On November 3, 2024, the tea specialty shop “SABOE HAKATA” opened its doors in Hakata’s historic old town, inviting visitors to experience a modern twist on Japan’s cherished tea culture.
Tucked along Okuno-doori — the charming alley that connects Taihaku Avenue to the Chokushi-mon Gate of Shofukuji Temple — SABOE HAKATA is both a tea shop and a tea lounge. The shop features a curated selection of Japanese teas, wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), and contemporary tea accessories. Visitors can also enjoy a cozy tea lounge where seasonal teas and creative tea cocktails are served. Adding to SABOE’s allure, the “BASE Gallery Hakata,” a contemporary art space located within, makes this venue a new destination for art and culture in Hakata.
The Hakata old town area is steeped in history. Here, Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple, founded by the monk Eisai, stands as a symbol of the country’s enduring tea heritage. Eisai introduced tea seeds from China’s Song Dynasty, spreading the practice of tea drinking in Japan. Nearby Jotenji Temple, founded by Shoichi Kokushi, is another historical landmark, known for bringing the techniques for making Japanese manju (steamed buns) and udon noodles from China. During the medieval era, this area flourished as Japan’s leading port, bustling with international trade.
SABOE HAKATA occupies a sleek, townhouse-style building with a thoughtfully designed open layout. A take-out window offers freshly steamed manju, while inside, visitors can browse the exclusive “T., Collection” — a lineup of traditional Japanese teas, such as sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha, along with unique fruit-infused blends. For those with a sweet tooth, SABOE is the only place in Kyushu offering HIGASHIYA’s artisanal Japanese sweets, celebrated for their refined, contemporary interpretations of classic flavors.
SABOE (pronounced “Sabo-e”) reimagines tradition with an eye for modern aesthetics, creating a space that’s as visually inspiring as it is enjoyable. Even the stylish packaging of the T., Collection is bound to catch your attention, perfectly blending sophistication with a nod to Japan’s tea heritage.
