Solo Time: Relaxing at Tea Salons & Cafes in Kamakura
December 2023 Seasonal up date
It’s already the holiday season—this year flew by so quickly. Shopping is busy with holiday gifts and New Year’s greetings to take care of. For those working, the end-of-year schedule is packed before the holiday break.
During such times, when you long for some solo time, a quick trip to Kamakura is perfect. Step into a tea salon or cafe where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea and special sweets. Taking a moment to relax and recharge helps reset your daily routine.
Contents
- 1 Enjoying Cream Tea at Garage Bluebell
- 2 Toshimaya Confectionery – With Okishi. Herbal tea and Western pastries.
- 3 “Bread and Espresso and Yuigahama Shop” Enjoying French toast and espresso for a cozy moment.
- 4 Tea Room Kaze no Mori” by the Pond at the Shrine: Enjoying Matcha and Japanese Sweets
- 5 njoying café latte and cake time atPatisserie Kouglapin.
Enjoying Cream Tea at Garage Bluebell
In the residential area between Kamakura’s Komachi Street and the railway tracks, there’s a local alley that sees fewer people even on crowded weekends. It’s the kind of quiet path that only locals or wandering tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle might stumble upon.
Tucked away in such a spot is “Garage Bluebell,” a hidden gem.
Upon entering, you take off your shoes and step into a cozy, renovated space that feels like you’re visiting someone’s home. The elegant architecture and retro interior are polished to perfection, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. It’s a place where everyone can relax and unwind at their own pace.
What stands out here is the scones. Served in the traditional “Cream Tea” style, just like you would enjoy in the UK. You can indulge in warm scones with homemade clotted cream and jam, paired with a nice pot of milk tea.
The scones are perfectly moist, with a crisp surface, and the light, sweet jam and cream complement each other beautifully. Even though the scones are large, they make you want to keep eating more.
The tea is also delicious. Ordering it in a pot and spending a leisurely afternoon alone is the perfect way to unwind. Across from me, a man is deeply immersed in his book. I, on the other hand, check my schedule for the upcoming year while watching the birds gather at the bird feeder. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a slow, peaceful personal time in a tea salon.
adress: 2-4-14 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 0467-22-4836
Business Hours:
12:00 - 17:00 (last order)
18:00 (close)
Closed on: Wednesdays and Thursdays
Email: garagebluebell@gmail.com
Toshimaya Confectionery – With Okishi.
Herbal tea and Western pastries.
The “Okiishi” café, located at the base of the Ni-no-Torii gate of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, overlooks the entrance to the “Danga-zaka” pathway in the center of Wakamiya Oji. Famous for its “Hato Sabure” (dove-shaped cookies), this洋菓子店 (Western-style confectionery shop) and café offers a hidden gem of a location that is surprisingly accessible even on weekends.
The cakes here are elegantly shaped, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The famous “Japanese Chestnut Mont Blanc” is a must-try.
Today, I enjoyed a lemon tart paired with mint herbal tea. During this season when colds are common, the soothing mint tea helps to gently restore balance to the body.
Address:
2-15-5 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Phone:
0467-22-8102
Closed:
Wednesdays (Open on holidays)
Business hours:
1st Floor: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
2nd Floor: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last order at 5:00 PM)
“Bread and Espresso and Yuigahama Shop” Enjoying French toast and espresso for a cozy moment.
The area around Onaridori and Yuigahama Street on the west side of Kamakura is home to several hidden gems that are popular with repeat visitors and locals.
Located near the Rokujizo area on Yuigahama Street, “Bread and Espresso” can get quite crowded on weekends, with people often waiting in line. However, on regular days, it offers a peaceful, private atmosphere, thanks to its cozy setting in a renovated old house.
The shop was originally a small store, and its interior seamlessly blends old and new elements, preserving the space that used to be a tobacco shop. The warm light that filters in makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Address:
1-10-5 Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Business Hours:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Irregular holidays
Phone:
0467-73-8755
Tea Room Kaze no Mori” by the Pond at the Shrine: Enjoying Matcha and Japanese Sweets
“Kaze no Mori” Tea House by Heike Pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Located in an exceptional spot by the serene Heike Pond at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kaze no Mori offers a refined experience with sweets showcasing the artistry of Japanese cuisine, paired with meticulously curated teas and matcha.
The ambiance exudes the elegance of a hotel or museum café, with an air of tranquility. From the comfortably quiet seating area, guests can enjoy an immersive view of the lush, natural surroundings of Hachimangu Shrine through expansive glass windows, perfectly blending the indoors with the scenic beauty of Heike Pond.
Conveniently located just inside the “Third Torii” gate at the shrine’s entrance, Kaze no Mori can be found on the left-hand side, with the station to your back.
Address:
2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 050-5488-4192
Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Open year-round (no holidays).
njoying café latte and cake time at
Patisserie Kouglapin.
A pastry shop run by a pâtissier trained in Alsace—a must-visit during the Christmas season. While Stollen and Kuglof are the main attractions, the baked goods and cakes are equally delightful, making the café’s eat-in space a tempting stop.
I choose a cake that suits my mood for the day and enjoy it with a café latte. As a delightful bonus, the cake comes with a slice of Kuglof—a little treat that adds to the experience.
Today’s choice is the shop’s specialty cake shaped like a Kuglof. Its citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the café latte, making it a true delight.
Patisserie Kouglapin KAMAKURA
Address: 3-6-12 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Shop Hours: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
In Kamakura, enjoy some quality solo tea and café time. It’s the perfect break to recharge, ensuring that the next day will be productive and full of energy. Whether you prefer to sit back and relax or stay active while enjoying your treats, there’s something for everyone.
For those who want to enjoy delicious sweets while strolling and staying on the move, check out “STROLLING FOR SWEETS IN THE VICINITY OF KAMAKURA’S ONARI STREET” If you’re looking for a more refined experience, indulge in afternoon tea or delightful desserts at one of Kamakura’s charming tea salons in “THREE PLACES FOR AFTERNOON TEA AND DESSERTS IN KAMAKURA.”
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