What do Bubble tea, Anime and Japan culture have in common?
“Over the Rainbow Tea Bar” in Bellevue
When we opened “Over the Rainbow Tea Bar”, we wanted to create an atmosphere that was culturally rich for our customers. A place that offered a unique environment and a way to help customers immerse themselves in the deep, cultural experience that only Yokocho can provide. So, in addition to serving a wide assortment of quality bubble teas with our own house-made toppings, we wanted our customers to experience a different cultural feel then other franchise bubble tea chains.
We hired a team of local artist and designer to develop, in Anime style a model of a genuine Yokocho marketplace. After 4 months, including the planning, mockups, and creation, we had a model marketplace that we are very proud of.
In Japanese, yokocho (横丁) means “alleyways off to the side of a main street.” These areas can be found in the cities all over Japan. We hope that everyone visiting our store, no matter what age, takes the opportunity to enjoy a break from everyday life and immerse themselves in the sentiments of this culture. Yokocho areas are quite popular in Japan even among the tourists who want to experience the ordinary life and spirit of the culture.
More on yokochos on Trends in Japan: https://web-japan.org/trends/11_lifestyle/lif120301.html
Overlaying photographic elements on the unfinished walls
First illustration so we could see the scale and what goes into our Yokocho
Artist’s mock up on canvas to get a feel of the color tones… neat!!!
The photo-op-perfect mural is complete!
Getting to the Bellevue Bubble Tea Bar
3900 Factoria Blvd SE, Suite H
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 641-2642
1:00pm to 10:00pm Mon to Fri
12:00pm to 10:00pm Sat & Sun
The easiest way to find OTR Bellevue, if you’re driving northbound on Factoria Boulevard SE, turn right into the strip mall where H&R Block is located. Drive all the way and we are the second to the last shop on the left.
If you’re driving southbound on Factoria Boulevard SE, make a U turn on SE 40th Lane, and turn right into the strip mall where H&R Block is located. Drive all the way and we are the second to the last shop on the left.
Bellevue & Renton OTR would love to hear from you!
Questions? Comments?
Bellevue Bubble Tea Shop
(425) 641-2642
Renton Bubble Tea Shop
(425) 572-5764
Visit us today!
Please see Google for up-to-date store hours