A Matcha Lover’s Guide to Kyoto The Ultimate Guide

Why is Kyoto’s Matcha So Famous? Its History and Charm

Kyoto’s reputation as the ultimate destination for matcha comes from its deep roots in Japanese history and culture. The story of tea in Japan began in the Kamakura period when a monk named Eisai brought tea seeds back from China. One of the first places these seeds were planted was in Toganoo, Kyoto. From there, tea cultivation blossomed, especially in the Uji region. Later, during the Muromachi period, powerful shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu sponsored special tea gardens in Uji, cementing its status as the home of Japan’s best tea. This is how “Uji tea” became a famous brand known for its incredible quality.

The magic of matcha lies in its unique growing and production methods. The tea leaves used for matcha, called tencha, are grown under shade covers right before harvest (ooishita saibai¹). Shading the leaves from the sun boosts their savory umami flavor (from an amino acid called theanine) while preventing them from becoming too bitter (by limiting catechins). This process gives the tea its brilliant green color and a smooth, deep flavor. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried flat, and then carefully ground into a fine powder with a stone mill. This detailed, hands-on process is what creates matcha’s creamy foam and rich aroma. Kyoto is home to many historic tea shops that still use these traditional methods, passing down the authentic taste of matcha from one generation to the next.

¹Ooishita saibai: A cultivation method used for gyokuro and tencha, where the tea garden is covered with reed screens or straw to limit sunlight before harvesting the leaves.

Amazing Matcha Sweet Shops in Kyoto: Gion & Kawaramachi

The Gion and Kawaramachi area is the heart of Kyoto tourism and a hotspot for matcha lovers. With so many shops to choose from, one place you absolutely must visit is Saryo Tsujiri’s Gion Main Store. Run by the legendary Uji tea specialist Gion Tsujiri, this teahouse is so popular you can always expect a line. The star of the show is the Tokusen Tsujiri Parfait. It’s a wonderful mix of matcha jelly, castella cake, ice cream, shiratama mochi, and red bean paste that creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Enjoying this parfait while soaking in the atmosphere of Gion is a truly special memory in the making.

If you’re looking for a quieter spot to enjoy your matcha, Gion Tokuya is a fantastic choice. The shop is famous for its fresh warabimochi, made from real bracken starch. Pouring slightly bitter matcha over the chewy, elegantly sweet warabimochi is an absolutely divine combination. The shop’s traditional Japanese interior feels calm and peaceful, making it the perfect place to take a relaxing break from your walk. It’s an ideal spot for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic flavors in a classic sweet shop.

Amazing Matcha Sweet Shops in Kyoto: Arashiyama

The beautiful Arashiyama area also has some can’t-miss matcha spots. Right next to the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll find eXcafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store, a charming cafe in a renovated traditional home. Their specialty is the “Hokuhoku Odango Set,” where you get to grill your own dango (sweet dumplings) on a small charcoal grill. You can then dip them in special matcha and mitarashi (sweet soy glaze) sauces. Grilling the dango yourself is a fun, hands-on experience that adds to your trip. Enjoying your freshly grilled dango and matcha while looking out at the beautiful garden is a special treat you can only find in Arashiyama.

Near the World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple is another spot you shouldn’t miss: Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama Store. Operated by Yojiya, famous for its oil-blotting paper, this cafe is loved for its latte art featuring the brand’s iconic face logo. Order the Matcha Cappuccino, and you’ll get that memorable face drawn on the creamy foam—it’s almost too cute to drink! Surrounded by the nature of Arashiyama in a modern Japanese space, it’s the perfect place to recharge with a unique matcha drink after a day of exploring.

Amazing Matcha Sweet Shops in Kyoto: Uji

When you visit Uji, the homeland of matcha, you have to experience its authentic taste. A must-visit stop is the Nakamura Tokichi Main Store, a cornerstone of Uji’s matcha culture. Founded in the Edo period, this historic shop is located right by the Uji Bridge. Enjoying sweets inside this building, which is recognized as an Important Cultural Landscape, is a truly special experience. The most popular item is the “Namacha Jelly.” Served in a bamboo container, this smooth jelly is bursting with rich matcha flavor. It comes with matcha ice cream, shiratama mochi, and red bean paste, creating a perfect combination that showcases the full potential of Uji matcha.

Another iconic Uji shop is Itohkyuemon, located just in front of JR Uji Station. This is another long-standing store with roots in the Edo period. While honoring tradition, Itohkyuemon is also famous for creating new and exciting matcha sweets. The “Matcha Parfait” at their cafe is a work of art, loved by many for its beauty and deep flavor. They also offer seasonal parfaits, so there’s always something new to discover. The attached shop has a huge selection of matcha treats, making it the perfect place to find a souvenir from your trip to Uji.

Not Just Matcha! Famous Shops for Hojicha Sweets

Kyoto’s tea culture isn’t just about matcha. Hojicha, a tea made by roasting tea leaves, is loved for its wonderful aroma and refreshing taste. For incredible hojicha sweets, head to Chasho Shimizu Ippoen Kyoto Main Store. This cafe is run directly by a tea wholesaler, so they are serious about the quality of their ingredients. Their specialty is shaved ice and parfaits topped with a fluffy, foam-like sauce made using a technique called espuma². The “Extra Rich Hojicha Espuma” is a whole new kind of dessert—the rich, roasted aroma of hojicha fills your mouth from the very first bite.

Also, don’t miss the hojicha specialty store, HOHO HOJICHA, in Gion. As its name suggests, it’s one of the few shops dedicated entirely to hojicha. Here, you can compare different types of hojicha from various regions and with different roast levels. The sweets menu is also fantastic. Their hojicha soft-serve ice cream and tiramisu offer a fragrant, deep flavor that’s a delightful change from matcha. Taking a break with the gentle aroma of hojicha is another wonderful way to enjoy tea in Kyoto.

²Espuma: A culinary technique developed in a Spanish restaurant, used to turn ingredients into a mousse-like foam.

The Joy of Whisking Your Own! Matcha Experience Spots in Kyoto

In Kyoto, you can do more than just taste delicious matcha—you can also experience the unique cultural tradition of whisking it yourself. A popular spot for tourists to try a tea ceremony is Tea Ceremony Camellia, which offers services in English and is a big hit with international travelers. Here, a tea master will guide you through the proper etiquette, from how to bow and eat Japanese sweets to, of course, how to prepare matcha. The taste of matcha you whisk yourself will surely be an unforgettable memory. Quieting your mind in a peaceful tea room and connecting with Japanese culture will make your trip even more meaningful.

If you make your way to Uji, the experience at Fukujuen Uji Workshop is also highly recommended. At this facility, run by the historic tea company Fukujuen, you can not only whisk matcha but also try grinding tencha into matcha powder yourself using a stone mill. The aroma of your own freshly ground matcha is exceptional. Instructors provide clear, step-by-step guidance, so even beginners can join in with confidence. Learning how matcha is made from start to finish with your own hands will give you a much deeper appreciation for tea.

Matcha Basics: Types and How to Brew a Delicious Cup

Even though we just call it “matcha,” there are actually different kinds. The matcha used in tea ceremonies is divided into two main types: koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea). Koicha is made from high-quality leaves from older tea trees and is kneaded with a small amount of hot water. It has a thick, syrupy consistency with a deep sweetness and mellow umami flavor. It’s served as the main event in a formal tea gathering. On the other hand, usucha is the lighter, foamier version we usually think of as “matcha.” It has a more refreshing, slightly bitter taste and is prepared by whisking it with a chasen (bamboo whisk).

Want to make delicious matcha at home? Here are a few tips. First, it’s important to warm your matcha bowl and whisk with hot water. Next, add about two scoops from a chashaku (bamboo spoon) (about 2g) of matcha into the bowl and pour in about 60ml (1/4 cup) of hot water—around 80°C (176°F) is perfect. Then, using quick wrist movements, whisk in a zigzag pattern until a fine foam appears. To finish, gently move the whisk across the surface to smooth out the bubbles, and then slowly lift it from the center. It takes a little practice, but taking the time to enjoy authentic matcha at home is a truly rewarding experience.

Perfect for Souvenirs! Popular Matcha Confections to Buy in Kyoto

Matcha sweets are the perfect souvenir to remember your trip or to give as a gift to a loved one. The ultimate classic is Malebranche’s “Cha no Ka.” It’s a langue de chat³ cookie made with rich, dark koicha. The combination of the crispy biscuit and the white chocolate filling is incredible. The elegant packaging is also a plus, and you can easily find it at Kyoto Station and major department stores.

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, how about “Kyo Baum”? This is a Baumkuchen layer cake made with Kyoto soy milk and Uji matcha. The moist texture, the gentle bitterness of the matcha, and the smoothness of the soy milk are in perfect harmony. Plus, the beautiful green and white layers are a feast for the eyes. It’s easy to slice and stays fresh for a while, making it a very popular souvenir.

And don’t forget the “Uji Organic Matcha Daifuku” from the historic Uji shop, Tsujirihei Honten. This amazing treat features a matcha-an (sweet bean paste) and fresh cream filling, made with luxurious stone-ground organic matcha, all wrapped in a soft, chewy mochi skin. It’s sold frozen, and if you eat it while it’s still partially frozen, it has a texture like ice cream. The rich matcha flavor and creamy taste are absolutely irresistible for matcha lovers.

*³Langue de chat: A French term meaning “cat’s tongue,” referring to a thin, long cookie.

Trends and Evolution in Matcha Sweets

While Kyoto’s matcha sweets are steeped in tradition, they are also constantly evolving. Thanks to social media, visually stunning and “Instagrammable” matcha desserts are popping up everywhere. Creative treats like matcha tiramisu served in a wooden masu box or Mont Blanc desserts finished with a stream of matcha sauce right at your table are becoming huge hits. These new sweets are especially popular with younger generations and are quickly becoming the new must-try items in Kyoto.

The ingredients paired with matcha are also becoming more creative. While combinations like matcha with chocolate or cheese are now common, bakers are getting even more innovative, pairing matcha with different fruits and spices. This passion for trying new things while respecting tradition is what makes Kyoto’s matcha culture so rich and exciting. The best part about Kyoto’s matcha scene today is that you can enjoy both the classic flavors from historic shops and the innovative tastes from a new generation of creators.

Conclusion: A Journey Through the Wonderful World of Kyoto’s Matcha

Kyoto’s matcha is more than just a drink or a dessert—it’s a piece of Japanese culture that has been treasured for centuries. Tea leaves grown with care in Uji are turned into a perfect cup of tea or a delicious sweet by skilled artisans. Taking a break at a historic teahouse in Gion, enjoying creative matcha sweets with a view in Arashiyama, or quietly whisking a bowl of matcha yourself—all of these are special experiences you can only have in Kyoto.

The shops and experiences in this guide are just a small taste of the incredible matcha world that Kyoto offers. You can stick to the classics or discover something new. So, get out there, explore the streets of Kyoto, and find your new favorite matcha spot. Its rich aroma and deep flavor will make your journey truly unforgettable.