local community react when you started operating the cafe?

The response was overwhelmingly positive. I had a steady flow of customers, including university friends, students, and locals. After a month of temporary operations, I became familiar with the process and decided to relocate the trailer to its permanent location in Hitoyado-cho, as originally planned.

— You moved quickly from opening the cafe to relocating to the heart of Shizuoka. How did that happen?

Yes, that was our first move. After that, we moved several more times, and in total, we experienced six relocations before settling in our current location.

Overcoming 6 Moves and Gaining Attention on Social Media: The Challenges of a Cafe Owner

— Six moves? That’s incredible!

Yes, the landscape around us constantly changed during the urban development in the Hitoyado-cho area. As the town evolved, the NAGOMI trailer had to be relocated every few months. I underwent two moves before graduating from university in March 2021.

Until the third move, we relocated the trailer to the same grounds. But by June 2021, we needed more space to place the trailer. That’s when we made our fourth move and transitioned from operating a trailer to renting a small store section.

This was a significant change, and we faced a lot of uncertainty. We were torn between finding a new location for the trailer or even considering quitting the café business altogether.

— What made you decide to keep going with the café?

The key turning point for me was realizing that the number of loyal fans of the café was steadily increasing. I felt reassured that the path I had chosen was right, which gave me the confidence to continue. That’s when I decided to shift to a permanent store model.

Finally, on November 13, 2022, we moved to the second floor of an old private house on a quiet back street in Hitoyado-cho for our fifth relocation.

We continued to operate from that location for about a year and a half until June 2023 before moving to our current spot. This marked our sixth relocation.

— The frequent relocations must have surprised your regular customers. How did they react?

Yes, it certainly caught some people by surprise. To keep our loyal customers updated, we used Instagram Reels to share the move’s progress, starting a month in advance. This initiative ended up having a more significant impact than we expected.

On July 13, the day of our grand reopening, we were thrilled to welcome many customers who had followed our updates and were eager to visit.

— That’s impressive energy! Are you handling everything by yourself?

As owner and manager, I’m responsible for every aspect of the café’s operations. I handle everything from preparing the menu and posting on our website and social media to deciding on the store’s design and managing the daily business. However, I’m lucky to have a team of reliable colleagues, so I can leave the store in their hands when needed.

This support allows me to focus on other things, such as participating in events and expanding our reach.

The Connections Spun by Shizuoka Matcha: The Heart of Shizuoka Spreads Through Event Stalls

— You leave the shop to your staff and go to event stalls, too, right?

Yes, I attend various events, mainly in Shizuoka. Even at these events, I always serve matcha that’s been carefully prepared. It’s time-consuming, but I make an effort to ensure that each person who tries it experiences the unique taste of Shizuoka matcha. Through this, I’ve often felt that Shizuoka tea has a charm that truly draws people in.

— What kind of reactions do you usually get?

Many of our customers are tourists visiting Shizuoka to try its matcha. For example, we often hear comments like, I came to see this event during my sightseeing trip from Kanagawa or I came to support a soccer team from Yamaguchi Prefecture, and while in Shizuoka between matches, I couldn’t resist stopping by when I saw this.

Customers also say, I used to live in Shizuoka, and when I heard Shizuoka tea, I just had to drop in. Hearing such comments makes me realize how appealing Shizuoka tea is to people.

— Spotting a specialty product from your hometown in a travel destination often gives you a sense of comfort.

Exactly. When people think of Shizuoka, green tea often comes to mind as the specialty product. However, Shizuoka tea isn’t just green tea; it also includes delicious matcha. At Organic Matcha Cafe NAGOMI, we want to establish the Shizuoka tea = Shizuoka matcha image through our matcha drinks and sweets.

We will continue actively participating in events, focusing on revitalizing the local area and engaging with the outside world. Perhaps one day, you’ll find NAGOMI’s Shizuoka matcha at an event in your area!

Recommended articles : Indulge in Matcha Heaven: The Best Matcha Sweets in Shizuoka, Japan

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Information Of Organic Matcha Café NAGOMI

住所	10 Ikazuchi Yokocho, 14-6 Shichiken-cho, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 420-0035, Japan
ホームページ	https://nagomi-matchacafe.com/
電話番号	054-397-2800
電子マネー・カード決済	Available
営業時間	13:00~24:00(LO23:30)
定休日	None
駐車場	Pay parking available nearby.
アクセス	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.