Hi, everyone. I’m Shiota, the director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

I recently visited the Japanese matcha stand and cafe Hachiya which opened in Sendagaya, an area within Shibuya that is lined with many different cafes, each with their own unique touch.

The entrance to Hachiya is stylish and breathes a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. Outside the cafe is a bench made from bamboo and gravel spread across the ground.

The logo for the name of the shop is coupled with a family crest symbol, a style very popular right now in Japan. It’s a very polished design.

The interior decor is simple with just a counter. The impressive walls are decorated with waves reminiscent of ukiyo-e.

The shelved tableware display is lined with pieces collected from different countries by the cafe’s designer.

Bonsai trees are experiencing a global boom right now. This bonsai in Hachiya sits subtly and sophisticated.

At Hachiya they don’t just use tea leaves – they also incorporate each and every tool of the highest quality including teapots. I was spoiled for choice with Hachiya’s menu, but I managed to pick 3 items to show today.

“Inokura Kiu” (¥450)

This cup of tea was made with tea leaves harvested from “Tea Farm Inokura” in Tsukigase, Nara.

The tea at Hachiya is single and double brewed. It has amazing flavour right up to the very last drop.

Japanese tea making is a delicate processes where the temperature of the hot water, steam time and pouring speed can change the flavour entirely.

As the orders come in, the staff at Hachiya prepare each cup one by one with utmost precision. Watching their beautiful finger work while waiting for your tea is a relaxing moment of real bliss.

“Houjicha Smoothie” (Small ￥500 / Large ￥600)

They have 3 types of smoothie on the smoothie menu: green tea, houjicha and matcha. I chose the houjicha smoothie this time which is special for its aromatic fragrance.

It uses white bean paste instead of sugar meaning you can enjoy an elegant sweetness together with a faint touch of anko.

The lattes and smoothies on the Hachiya menu are both moderately sweet. You can customize the sweetness to your liking with the honey and refined sugar available at the counter.

“Kajitsu Tansan Reicha” (¥700)

This drink is a unique combination of tea, carbonated water and fruits.

Various fruits bob around inside including 2 grapes, lemon and pomegranate. The fruits used in the drink are changed depending on the season.

Any bitterness is removed by the fresh lemon, giving it a refreshing taste that you wouldn’t think is tea. At the bottom of the cup is jelly tea. As expected of a tea shop!

Besides drinks at Hachiya, other sweet delicacies they sell include anmitsu, soft cream, daifuku and karinto.

The 3 goodies I’ve shown you today are available at both the Sendagaya branch of Hachiya that I visited and the Daikanyama branch.

If you’re in Harajuku and need to kick back a little bit, then why not visit the Japanese tea stand and cafe Hachiya in Sendagaya to try one of their original teas?

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Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga