A treasure of Kyoto, Uji Matcha is celebrated as one of Japan’s three most famous teas, alongside those from Shizuoka and Sayama. Let us guide you through the wonderful world of Uji Matcha—from its rich history and unique taste to the best ways to enjoy it, including amazing shops for matcha sweets!
What Makes Uji Matcha Special?
Matcha, a finely powdered green tea, is a key part of Japan’s traditional tea ceremony and has become a global sensation in lattes and desserts. You’ve probably seen its bright green color in popular snacks like KitKats and Pocky, which are easy to find in any Japanese convenience store. But to taste the real deal, you need to try Uji tea!
So, what makes it so special? True Uji tea must be grown in and around Uji, Kyoto—the very birthplace of Japanese green tea—and processed by local artisans. This careful process gives Uji Matcha its signature flavor: a powerful, rich taste that starts with a pleasant hint of bitterness and finishes with a deep, lingering sweetness. Its stunning emerald green color is just as captivating.
How to Enjoy Uji Matcha
The best way to experience Uji Matcha is to visit its hometown: Uji City in Kyoto, which is also famous for the incredible Byodoin Temple, a World Heritage site! The city is filled with specialty tea shops where you can taste authentic matcha. For example, at the city’s public teahouse, Taiho-an, you can relax with a warm bowl of usucha (thin tea) for just 500 yen. If you book ahead, you can even experience otemae (a tea ceremony demonstration) for 1,200 yen.
But the fun doesn’t stop with tea! At Wamuu, a charming souvenir shop near the temple, you can find unique cosmetics made with Uji Matcha. Check out their original products like moisturizing creams and soaps! As you explore, you’ll find bakeries selling fresh bread made with Uji Matcha and sweet shops offering delicious cha-dango (tea dumplings). There are so many ways to enjoy the flavors of Uji.
【Shop Info】 Municipal Tea House Taiho-an
【Hours】 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
【Closed】 Open daily from January 10th to December 20th
【Address】 1-5 Uji Togawa, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Our Top 3 Shops for Uji Matcha Sweets in Kyoto
Ready for a treat? Here are three fantastic shops in Kyoto where you can indulge in sweets made with delicious Uji Matcha. Be sure to stop by!
1. Sabo Kinkakuan
Located near the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), this stylish cafe is set inside a traditional Kyoto townhouse (machiya). For a truly special treat, try the “Highest-Grade Matcha from Kyotanabe” (1,350 yen), served with a Japanese sweet. Sourced directly from a local tea garden, its rich flavor and beautiful color are unforgettable! The menu also features other matcha delights like the Matcha Soy Milk Latte (650 yen).
【Shop Info】 Sabo Kinkakuan
【Hours】 11:30 am – 5:00 pm (Last Order: 4:45 pm)
【Closed】 Irregularly
【Address】 36-1 Kinugasa Nishigoshonouchi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Kiriha INN & CAFE
Nestled perfectly between Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjusangen-do temples, this spot is great for a sightseeing break. The first floor is a cozy cafe with a traditional atmosphere. Their top recommendation is the “Hot Matcha Latte” (500 yen), made with authentic Uji Matcha. It’s creamy and mild, with a beautiful soft green hue.
【Shop Info】 Kiriha INN & CAFÉ
【Hours】 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sun: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm)
【Closed】 Thursdays, New Year holidays
【Address】 459-15 Tokiwa-cho, Higashioji Shibuya Agaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
3. Itoh Kyuemon
This historic tea shop has been a master of Uji Matcha since the 19th century! At their charming tea rooms, you can try incredible sweets made with the same high-quality matcha loved by famous temples and shrines across Kyoto. Don’t miss their classic Matcha Parfait (790 yen) or the delightful “Special Itoh Kyuemon Parfait” (1,290 yen), which features a silky Uji Matcha jelly!
【Shop Info】 Itoh Kyuemon Uji Main Store & Tea Room
【Hours】 10:00 am – 6:30 pm (Tea Room Last Order: 6:00 pm)
【Closed】 Open daily
【Address】 19-3 Todoaramaki, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture
Ready to Explore the World of Matcha?
Whether you’re sipping a traditional tea or enjoying a delicious parfait, we hope you’ll fall in love with Uji Matcha on your next trip to Japan. Enjoy!
