10 Must-Visit Matcha Spots in Kyoto: A Guide to Cafés & Sweets by Area

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations, known for its rich culture and historic charm. Among its many local specialties, matcha is one of the most iconic. There are many cafes offering matcha sweets made with Kyoto’s renowned Uji matcha, making them a must-visit when exploring the city. In this article, we introduce popular shops by sightseeing area, including Uji City, Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Shijo Kawaramachi, and Kyoto Station. From long-established shops like Nakamura Tokichi Main Store and Gion Tsujiri to Japanese tea specialty stores with matcha stands, you’re sure to find a cafe that suits your taste.

※All prices include tax.

Why is Kyoto’s Matcha So Famous?

The first thing to remember is the difference between “matcha” and “sencha.” Matcha is a unique Japanese green tea made by drying tea leaves grown in the shade and then grinding them into a fine powder with a stone mill. Unlike sencha, you consume the entire tea leaf, resulting in a strong umami flavor, a distinctive “a distinctive rich aroma developed through shading,” and higher nutritional value.

The Origins of Uji Tea Date Back to the Early Kamakura Period

Kyoto is a place where many different cultures were born. Tea culture is one of them, and among Kyoto’s teas, “Uji tea” is famous as one of Japan’s three great teas, along with Shizuoka tea and Sayama tea. Tea cultivation requires land with large temperature differences between day and night and good drainage. For this reason, tea production flourished in areas such as Uji City, Ujitawara Town, and Wazuka Town, which are located in the mountains.

The history of Uji tea dates back to the early Kamakura period. Eisai, known as the “father of tea” in Japan, studied Buddhism in Song China and brought back both Zen teachings and tea culture to Japan. Furthermore, Myoe Shonin, who learned tea cultivation methods from Eisai, developed tea gardens in Kyoto.

Related Articles

• [Complete Matcha Guide] What is Matcha, the Superfood Popular Overseas? Caffeine Content, Benefits, and Recommended Brands

[Uji] Experience the Classic Kyoto Matcha at These Matcha Shops

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store

If you want to take a break during your sightseeing, head to Nakamura Tokichi Main Store. Founded in 1854 (Ansei 1) in Uji by the first-generation Tokichi Nakamura, this long-established tea merchant boasts a history of over 170 years. The main store building, which retains the atmosphere of a tea merchant from the Meiji and Taisho eras, has been designated as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan.

At this shop, there is a special plan where you can grind tencha yourself with a stone mill and enjoy usucha (light matcha) in a tea room that is not usually open to the public. The fee starts at 6,380 yen per person, with a maximum of four people per session. Please check the website for available dates and reservation methods for the tea experience.

Another must-try when visiting Nakamura Tokichi Main Store is the “Nama-cha Jelly” (drink set: 2,680 yen). This jelly, which highlights the beautiful color and flavor unique to matcha, has a perfectly balanced texture—neither too soft nor too firm—and a subtle sweetness.

Also, be sure to check out the shop-exclusive “Maruto Parfait (Matcha)” (2,180 yen) and “Uji Kin Hiyashi Zenzai (Matcha)” (1,800 yen). Not only can you enjoy the tearoom or café, but you can also purchase products, making it a great spot to stop by after sightseeing. Be sure to add it to your travel plans.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store

• Address: 10 Uji Ichiban, Uji-shi, Kyoto
• Access: 2-minute walk from Uji Station
• Business Hours: 10:00–17:30 (Last Order 16:30 / Reception until 16:00)
• Official Website: https://tokichi.jp

Itōhkyūemon Main Store Tea Room

Founded in 1832 (Tenpō 3), Itōhkyūemon is a Uji tea specialty shop. With the desire to make Uji tea “more accessible to everyone,” they opened the Itōhkyūemon Uji Main Store Tea Room in 1996, offering sweets and meal options featuring their signature matcha. Recognized as a “Uji Tea Café” by the Uji Community Development Council, it’s a great place to casually enjoy matcha-based treats or pick up matcha-related souvenirs.

The signature menu item, the “Itōhkyūemon Parfait” (with tea set 1,590 yen / à la carte 1,090 yen), uses premium ingredients such as ice cream made with matcha intended for koicha (thick tea) and black soybeans from Tanba. You can savor the pleasant bitterness unique of high-quality matcha.

If you want to enjoy classic matcha sweets, don’t miss the “Matcha Anmitsu” (1,190 yen). The anmitsu is topped with Dainagon azuki beans, two types of chestnuts, shiratama, matcha jelly, matcha ice cream, and kanten. Drizzle plenty of matcha syrup over it before eating.

They also offer seasonal parfaits and sweets plates, so you’ll want to visit throughout the year to try their various menus.

Itōhkyūemon Main Store Tea Room

• Address: 19-3 Todōaramaki, Uji-shi, Kyoto
• Access: 12-minute walk from Uji Station
• Business Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Last Order 17:30)
• Official Website: https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/corporate/

[Fushimi Inari] Matcha Cafés to Enjoy Alongside Your Visit

Inari Saryo

Located within the grounds of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Japanese tea café “Inari Saryo” is housed inside the rest area “Teichōan.” Here, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets in a tranquil space while gazing at Inariyama and the garden from the sukiya-style interior. It’s the perfect place to relax and recover from sightseeing.

The café is run by “Tsubakidō,” a purveyor to shrines and temples such as Fushimi Inari Taisha and Tofuku-ji. They offer popular varieties such as the Uji matcha “Senju,” which was presented in commemoration of the 1300th anniversary of Fushimi Inari Taisha’s enshrinement, and their refined, mellow teas are highly regarded.

A must-try at Inari Saryo is the "Inari Parfait" (1,650 yen), topped with ears of rice and a red torii gate. The adorable fu senbei (wheat gluten crackers) printed with a fox, puffed rice, and deep-fried rice ears are said to symbolize the blessing of a bountiful harvest.

This parfait also includes rich ice cream made with Tsubakido’s matcha and homemade sweet red bean paste made with Hokkaido azuki beans, making it a dessert that brings together the best of traditional Japanese sweets.

Even if you’re not a fan of sweets, the set of premium Uji matcha “Senju” and the fresh confection “Cha no Mi” (2,000 yen) will allow you to fully appreciate the charm of Uji matcha. “Cha no Mi” is homemade with smooth matcha bean paste, offering the refined aroma and subtle bitterness of tea.

Inari Saryo

• Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchi-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto (inside Fushimi Inari Taisha, Teichouan)
• Access: 6-minute walk from Inari Station / 10-minute walk from Fushimi Inari Station
• Hours: 10:30–16:30 (Last order 16:00)
• Closed: Wednesdays (open on public holidays)
• Official website: https://tsubakido.kyoto

[Gion & Kiyomizu-dera Area] Trendy Matcha Shops in Popular Areas

Gion Tsujiri Main Store

A must-visit when sightseeing in Gion is the "Gion Tsujiri Main Store." Established in 1860, this specialty Japanese tea shop offers explanations from expert staff at the counter in the back of the first floor on how to properly brew tea and prepare matcha. It’s also a great place to find tea utensils.

On the 2nd and 3rd floors, you’ll find the “Saryo Tsujiri Gion Main Store” café, where you can enjoy a variety of matcha sweets, while the first floor offers takeout options.

The "Condensed Milk Matcha Soft" (820 yen) is a soft-serve ice cream made with plenty of stone-ground Uji matcha, topped with a mellow condensed milk matcha sauce. The deep umami and gentle sweetness of matcha are perfectly balanced, resulting in a rich yet refreshing aftertaste. It’s a treat you’ll want to enjoy during a shopping or sightseeing break.

The "Special Green Tea" is available hot or cold, with the drink priced at 550 yen and the float topped with matcha soft serve at 950 yen. Gion Tsujiri’s signature matcha is blended with sugar, preserving the tea’s flavor and offering a refreshing aftertaste—perfect for soothing your fatigue on both hot and cold days.

Gion Tsujiri Main Store

• Address: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Shijo-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Hours: 10:30–21:00 (Last order for soft serve 20:00)
• Official website: https://www.giontsujiri.co.jp

GOKAGO

Opened in June 2023 on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, "GOKAGO" is a specialty Japanese tea shop with a matcha stand attached. The name comes from the Japanese word "gokago," meaning "divine protection." It was named with the hope that the blessings of Kannon, enshrined at Kiyomizu-dera, will be passed on to everyone.

The must-try drink here is the "Rich Uji Matcha Latte" (880 yen), made with plenty of matcha. It features an elegant aroma and lets you fully enjoy the charm of matcha. You can also customize the level of sweetness. For an additional 350 yen, you can add a scoop of rich matcha ice cream, as shown in the photo.

The "Uji Matcha Donut" (380 yen) is a donut coated with matcha chocolate and finished with a dusting of matcha. There are two types: the chewy "Crinkle" and the moist "Old Fashioned." Both offer the rich flavor of matcha.

GOKAGO

• Address: 2-258 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 20-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Business hours: 10:30–18:00
• Official website: https://www.instagram.com/gokago_kyoto/

88 RYOYASHA KIYOMIZU

With its main store in Arashiyama, Kyoto, "88 Ryoyasha" was opened in October 2019 by Junyu Maruyama, who trained at a tea shop in pursuit of truly authentic matcha. The Kiyomizu branch is located along Kodaiji Minamimon-dori Street, with tourist spots such as Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo, and Nene-no-Michi all within a five-minute walk.

The counter is designed so you can watch matcha being prepared right in front of you. You can experience the appeal of matcha with all five senses—the sound and aroma of whisking, and the steam rising from the tea kettle and steaming basket.

A specialty available only at the Kyoto locations is the "Cha Dango" (400 yen). After much trial and error to find the perfect matcha for dango, this treat was finally perfected. The steamed dango, with its pleasant texture, is topped with a rich homemade matcha paste, making for a highly satisfying treat.

The "Hachijuhachi Pudding" (750 yen) is a matcha pudding made by topping a gently sweet milk pudding with homemade matcha bean paste. If you dine in, you can add shiratama (sweet rice flour dumplings) as a topping for an additional 150 yen, and the combination of matcha bean paste and shiratama is outstanding.

Hachijuhachi Ryoyasha Shimizu

• Address: 415-6 Minami-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 11-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Business hours: 10:00–18:00 (may vary by season)
• Official website: https://www.8108kyoto.com

[Shijo Kawaramachi] Popular Matcha Sweets Shops in the Downtown Area

Wa Cafe Kinone

Located on the 4th floor of a building just a short walk from the Shijo Kawaramachi intersection, Wa Cafe Kinone is a place where you can relax and enjoy tea and sweets while gazing out over Kawaramachi Street, without being disturbed by the hustle and bustle of the city.

The menu features Japanese teas such as matcha, gyokuro, and sencha, parfaits made with Japanese ingredients like Uji matcha parfait and hojicha & warabi mochi parfait, as well as homemade cakes made with plenty of Uji matcha. You can also enjoy traditional Japanese sweets such as anmitsu and zenzai, offering a true taste of Kyoto.

Among the menu items, the "Thick Matcha Mont Blanc" (880 yen), made with Marukyu Koyamaen matcha, stands out. It features the deep flavor unique to high-quality matcha, and inside the gently sweet cream are plump, simmered Tanba black beans.

There are also plenty of seasonal limited-time menu items. In summer, they serve kakigori (shaved ice) made from "pure ice"—impurity-free water frozen hard and shaved into thin layers. The "Matcha Espuma Shaved Ice (with Strawberries)" (2,300 yen / varies by season) features Uji matcha blended with milk espuma, creating a deep yet gentle flavor. The ice is topped with Uji matcha syrup and condensed milk, and the vibrant red and green colors are sure to make for a photogenic treat.

Wa Cafe Kinone

• Address: Kuramoto Building 4F, 384 Komeya-cho, Kawaramachi-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 1-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station / 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Business hours: 12:00–18:30 (Last order 18:00)
• Closed: Tuesdays
• Official website: https://kyoto-kinone.jp

MACCHA HOUSE Matchakan Kyoto Kawaramachi

Opened in May 2015, MACCHA HOUSE Matchakan Kyoto Kawaramachi is the brand’s first location in Japan. The shop’s biggest feature is its matcha drinks and sweets made with fragrant Uji matcha, carefully selected by tea masters from Morihan, a long-established Kyoto tea shop founded in 1836 (Tenpō 7).

The signature item, "Uji Matcha Tiramisu" (950 yen), is served in a hinoki (Japanese cypress) masu box, which gives off a pleasant aroma. The exquisite balance between the bittersweet matcha and the gentle sweetness of the mascarpone cream creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you hooked from the first bite.

Another must-try is the "Matchakan Parfait" (1,650 yen). This parfait is made with plenty of traditional Japanese ingredients, and the matcha soft serve uses Morihan's Uji matcha. The rich matcha, mascarpone cream, and the sweetness of azuki beans are a perfect match.

MACCHA HOUSE Kyoto Kawaramachi

• Address: 382-2 Komeyacho, Kawaramachi-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
• Access: 1-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station / 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Business hours: 11:00–20:30 (Last order 20:00)
• Official website: https://maccha-house.com/1174/

[Kyoto Station] Matcha Shops You Can Enjoy Without Leaving the Station

Saryo Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan Store

Located inside the Kyoto Isetan department store, which is directly connected to Kyoto Station, "Saryo Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan Store" is a tea house operated by Gion Tsujiri. It is loved by a wide range of customers, from tourists to locals who come to enjoy the nostalgic flavors.

If you want to fully enjoy Saryo Tsujiri's matcha sweets, we recommend the "Aji Kurabe" (1,750 yen), which lets you sample a variety of sweets. This set lets you compare a variety of Japanese sweets, including chewy shiratama dango, matcha warabi mochi, and a mini matcha soft serve parfait.

If you're looking for a more filling meal, the "Shirakawa Set" (2,600 yen) is perfect. This set includes Saryo Tsujiri's special warm matcha soba and a parfait, making it a satisfying meal option. You can choose between the "Shiratama Castella Parfait (Matcha)" or the "Shiratama Castella Parfait (Hojicha)".

Saryo Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan Store

• Address: JR Kyoto Isetan 6F, 901 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
• Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station
• Business hours: 10:00–20:00 (Last order 19:30)
• Official website: https://www.giontsujiri.co.jp

Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Store

With its main store in Uji, "Nakamura Tokichi Main Store" also has a location in the restaurant area “Eat Paradise” (in front of the JR West Exit ticket gates) of JR Kyoto Isetan's annex at Kyoto Station. In addition to sweets, you can also enjoy lunch with their nama-cha soba, making it a great choice for various occasions.

The “Maruto Parfait [Matcha] [Hojicha]” (1,980 yen each) is an original parfait by Nakamura Tokichi, featuring multiple layers that bring out the delicious flavors of tea. With crispy granola, seasonal citrus fruits, and rich ice cream, you can enjoy a variety of ingredients with every spoonful.

If you’re in the mood for a meal, the “Hand-picked Tencha Enjoyment Kitsune Nama-cha Soba [KAKE]” (with Nama-cha Jelly Set, 2,381 yen) is perfect. This Kyoto-style dish combines special dashi broth with the umami of matcha and the fragrant flavor of freshly made soba noodles. It’s served with a large, sweet, slow-simmered aburaage (fried tofu) and crispy, carefully selected tencha on top. When you pour the light tea oil, made from dashi, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, and other ingredients, it transforms the dish into a new flavor experience.

Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Store

• Address: 3F, JR Kyoto Isetan Restaurant Floor [Eat Paradise in front of JR West Ticket Gate], Higashi-shiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
• Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station
• Business hours: Tea Shop 11:00–21:00 / Café 11:00–22:00 (Last Order 21:00)
• Official website: https://tokichi.jp

End Your Kyoto Trip with the Charm of Matcha!

If you’re visiting Kyoto, you’ll want to enjoy the local culinary specialties. Be sure to stop by the shops introduced here and fully savor the appeal of Kyoto matcha with both your eyes and your palate.