Matcha & Desserts @ Tsujiri Chaho, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka

 

In the heart of Kitakyushu lies one of Japan's unsung castles, Kokura castle. It is not as big as elaborate as Osaka castle or has a pronounced history like Himeji castle, but it has its own majestic beauty to which the people of Fukuoka are quite proud of. But that is not all, as surrounding the castle is a public park that has various eating spots that you can enjoy. 

Welcome 

There are various food trucks and carts around the area on the weekends. But if you want something traditional, then I have something for you. Tsujiri Chaho is a local tea company that not only produce matcha and tea related products, they also run their own green tea cafes around the city. They have only 4 outlets in the country, all within the Kitakyushu area, which makes this very local. With a history all the way back 1860, you know you will be taken cared off very well. And one such outlet is within the castle premises. 

Green and mean

Being a specialist in green tea, it is just natural for us to order a tea set. Standing at 750 yen it also comes with a side dessert that came in the form of a green tea and daifuku. The matcha was deep strong and creamy. It can be a bit intense for some but I really liked it. it worked well with the daifuku which was somewhat sweet. Is should be noted that the daifuku was actually some serious business. In addition of the green tea mochi exterior, there was a red bean and cream filling that goes very well with everything else. What an amazing treat. 

Doraemon's favourite

We also got a green tea dorayaki that stood at a modest 300 yen. This is classic Japanese confection at its most basic, but also at its finest. The outer cake exterior was firm but fluffy, like a pressed sponge cake. The dark bitter taste of the matcha was tempered with the cake, and the dorayaki filling made of red bean paste help compliment the bitter profile of the said cake. 

The biscuit actually looks pretty impressive. 

But if you somehow want to have something else, they have an anmitsu which stands at 500 yen. This was quite cute as it came with a monaka biscuit that is shaped like a castle. With more red bean and some mochi balls over clear jelly, this was an interesting experience with various textures on tow. And you all know how much I like textural combinations. 

If you can't find the shop, then look for Kokura castle! 

So if you like green tea, and you are in the area, this is something I strongly recommend! The outlet is also linked to the souvenir shop of the castle. But honestly, the main attraction besides the castle, is this matcha cafe. Fancy a go, just head to the castle! It is very big so you will probably be able to spot it easily. But for the sake of formality, the address is as follows: 

2 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 803-0813