A cup of tea enriches your life." Wakatakeen proposes a collaboration of tea leaves and sweets.

The "green tea soft serve ice cream" served at one corner of a long-established tea shop is now loved by people of all ages, from local high school students to the elderly. Behind this has been the challenge and transition of "Wakatakeen," a teahouse with a nearly 150-year history. How has the company responded to the changing times from its establishment in the Meiji era to the present day?

People used to think we were more of a green tea soft serve ice cream shop than a teahouse.

Wakatake-en is a long-established tea shop located on the Fuchi-Gobangai shopping street in Oita City.

After remodeling the store in 1990, it began offering matcha soft serve ice cream, and soon came to be regarded as a "matcha soft serve ice cream specialty store.

President Maki recalls, "For a while, people thought we were more of a green tea soft serve shop than a tea shop. The company's matcha soft serve ice cream brought Wakatake-en to the attention of the public.

Kuzumochi and tea set is recommended in summer

Wakatake-en opens part of its store as a café, offering seasonal desserts and beverages.

In summer, the original Kuzumochi and tea set is recommended. As manager Sato says, "We have green tea flavor using Ureshino tea and home-roasted hojicha flavor anko (red bean paste)," the attraction here is that you can enjoy not only the tea but also sweets that make use of it.

As the season progresses, they plan to offer parfaits that will make you feel relaxed in the fall.

Just like a cherry blossom cake! Recommended for those who want to enjoy tea brewed from tea leaves "Xiang Shun".

There are many ways to brew a good cup of tea, but the most important thing is to use good tea leaves," says manager Sato, who is also a certified Japanese tea instructor and black tea coordinator.

One of the tea leaves he recommends, "Xiangjun," has a distinctive cherry blossom cake-like aroma, and the longer it is in contact with air, the easier it is to perceive the aroma. It is a must-try for those who want to enjoy tea brewed from tea leaves. You will feel a little richer than usual while tasting the gorgeously spreading fragrance.

Wakatake-en, where customers can enjoy seasonal sweets and teas, has continued to evolve with the times. The reason for its long-lasting popularity among the locals can be attributed to its desire to keep an eye on its customers and the times, and to continue to offer the best way to enjoy tea. We hope you will visit Wakatake-en for a taste of their tea and sweets.