For true connoisseurs of the leaf, Tea Shop Shun (紅茶の店しゅん) is an essential pilgrimage in Morioka. Since 1985, this dedicated black tea specialist has been a cornerstone of the city’s sophisticated café scene, known for its high-ceilinged, tranquil interior and a selection of teas, like Darjeeling and Uva, many of which are sourced directly from Indian tea estates by the owner. While the shop’s signature curry and homemade scones aren’t plant-based, if you are looking to appreciate a master-brewed seasonal flush or a fragrant straight tea, Tea Shop Shun offers a refined atmosphere that remains one of Morioka’s most authentic cultural experiences.
About Tea Shop Shun
Tea Shop Shun has a stylish logo, which makes passersby curious about what sort of café it is. The interior space is nicely decorated and has a relaxing and homey setting. The café is particular about its tea leaves. The owner, Matsumoto-san (松本征子), was surprised by how delicious black tea could be. So, she often travels to India to visit the tea farms. In particular, the first flush was used to make the Darjeeling here, so it will be one of the nicest cups of black tea you will try in your life!
Besides the ones that are commonly found in supermarkets, Tea Shop Shun also serves Uva and Dimbula.
Tea Shop Shun’s Dining Space
The two-story café has a stylish but homy interior. There is a grand piano in the center, and if you go up the wooden staircase in front of it, you will find the second floor divided into two halves. One side of the seating has no wall, so you can see the ceiling beams, creating a sense of openness.
The building is a renovated old townhouse. The beams are from the previous Japanese house. The layout and stairs are based on Matsumoto-san’s ideas. Apparently, the unique staircase was used to shoot one of the scenes in movie, And Life Goes On (劇場版 そして、生きる)!
Standing in front of the staircase, you will surely become indecisive about whether to head left or right. Life made it easy for us. There was only one vacate table when we got there (´▽｀*).
Moreover, depending on the type of tea you order, the letter attached to the teapot lid differs!
Scones are among the top homemade sweets at Tea Shop Shun. While they take time to prepare because they are only baked after an order is received, what beats the freshly baked scones? Biting into a hot scone with jam and clotted cream is heaven.
Their chiffon cake is really nice too!
Tea Shop Shun’s Original Curry with Saffron Rice is another reason people visit it. Sadly, it isn’t vegetarian.
Refer to HERE for Tea Shop Shun’s menu.
Tea Shop Shun’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Tea Shop Shun is open from 11 am to 8 pm from Thursday to Monday.
- From December to March, it closes at 7 pm.
- If the Tuesday or Wednesday is a public holiday, it will open.
- The tearoom is a 3-minute walk from the bus stop, Morioka Bus Center (盛岡バスセンター).
- From Morioka-jō Castle Site Park, it is a 5-minute walk.
Discover the Must-Visit Attractions in Morioka
When you hear of Morioka, wanko soba noodles, and Morioka cold noodles are probably the first two things that come to mind. But the city isn’t just about food. It also has many cultural attractions, hot springs, nature and more!
So refer to our Morioka article for ideas about where to stop by when visiting Iwate Prefecture’s capital city!
