I do not take my reviews lightly. Kindness knows no boundaries. Aki, was and is, a truly kind person.

More importantly, a true example of a servant leader.

While his desserts, teas, and wares were already amazing, his heart and his kindness are the truest testament and greatest gift.

We met him saying farewell to a tour that had stayed with him in the shop laughing and spending time together for countless hours. His care for people, families, and children is genuine.

Without our awareness, he brought us surprise tea made with mountain water, handmade chocolates made with the most expensive sugar in Japan, and again surprised us with his very own handmade ice cream.

Having traveled the world, we’ve sampled many things. Authentic quality can be imitated, but it cannot be faked.

We were blown away not only by his generosity, but the effort and personal labor that we know from our own experience goes into creating such items.

We spent much time together conversing both in English and in Japanese, and got to know Aki very well over the course of our visit.

He then surprised us further with copies of his own hand painted watercolor artwork. Being artists ourselves, we were shocked by such a gift.

After an enjoyable visit, he even discounted his own wares as a thank you to us for such the lovely time together.

And… Aki is a hugger. He loves hugs because they spread joy and happiness to one another.

We parted ways and again, I had to thank him not for his amazing desserts or superb matcha, but his authentic kindness and genuine heart.

He waved goodbye and waited for us to walk onto the bus before returning to his shop to make sure we got there safely.

And he did all of this on the day he was closed.

He was not open this day, but he was still open. And had spent the day open. Especially when he had no reason to be.

Aki is a true testament to servant leadership and the best way we could had never planned to have ended our trip to Hakone.

We walked in on a whim for some matcha to celebrate the end of our trip to Hakone, and we left with meeting a wonderful example of authentic kindness to aspire to live up to.

We could not have asked for more. Or for having made a wonderful new friend.

When next we return, we will be going back to see Aki.

I will remember his kindness for the future and aspire to emulate his example.