Discover Mie: Japan’s Hidden Paradise for Matcha Lovers

Mie: Japan’s Hidden Tea Paradise! Why Ise Matcha is a Must-Try

When you think of Mie Prefecture, Ise Grand Shrine or world-famous Matsusaka beef probably come to mind. But did you know Mie is a tea lover’s dream? It’s one of Japan’s top three tea-growing regions, home to the celebrated “Ise Cha” brand. Mie’s warm, rainy climate is perfect for growing tea, and the cool mountain nights give the leaves a wonderfully rich aroma and deep flavor. The star of the region is kabusecha, a special tea where farmers shade the leaves from the sun before harvest. This technique boosts the tea’s natural sweetness and savory umami flavor, resulting in a vibrant, mellow green tea. This is the very tea that gets stone-ground into Ise’s exceptional matcha—famous for its beautiful fragrance, low bitterness, and deep, elegant sweetness.

Our Top 5 Cafes for Amazing Matcha Sweets in Mie

Ready to explore? Mie is dotted with charming cafes serving incredible desserts made from local Ise Cha. If you’re not sure where to start, here are five of our favorite spots to get you going!

1. A Japanese Cafe in Ise City: This is the place for the ultimate matcha parfait! It’s layered with matcha ice cream, jelly, soft shiratama mochi, and sweet red bean paste—a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.
2. A Traditional Cafe in Matsusaka: Tucked away in the historic castle town, this cafe in a renovated old home offers a truly peaceful escape. We recommend the set, which features expertly whisked matcha paired with a delicate, seasonal sweet.
3. A Modern Cafe in Yokkaichi: Popular with a younger crowd, this spot is famous for its stunning and photo-worthy matcha tiramisu. The bittersweet matcha powder and creamy mascarpone cheese are a match made in heaven.
4. A Tea Merchant’s Cafe in Tsu: Go straight to the source! Run by tea professionals, this cafe serves authentic matcha alongside irresistible treats like matcha roll cake and rich soft-serve ice cream.
5. A Garden Cafe in Suzuka: Imagine sipping a creamy matcha latte while looking out over a gorgeous, lush garden. It’s a wonderfully relaxing experience for both body and soul.

【Ise & Oharai-machi】 Matcha Spots to Visit After a Trip to the Shrine

After visiting the magnificent Ise Grand Shrine, a stroll through the historic streets of Oharai-machi and Okage Yokocho is a must. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy some local matcha. A great first stop is the teahouse run by the famous Akafuku mochi shop. While they’re known for shaved ice in the summer and sweet red bean soup in winter, you can enjoy a classic matcha and sweets set all year round. Listening to the gentle sound of the Isuzu River as you sip your tea is a truly serene experience. Don’t miss the specialty tea shops with the irresistible aroma of roasted hojicha tea. Their matcha soft-serve is a local favorite—rich, creamy, and perfect for enjoying as you walk. For a true hidden gem, venture into a side alley to find a sweet shop famous for its fresh matcha warabi mochi. Made to order, these chewy, jelly-like treats are dusted in flavorful matcha and will melt in your mouth. A delicious matcha break is the perfect way to make your Ise journey even more memorable.

【Matsusaka & Tsu】 Elegant Matcha Sweets in Historic Castle Towns

The cities of Matsusaka and Tsu still feel like the historic castle towns they once were. What better way to soak in the atmosphere than by enjoying some refined matcha sweets? In Matsusaka, you’ll find a traditional confectionery tucked away among old samurai residences. Here, you can enjoy meticulously prepared matcha alongside beautiful sweets designed to reflect the changing seasons—a true taste of Japanese artistry. You can also visit a stylish cafe in a renovated merchant home, where you can feel Matsusaka’s history. With its high ceilings and grand wooden beams, it’s a fantastic setting to try creative desserts that blend Japanese and Western flavors, like matcha cheesecake or a rich chocolate gateau. Meanwhile, in Tsu, Mie’s capital city, you’ll find a beloved tea shop that has been a local institution for years. In their tearoom, experts will prepare you the perfect cup of matcha, served at just the right temperature to bring out its best flavor. It’s a simple, unforgettable taste of tea at its finest.

【Yokkaichi & Suzuka】 Matcha Cafes Loved by the Locals

In northern Mie, the cities of Yokkaichi and Suzuka offer their own unique matcha experiences. While Yokkaichi is known as an industrial hub, it’s also home to charming, quiet cafes. Because this area is famous for its local pottery, called Banko-yaki, some cafes let you choose your own beautiful, handmade cup to drink from. Beyond classic parfaits, you can even find lunch menus featuring matcha-infused dishes. Suzuka may be famous for its racetrack, but it’s also a place of great natural beauty. You can find peaceful cafes set within sprawling Japanese gardens, where you can enjoy matcha and sweets while taking in the seasonal scenery. Listening to birdsong in these quiet spaces is a true luxury. These cafes are off the main tourist path, making them perfect for a relaxing afternoon spent like a local.

See, Touch, and Taste! Make Your Own Matcha in Mie

Want to go beyond just tasting? Why not join a hands-on workshop to learn about the culture of Japanese tea? At farms in the heart of Mie’s tea country, you can sometimes join in the tea-picking season to see how fresh leaves begin their journey. A popular activity is learning to grind tea leaves into matcha using a traditional stone mill. The gentle grinding sound and the fresh, sweet aroma that fills the air are an amazing sensory experience. And nothing beats the taste of matcha you’ve ground yourself! A tea master will show you how to use a bamboo whisk (a chasen) to prepare your own perfect bowl. Learning about the care that goes into every cup will give you a whole new appreciation for tea. It’s an unforgettable memory to make with family and friends.

Bring a Taste of Mie Home with You

Loved the matcha you tried on your trip? It’s easy to find high-quality Ise Cha to take home with you at local tea shops and specialty stores. From ceremonial-grade matcha to powders perfect for baking and lattes, there’s something for everyone. If you’re not sure what to choose, just ask the staff! The tea experts will be happy to help you find the perfect match for your tastes. If you love a rich, savory flavor, try matcha made from shaded kabusecha. If you prefer something a bit lighter and more refreshing, a powdered sencha might be for you. Don’t forget to explore Mie’s other fantastic teas, too! Each one, from the prized gyokuro to deep-steamed fukamushi-sencha, has its own unique character. A cup of carefully brewed tea is the perfect way to bring a moment of calm to your busy day.

The Perfect Gifts: Mie’s Best Matcha Souvenirs

No trip is complete without finding the perfect souvenirs! Mie is full of delicious treats made with luxurious Ise matcha that are perfect for sharing with friends and family back home. Matcha-flavored langue de chat are a classic choice—crispy cookies with a layer of matcha chocolate in the middle. They’re often individually wrapped, making them easy to share at the office. For something a little richer, try a moist matcha baumkuchen or pound cake, which are packed with fragrant tea flavor. Matcha dacquoise, with their beautiful layers of green and white, also make a stylish gift. If you’re a fan of Japanese sweets, you can’t go wrong with manju buns or soft daifuku mochi filled with matcha-flavored sweet bean paste. Near Ise Grand Shrine, you can even find adorable sablé cookies shaped like little tea leaves. Sharing these treats is the perfect way to relive your wonderful memories of Mie.

Beyond Matcha: Discovering Mie’s Famous Kabusecha

You can’t talk about Mie’s tea without celebrating kabusecha. In fact, Mie is the number one producer of this amazing tea in all of Japan! So, what makes it so special? For one to two weeks before harvesting, farmers cover the tea plants with cloth or bamboo screens to shade them from direct sunlight. This simple step makes a huge difference. It deepens the green color of the leaves and reduces their natural bitterness. At the same time, it boosts their levels of theanine, the amino acid responsible for tea’s savory, umami flavor. The result is a tea that has the refreshing aroma of a classic sencha but the deep, mellow sweetness of a high-grade gyokuro. Brew it with slightly cooler water to really bring out its flavor, or try it cold-brewed for a crisp and refreshing drink. This amazing kabusecha is the secret behind Mie’s incredible matcha, so be sure to try it on its own when you visit!

Conclusion: Your Journey into the Delicious World of Mie Matcha Awaits

There’s so much more to Mie than just Ise Grand Shrine and fantastic seafood. The region’s true soul can be found in its “Ise Cha” and the beautiful matcha it produces. Grown with care in a warm climate, Mie’s tea has an elegant aroma, a deep richness, and a mellow sweetness that you won’t forget. From beautiful desserts in charming cafes to a quiet cup of tea in a historic town, Mie offers endless ways to enjoy matcha. You can even try your own hand at making it! On your next trip to Japan, we invite you to explore the rich and delicious world of Mie’s tea. A single fragrant cup of matcha is sure to make your journey even more special.