Eriko Osawa Earthly Gelato: Tokyo's First Organic Vegetable Gelato Shop Opens

A New Gelato Haven in Tokyo

On April 29th, Omotesando will witness the grand opening of Eriko Osawa Earthly Gelato, Tokyo's first specialty shop dedicated solely to organic vegetable gelato, as part of the new commercial complex, GREEN TERRACE Omotesando.

The mastermind behind this unique venture, Eriko Osawa, a gelato maestro and the CEO of Earth Link JAPAN, aims to offer an innovative experience that goes beyond traditional gelato. Using locally sourced organic vegetables, seasonal fruits, and other unique Japanese ingredients, the shop plans to offer 12 distinct gelato varieties.

Distinctive Flavors

Among the exciting flavors, customers can look forward to creations like "Fuki no Tō (Butterbur) and Sendai Miso" and "Miyagi Prefecture Figs with Yamagata Cassis & Rhubarb Soymilk Sorbet"—highlighting the rich agricultural diversity of Japan. The establishment aims to not only serve delicious gelato but also educate patrons about local produce and food culture through these unique flavors.

Adding to the charm, the shop will feature an onsite garden where the team will cultivate vegetables, fruit trees, and herbs, providing fresh ingredients for the gelato and drinks.

Eriko Osawa's Vision

As someone who has always wanted to showcase the richness of Japan's food culture to the world, Osawa's journey started in her hometown of Naruko in Miyagi Prefecture. She previously owned a vegetable gelato shop called Narukorin, where she developed delightful flavors using local ingredients and mineral-rich onsen water. This experience ignited her passion for creating a platform that promotes regional ingredients and the beauty of nature.

“I want people to feel the connection between food and nature. I've infused the charm of Japan's regions into our gelato,” Osawa states. Her aim is to create a community hub in Tokyo—a place where people can savor the natural bounty of Japan while learning about its agricultural heritage.

Exciting Features of the New Store

The new shop will feature:

- Twelve unique gelato flavors derived from various regions' brand vegetables and fruits.
- Plant-based gelato options that contain no dairy, catering to vegan customers.
- Organic milk, onsen water, and sweet sake are used, ensuring a healthy treat for everyone.
- Sustainable supplies: The shop will use spoons and other materials made from plants and rice to minimize environmental impact.
- On-site garden: Fresh ingredients will be sourced directly from the garden for daily offerings.
- Seasonal drinks, parfaits, and dessert plates, with the drink menu launching after the Golden Week.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Osawa plans to host events with local producers to foster deeper connections between consumers and farmers. Events will also include collaborations with nonprofit organizations focused on environmental issues, further emphasizing the shop's commitment to sustainability.

Eriko Osawa hopes that many will come to experience the flavor and spirit of Japan through her gelato—a symbol of the country’s rich agricultural and culinary heritage.

About Eriko Osawa

Eriko Osawa is not just a creative force in the culinary world; her journey through food has made her a gelatin maestro as well as a certified vegetable sommelier. With roots in Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, she has dedicated herself to promoting the local food culture and environmental beauty of Japan. Her accolades include winning the 4th Gelato Maestro Contest and serving as a judge for the 2019 Gelato World Tour in Yokohama.

Store Details

- Name: Eriko Osawa Earthly Gelato
- Location: 3-8-15 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (4th Floor, GREEN TERRACE Omotesando)
- Opening Hours: 11 AM - 6 PM (with plans for extended hours)
- Closed on: Tuesdays (open on 4/29 and 5/6 during Golden Week)
- For updates, visit their Instagram page.