Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Binako, writer for Sarukuma!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a hidden gem located in Kotani, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture:
“Greentea.Lab”.

Just look at that beautiful exterior!
This is a traditional Japanese tea cafe with such a tranquil, authentic atmosphere — perfect for relaxing.

The parking lot is wonderfully spacious, so visitors arriving by car can park with ease.

The menu is conveniently displayed outside the entrance, so you can decide what to order before stepping inside ♪

Here’s the Cha-Soba Gozen (green tea soba set meal).
With rice ball: 1,700 yen + tax
Without rice ball: 1,500 yen + tax
The rice ball changes weekly — this week’s was a delicious chicken and sweet potato mixed rice ball!

Note: The shop charmingly uses the character “縁” (en, meaning “connection/fate”) in place of the standard yen character — a lovely touch!

This is the Japanese Tea & Sweets Set.
You can pair Japanese tea with traditional sweets, or try desserts made with Japanese tea ★

Here are more options:
Japanese Tea Shaved Ice — 600 yen each
Seasonal Syrup — 800 yen
Japanese Tea Parfait — 800 yen
Japanese Tea Latte (Tea Honey Latte / Hojicha Latte)
Tall size — 400 yen
Grande size — 500 yen

There’s also a takeout tea menu — perfect for travelers on the go!

Japanese Tea:
Tall size — 350 yen
Grande size — 450 yen

Japanese Tea Latte:
Tall size — 400 yen
Grande size — 500 yen

And there’s even a Japanese Tea & Sake option! Sounds amazing!
Unfortunately, I was driving today, so I had to pass on this one…

Priced at 700 yen each ★

Although they were already sold out when I visited,
fresh boiled eggs are also available for purchase ♪

Rice balls (onigiri) go on sale at 11:00 AM — but when I arrived at 11:10, only one salt onigiri was left!!

There was already a line at the register!
They sell out incredibly fast — get there early!

Various teas are displayed near the register.

Loose-leaf tea is also available for take-home — a perfect souvenir of Japan!

Matcha Senbei (matcha rice crackers) — 60g, 400 yen
Matcha no Sato (13 sticks) — 400 yen

Many customers were taking these home as souvenirs!

I also spotted a Whole-Tea Dressing!
680 yen + tax — I bet it’s amazing!

Soseki Yokan (Japanese sweet bean jelly) — 800 yen
Asa-chan’s Handmade Umeboshi (pickled plums) — 700 yen + tax

So many tempting items to take home…( *´艸｀)

Payment options include PayPay and credit cards — convenient for international travelers!

There’s a comfortable eat-in area where you can take your time and enjoy your meal ♪

Recommended Menu Picks

Today, I ordered the
Salt Onigiri (120 yen) and the Japanese Tea & Sweets Set (600 yen) ♪
First, let’s talk about the onigiri…

Wait — I only ordered the rice ball, right?
But amazingly, they include complimentary Japanese pickles (tsukemono)!!!

Honestly — could it get any better?

The pickles have the perfect amount of saltiness, which makes the rice ball even more irresistible!

Each grain of rice is firm and distinct — completely different from anything you could make at home!

Here’s the Japanese Tea & Sweets Set.
You can choose between monaka (a wafer sandwich filled with sweet bean paste) or yokan — I went with the monaka ♪

Just look at how beautifully presented these monaka are!
Each one has a different flavor, so you can savor and enjoy them one by one!

The light, refined sweetness pairs beautifully with the tea!

You can choose your tea too — I picked Yabukita, a classic Japanese green tea variety ^^
The staff explains how to brew it properly, and the set lets you enjoy four steepings from the same leaves!

Such an incredible value!
I got a bit greedy and squeezed out a fifth steeping…

Because, well — it was just that good!

Cold water is self-service, which is a nice convenient touch ^^
With such a wide selection of teas and dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Remember — onigiri sales start at 11:00 AM, so I highly recommend arriving early!

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at time of reporting. Prices and hours subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.