From Italy to Niigata: One Woman’s 20-Year Dream Realized with ‘Gelateria caffe Vivace’
Niigata, Japan – A small Gelateria, ‘Gelateria caffe Vivace’, is quickly becoming a local favorite, offering a taste of Italy and a heartwarming story of perseverance. The shop, located approximately five minutes by car from the Takeo IC toward Niitsu, is the culmination of a dream owner Tomoko Miyashita nurtured for twenty years.
A Notebook and a Vision
Miyashita’s journey began with a solo trip to Italy in her early twenties. During that trip, she meticulously documented her vision for a future business in a small notebook. The concept: a charming cafe serving authentic Italian gelato. For years, the notebook remained tucked away, a silent reminder of her aspirations. It wasn’t until a recent home reorganization that she rediscovered it, prompting her to finally pursue her long-held ambition.
From Restaurants to Childcare and Back Again
Prior to opening ‘Gelateria caffe Vivace’ in 2023, Miyashita enjoyed a diverse career path. She initially pursued a degree as a nutritionist and gained experience in various restaurants in Tokyo, mastering culinary skills ranging from Italian cuisine to crafting desserts and even mixology. After relocating to Niigata, she transitioned to childcare to better balance work and family life. The challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, coupled with newfound free time, ultimately led her back to her original passion.
Authenticity is Key
Miyashita’s commitment to authenticity is evident in every aspect of her shop. She collaborated with gelato machine vendors to learn the fundamentals, then refined recipes to her personal taste.She emphasized the importance of capturing the true essence of Italian flavors, going so far as to use conventional Italian names for her gelato, such as “Fior di Latte” for her milk gelato, a practise appreciated by Italian expats familiar with the terminology. Did You Know? “Fior di Latte” translates to “flower of milk” and refers to a simple, yet elegant, milk-based gelato.
A Menu Rooted in Italian tradition
The menu at ‘Gelateria caffe Vivace’ extends beyond gelato, offering a light lunch service that complements the sweet treats. Miyashita consciously incorporated this aspect based on her original cafe concept sketched in her notebook. Currently, the shop features six gelato flavors: three staples-chocolate sorbet, amarena cherry, and fior di latte-along with three seasonal rotations.In the autumn months, you can find flavors like chestnut and cinnamon.
| Gelato Flavor | Description | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Sorbet | The shop’s most popular flavor, praised for its rich and authentic chocolate taste. | Year-round |
| Amarena | Gelato made with the classic Italian Amarena cherry. | Year-round |
| Fior di Latte | A traditionally Italian milk-based Gelato. | Year-round |
| Pear | A refreshing seasonal option. | Autumn/Winter |
The Fan Favorite: Chocolate Sorbet
While all flavors receive praise, the shop’s chocolate sorbet has garnered particular acclaim. Customers frequently share their positive experiences on social media,with some describing it as “shockingly good.” One customer was overheard enthusiastically telling a companion, “All chocolate should taste like this!”
Miyashita attributes her success to a combination of authentic flavors and her own discerning palate. “It’s my own tongue, after all,” she says with a smile. She aims to create a space where customers can leave with a smile, savoring a genuine taste of Italy.
the rise of Artisanal Gelato
The global market for gelato is experiencing important growth. According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the global gelato market size was estimated at USD 22.76 billion in 2024,and is expected to reach USD 31.99 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.96% during the forecast period (2024-2029). This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for premium, artisanal desserts and a growing awareness of the health benefits of gelato compared to traditional ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gelateria Caffe Vivace
What’s your favorite gelato flavor? And what long-held dreams are you working to bring to life?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
