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Matcha Cafes in Kyoto: 10 Must-Visit Tea Shops With Exquisite Desserts
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In Kyoto, the hometown of matcha green tea, every shade of green emanates a long-standing tea fragrance. We have selected 10 popular matcha specialty stores in Kyoto, from century-long traditional establishments to innovative new tea houses that offer a unique matcha experience.
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kyoto,japan
In Kyoto, every tea shop and matcha cafe boasts a unique story waiting for you to savor and explore, making it hard to decide which one to visit.
We introduce 10 popular matcha specialty stores in Kyoto and Uji, the hometown of matcha green tea. Whether it's classic old tea shops or creatively modern tea houses, each is an excellent choice for tasting matcha beverages and sweets.
Matcha Cafes in Kyoto
Uji City
1. Tsujiri Uji Main Store
2. Itoh Kyuemon JR Uji Station Store
3. Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
4. TEA SQUARE MORIHAN
5. Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu Main Shop
Kyoto City
6. MALEBRANCHE Roman Forest Cafe Kyoto Kitayama Store
7. Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Tea House and Shop
8. MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Ninenzaka
9. Ippodo Kyoto Main Store
10. Hatoya Main Store
About Uji Tea: Kyoto's Famous Green Tea
Picture courtesy of PR Times
First of all, let’s get to know some interesting facts about Uji tea, Kyoto's famous green tea.
Uji is considered the birthplace of matcha and is one of Japan's premier matcha cultivation areas. Its history dates back to 800 years ago during the Kamakura period (1185 - 1333), when Zen Master Eisai brought tea seeds from China, which were then planted in the Uji area by the priest Myoe of Toji Temple.
The mist from the Uji River and the warm climate are highly suitable for tea tree cultivation, leading Uji to gradually become an important tea-producing region in Japan.
The distinctive feature of Kyoto Uji matcha lies in its delicious and sweet flavor. The tea gardens use a shading method for cultivation, benefiting from the local meticulous tea-making craftsmanship, particularly in the production techniques for gyokuro tea and matcha tea. As a result, Uji matcha has become synonymous with high-quality Japanese tea.
The richly aromatic matcha is an essential ingredient, whether used in traditional tea ceremonies or modern desserts, and is widely loved by both domestic and international guests.
1. Tsujiri Uji Main Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
As a matcha enthusiast, you absolutely cannot miss the historic tea shop Tsujiri in Uji. Founded in 1860, it has a history of over one and a half centuries.
At that time, Uji tea gardens were gradually declining due to wars, and Tsujiri Uemon invented a tea canning preservation technique, establishing the gyokuro method that allows tea leaves to present a beautiful vibrant green.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Tsujiri Uji Main Store opened in 2016, with the concept of a "comprehensive tea experience."
Whether you want to take home high-quality matcha, taste gyokuro on-site, or enjoy desserts like nama yatsuhashi, yokan, and chocolate made with matcha as souvenirs, all options are available.
The store’s design cleverly combines traditional and modern styles, and the spacious terrace seating allows you to appreciate the beautiful garden scenery across the seasons.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The renovated machiya building can accommodate over 20 seats and a souvenir area.
Savoring exquisite desserts and rich matcha while enjoying the beautiful garden views is undoubtedly a great way to indulge in Uji tea.
2. Itoh Kyuemon JR Uji Station Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Founded in 1832, the historic brand Itoh Kyuemon has focused on tea production since the late Edo period.
With nearly two hundred years of history, the brand has always prioritized high quality, making both Uji tea and matcha desserts quite popular. In 2017, Itoh Kyuemon opened a new store in front of JR Uji Station.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The classic Matcha Swiss Roll Sundae is rich with intense matcha aroma and refreshing flavor in every bite. Not only are desserts highlighted here, but they also offer dishes like matcha soba noodles.
The most special item is the Uji Station front store-exclusive Uji Tea Duo Curry. The scents of matcha curry and roasted tea curry intertwine, satisfying two different flavors at once and leaving a lasting impression.
3. Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
With a history of 170 years, Nakamura Tokichi Main Store is one of the most representative tea merchants in Uji.
Crossing through the shop's warm noren (fabric curtain), you feel as though you've traveled back in time to experience the ancient charm of Uji.
This location was originally a tea factory more than one hundred years ago and still retains some of its historical features and equipment used by farmers to transport tea leaves. Thus, it has been designated as an Important Cultural Landscape of Uji.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The store features an open space that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch, where you can enjoy a variety of tea drinks and matcha desserts.
One of Nakamura Tokichi's signature items is the Nama Tea Jelly, served in a bamboo tube, exuding a zen-like charm. The tea jelly has a rich, smooth texture and a moderate sweetness. Depending on the season, the accompanying fillings vary, allowing you to enjoy different flavors as the seasons change.
Additionally, they offer a unique Matcha Grinding Experience, where you can manually grind tea leaves using a stone mortar and sample the differences between thick and thin tea in the tea room Zuisōan.
This experience not only provides insight into the tea-making process but also deepens your appreciation of Uji tea's flavors and culture. If you have the chance, be sure to visit the store and try it for yourself!
4. TEA SQUARE MORIHAN
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Founded nearly 200 years ago, the historic tea shop Morihan opened a brand new experience facility TEA SQUARE MORIHAN in Uji in June 2023. This large-scale renovation not only modernizes the original establishment but also offers a new interpretation of tea culture.
After arriving at Ogura Station via the Kintetsu Kyoto Line or JR Nara Line, it takes about a 10-minute walk to reach the facility. Although it is somewhat away from the bustling tourist streets of Uji, it provides a serene environment that allows you to slow down and fully savor the rich historical atmosphere.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
At TEA SQUARE MORIHAN, you can view the process of tea masters selecting tea leaves through the display windows, learn about the roasting process of hojicha, and see over 300 samples of new tea. This provides a deeper understanding of the rich tea culture and tea-making techniques found here.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Don’t miss the Morihan Kura Coffee shop located nearby! It offers matcha and hojicha desserts, allowing you to savor delicious food while leisurely enjoying the atmosphere of tea culture.
For those who love Japanese tea, TEA SQUARE MORIHAN is undoubtedly a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of Uji tea.
5. Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu Main Shop
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Located on the approach to Byodoin Temple in Uji, Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu Main Shop has a history of over 500 years and was once the designated tea merchant for the shogunate.
The Kanbayashi family has carried the responsibility of providing tea leaves for the shogun's teapot.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
On the first floor, the shop sells a variety of matcha and features a tea room where you can enjoy freshly whisked matcha and sample their Uji kinako ice cream.
The second floor hosts a Uji tea information room, which is open to the public for free, showcasing historical documents and the tea culture of Uji, as well as delving into the heritage story of the Kanbayashi family.
Picture by Pixta
In addition, they offer hands-on experiences with Uji tea priced at 60,000 yen per kilogram. Visitors can start by grinding tea leaves with a stone mortar, allowing them to produce their own vibrant green and fragrant matcha powder.
A highly recommended tea is the famous Kenjo Hatsumukashi, known for its round texture and subtle bitterness, which even captivated lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Whether for tasting or the experience itself, this is a must-visit spot for matcha enthusiasts!
6. MALEBRANCHE Roman Forest Cafe - Kyoto Kitayama Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Cha no Ka is a must-try matcha sandwich cookie in Kyoto. This renowned rich green tea cookie features top-quality matcha from the Uji Shirakawa tea garden.
The outer layer is light and crispy, while it is filled with smooth white chocolate, perfectly balancing sweetness and bitterness. Each bite allows you to savor the fragrant sweetness of matcha.
At major attractions in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizudera Temple, Arashiyama, and Kyoto Tower, you can find branches of MALEBRANCHE Kyoto Kitayama.
This time, we will introduce the flagship store Roman Forest Cafe, which opened in the Yamashina area of Kyoto in 2020. It is a comfortable space that combines a shop, dessert workshop, and café. The first-floor product area showcases many dessert souvenirs that are not to be missed by matcha lovers in Kyoto.
The dessert workshop features an open design, allowing you to closely observe the pastry chefs' exquisite skills, showcasing everything from the production process to the finished products.
The attached café offers freshly baked croissants and a variety of delicious coffee drinks that are sure to tempt. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the greenery outside, making you feel as if you were in a forest. This space is especially suitable for families to come together and spend quality time.
7. Marukyu Koyamaen Nishinotoin Tea House and Shop
Marukyu Koyamaen has been cultivating and producing tea for over 300 years. Passed down through generations, the company is still committed to maintaining the quality and traditions of Uji tea.
This dedication and care have led them to win numerous awards in Japanese tea competitions, making them the designated tea supplier for shrines, temples, and tea ceremony schools. Their products are marketed nationwide, including retail tea shops, supermarkets, and food manufacturers, addressing the needs of various customers.
Located on Sanjo Nishihorikawa, the directly-operated tea house 'Gen'an' not only offers a variety of premium matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and genmaicha, but it is also famous for its Kyoto matcha roll cake, which is sweet yet not overwhelming, allowing the tea aroma to linger and leaving a lasting impression.
Sitting beside a serene Japanese garden, enjoying this leisurely time is undoubtedly a blissful and healing experience. Additionally, they offer different grades of Kyoto matcha powder, providing you with more options for making various matcha desserts.
8. MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Ninenzaka
Picture courtesy of PR Times
After establishing locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other places, the matcha specialty store MACCHA HOUSE returned to Japan, opening its first branch in Shijo Kawaramachi in May 2015.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
They use matcha from the historic tea shop Morihan to create a variety of drinks and desserts in the store.
The most popular signature dessert, the Uji Matcha Tiramisu, is a must-try option. Made with carefully selected matcha and mascarpone cheese, it has a dense and smooth texture with a hint of bitterness from the matcha, perfectly balancing sweetness without being overwhelming.
The dessert is served in traditional Japanese wooden square containers called 'masu,' adding an elegant touch to every bite.
Photo by Pixta
Located near the World Heritage site, Kiyomizudera Temple, the Kyoto Ninenzaka Store is housed in a renovated traditional Japanese folk house with over 80 years of history, blending Japanese and modern styles.
The interior design retains traditional charm while infusing modern comfort, offering nearly a hundred seats. There are various Japanese-style desserts available, including matcha sundaes, seasonal Kyoto matcha ice cream, and a variety of matcha drinks to choose from.
Additionally, a third branch opened in Gion Shijo this August. In addition to the popular tiramisu, there are also exclusive desserts available at the Gion store, which are definitely worth trying!
9. Ippodo Tea Shop Kyoto Main Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
With nearly 300 years of history, the historic Kyoto tea shop Ippodo Tea is a classic choice for many matcha enthusiasts.
The main store is located on Teramachi Street, surrounded by antique shops and galleries, exuding a rich artistic atmosphere. Passing through the noren (fabric curtain) marked with 'Ippodo,' you are greeted by a spacious bar counter. Above, a menu lists over 30 different types of tea.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
In a corner of the store, the newly renovated Tea House Kamiki opened in 2023. Here, you can not only enjoy exquisite tea drinks but also learn how to brew tea properly and experience the mysteries of tea.
Since the flavor of the tea can vary depending on the brewing temperature and steeping time, the professional instruction provided here can help you master the correct techniques, allowing you to brew delicious tea at home as well.
Hatoya Ryoyousha Main Store
Picture courtesy of PR Times
This article has introduced many popular century-old shops, and now we present a new contender. Located in Arashiyama, Hatoya is a small Japanese tea specialty shop that opened in October 2019.
Founded by Jun'yu Maruyama, a former barista who fell in love with Japanese tea after encountering a delicious gyokuro, this tiny store is located along the Arashiyama Railway, where he grew up.
The tea leaves used in the shop are sourced from local farms in Kyoto Prefecture. Owner Maruyama personally oversees the processing of the tea leaves and uses a stone mortar to grind them, ensuring that every cup of tea showcases the leaves’ freshness and sweetness.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The popular dessert Rich Matcha Mousse is truly impressive, as it uses premium matcha that, even in large quantities, does not have a bitter taste. This allows the natural flavor and aroma of the matcha to be perfectly showcased.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Hatoya is now popular across Japan, often hosting pop-up events in department stores. It has also opened branches in Tokyo's Asakusa and Kamakura.
This October, they plan to open their second store in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District, following the Arashiyama location. I recommend it to dessert lovers and matcha enthusiasts; if you have the chance to visit Kyoto, be sure to give it a try!
Enjoy Matcha in Kyoto
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Enjoying matcha tea and sweets in Kyoto is like embarking on a cultural journey filled with the aroma of tea. From century-old traditional tea houses to modern innovative matcha shops, each place exudes its own unique charm, and every sip is a tribute to tea culture.
We hope that during this matcha journey, you find your perfect cup of matcha, adding a sweet green memory to your travels!
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