Discover Kashi Kichi in Hoshinomura, Fukuoka — home to Japan’s best matcha smoothie made with Yame green tea

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Discover Kashi Kichi in Hoshinomura, Fukuoka — home to Japan’s best matcha smoothie made with Yame green tea

Kashi Kichi

This summer, my husband and I returned to Fukuoka, Japan, and one of our must-visit stops was Kashi Kichi, a charming sweets shop and café tucked away in Hoshinomura. We first discovered Kashi Kichi in 2024 and instantly fell in love with their rich, velvety matcha smoothie.

Over the years, I’ve tried countless matcha treats—smoothies, frappuccinos, and soft serves both in Japan and the U.S.—but nothing compares to the depth and creaminess of Kashi Kichi’s version. It truly stands out as the best I’ve ever had. That unforgettable taste is what drew us back again this summer, even though it meant a long drive into the countryside. The journey was more than worth it, and sipping that smoothie once again felt like rediscovering a hidden treasure.

Kashi Kichi

Kashi Kichi
2626-3 Hoshinomura
Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture
Japan

Kashi Kichi

Kashi Kichi may be a small store, but it offers a delightful variety of desserts, from crisp cookies to fluffy chiffon cakes.

Kashi Kichi

Even though the cookies and cakes are on the pricey side, we noticed locals buying them in large quantities — a sure sign that they must be delicious.

Kashi Kichi

Drink Menu

Kashi Kichi

Kashi Kichi uses high-quality Yame green tea, grown in Hoshinomura, and offers three grades of matcha smoothies.

🍵 Kashi Kichi’s Three Grades of Matcha Smoothies

Grade	Tea type & processing	Price	Flavor profile
1. 玉露抹茶 (Gyokuro Matcha, Stone-Milled)	Made from gyokuro leaves, shaded longer than regular matcha, then carefully stone-ground	¥1,944	Deep umami, silky texture, rich aroma — the most luxurious option
2. かぶせ抹茶 (Kabuse Matcha, Stone-Milled)	Kabusecha is shaded for a shorter period than gyokuro, then stone-milled	¥1,026	Balanced sweetness and freshness, smoother than standard matcha
3. かぶせ抹茶 (Kabuse Matcha, Machine-Milled)	Same kabusecha leaves, but ground by machine instead of stone	¥810	Lighter, slightly more astringent, casual and refreshing

Gyokuro leaves are shaded longer, giving them more sweetness and umami, while kabusecha is shaded for less time, offering a balance between gyokuro’s richness and the freshness of regular sencha.

Kashi Kichi Matcha Smoothie

I tried the Kabuse Matcha, Machine-Milled smoothie for 810 yen, and it was wonderfully rich in flavor. If you’re a matcha lover, this is one you shouldn’t miss.

Visiting Kashi Kichi always feels special. Their matcha smoothies and desserts capture the heart of Hoshinomura’s tea culture. It’s a place worth the drive, and one I’ll happily return to again.

We also explored more green tea spots around Yame, which I’ll share in future entries.

These are my entries related to Fukuoka.