Before even knowing what it was I got really excited when I saw this wallpaper pop up on Instagram. When you look at the cup you’d probably think it’s yet another coffee shop but it turned out to be a new “tea stand cafe” in Daikanyama and Sendagaya in Tokyo.
Besides loving the concept of a tea stand what immediately stood out was interior design execution and how it beautifully interpreted the old in new ways. I’m not a big lover of wallpaper but taking classic ukiyo-e graphics (such as the waves from Hokusai shown below or the “Matsu” tree) and converting them into this type of a bold pattern is delightful.
Even the tiles mimic a classic Japanese pattern called “seigaiha” which typically consists of series of overlapping circles form arches that resemble waves. I have never seen this classic pattern on tiles before but love how it turned out.
And as if that weren’t enough they even have this beautiful “Kumiko” wall which is a woodworking technique dating back to the Asuka Era (600-700 AD).
Their menu offers a range of traditional teas, lattes as well as tea smoothies!
For more details simply visit their website 8ya.jp or visit follow them on Instagram @hachiya-teastand.
