10 must-try Matcha hot spots to visit in Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan

So here I am... currently planning yet another trip next year to my favourite place in the entire world.

KYOTO, Japan! 

The magical place I been lucky enough to visit on many occasions and as well as calling home for 7 months, has and always will have a special place in my heart. 

This will be trip number 8 and it never gets old, the excitement continues to grow day by day until we're on that plane and Japan bound.

Let's drool over these 10 must-try Matcha hot spots to visit in Japan! They're on our wish list and if you're heading to Japan and also enjoy Matcha, we suggest you add them to your list as well! 

Even if you're not planning a trip, I'm pretty sure these tasty treats will make you drool like crazy. 

Enjoy!

Saryo-Suisen (Kyoto)

Saryo Suisen Kyoto Matcha Parfait

(photo credit : The Travelling Squid)  

Ahhhh...I have such a sweet spot for Parfaits as one of my favourite things to do while living in Kyoto was to enjoy this special kind of dessert with friends. 

Parfaits often contain seasonal flavours but you can't go past good old Green Tea flavoured ones like the one pictured here, featuring Green Tea flavoured Ice Cream, Mochi, Cake and Doryaki.  

https://thetravellingsquid.com/2018/08/09/saryo-suisen-for-the-best-green-tea-parfait-in-kyoto/ 

Nanaya Ice Cream (Tokyo/Kyoto)

Nanaya Matcha Ice Cream Kyoto

(Photo Credit: Moshi Moshi Nippon)

This ice cream parlour has a couple of outlets, one in Tokyo and a relatively new store has opened up this year in Kyoto. Green Tea Ice Cream is one of my absolute favourite desserts, there's just something about the refreshing taste of Green Tea teamed up with Ice Cream that keeps me going back for more!

Moshi Moshi says "They offers seven varying levels of matcha intensity – level 1 begins with a more moderately sweeter flavour, but as you progress up the scale to level 7 the flavour of the matcha becomes richer and deeper"

I'm totally keen to try Level 7 as I like my Matcha strong and to pack a powerful punch of flavour. Level 7 is said to use high grade Matcha which makes me want to try it out even more! 

https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87177 

Inari Saryo (Kyoto)

Inari Saryo Kyoto Matcha Parfait

(Photo credit: Gori Luckey) 

A new cafe has opened on the grounds of the iconic and much visited Fushimi Inari Shrine.

And what better way to celebrate this unique location than a Parfait with an actual Red Tori and fox illustration in it, paying homage to its special location. These gorgeous features naturally caught my eye when I came across this Parfait online and knew that it was definitely going to land on this list!

https://www.goriluckey.com/archives/20180314_fushimiinari-inarisaryo.html

 Premarche Gelataria (Kyoto)

Premarche Gelateria Matcha Icecream Kyoto

(Photo Credit: Happy Cow) 

It's so very exciting to find an outlet with a whole variety of options catering for Vegans and Non-Vegans alike. 

And so many super unique flavour combinations too from Ume (plum), Kinako (Roasted Soybean flour), Yuba (Tofu Skin), Canadian Hemp Seed, New Zealand Kiwi, Olive Oil, Tomato and we're dying to know what "The Ninja" flavour is all about!

Loads of yummy organic products are also available at the store. 

We see repeat visits in our future! 

https://www.happycow.net/reviews/premarche-kyoto-96348

 

Hello Kitty Cafe (Kyoto) 

(SEP 2020 UPDATE - this cafe is now permanently closed)

Hello Kitty Cafe Kyoto Matcha Latte

(Photo Credit: Hello Kitty Cafe Saryo)

This super kawaii cafe is a fairly recent addition to the Kyoto cafe scene and a definite must see for lovers of Hello Kitty and Matcha alike. 

In the gorgeous strip of shops leading up to Kiyomizudera in the historic Higashiyama area, it's a lovely place to stop for a breather and enjoy a treat such as an Iced or Hot Matcha Latte as pictured here, complete with a sweet little Hello Kitty face staring up at you. Almost too cute to eat, don't ya think?

We just can't wait to see the reaction on our toddler's face when she sees one of her favourite characters in her meal. What a delight! 

Https://tokyotreat.com/news/hello-Kitty-cafe-Kyoto 

Ippodo Tea House (Kyoto)

Ippodo Matcha, Kyoto

For a tea lover , no visit to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the historic Ippodo Tea House, who have been in business for 3 centuries. So they definitely know what they are talking about and the quality of tea is top notch! 

Sit down in the Tea Room  to relax and enjoy a cup of Matcha (of varying strengths) with a sweet treat (as pictured above)  

They also run tea classes to learn how to prepare and enjoy Japanese tea.

If you want a real taste of Japanese tea culture, then look no further! 

https://www.insidekyoto.com/ippodo-kyoto 

Tsujirihei (Uji)

Tsujirihei Uji Honten Matcha Parfait

(Photo Credit: Sharing Kyoto)

This cafe without a doubt is as beautiful as the desserts it serves. Situated in Uji, (aka the heartland of Matcha) just a 5 min walk from the station, this enchanting teahouse simply oozes traditional charm with a sophisicated edge. Their many parfaits are absolute works of art and change seasonly.

But it doesn't stop there, this teahouse offers all kinds of premium chocolates, cakes, mochi, ice cream and more. 

For a Matcha lover, the quaint town of Uji (around 20 mins by train from Kyoto) is a must visit - you can literally smell it in the air, ah what a heavenly place! 

https://www.tsujirihei.co.jp/en/information/

 

Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Uji)

Warabi Mochi Nakamura Tokichi Honten Cafe Uji

(Photo Credit: Sharing Kyoto)

Ever heard of Warabi Mochi? It's a a chilled, deliciously chewy, jelly-like mochi (rice cake) that melts in your mouth and a must try when in Western Japan. 

The name of "Warabimochi" comes from an edible wild plant "Warabi" (bracken) which is used as main ingredient. These come dusted with Matcha and served with a sugar syrup to pour over. Drool worthy indeed!

For a different kind of dessert to ice cream or parfait, give this a go! 

https://global.tokichi.jp/pages/main-store 

Teo Kafon (Kyoto)

(This cafe is now permanently closed)

Matcha Sweets Plate Teo Kafon Kyoto

(Photo Credit: Sharing Kyoto)

A Matcha Sweets plate for under $10? Hell yes!

Here at Teo Kafon, the perfect fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine and a recent addition to the Kyoto cafe scene, you can try a selection of Matcha flavoured treats such as a tart, swiss roll, chocolate ball, pastry and eclair.

WOW! Perfect for sharing or maybe not, depends how generous you are feeling haha. 

And to get a taste of Japanese tea tradition, you can make your own Matcha with whisk here and enjoy it out of a special ceramic bowl. Ahh!

Itohkyuemon Uji (Kyoto prefecture)

Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha Anmitsu

Have you ever watched "Kentaro, the Sweet Tooth Salary Man" on Netflix?

If not, do yourself a favour. One of my favourite episodes is Kentaro drooling madly over  his Anmitsu dessert.  Check it! 

This is a very traditional Japanese style dessert and one that many places take very seriously. It usually consists of Agar Jelly which is a white translucent jelly made from red algae. It's served with yummy sweet Azuki bean paste (did you know these beans are full of protein? So don't feel too guilty haha) and then a variety of other toppings such as fruit (Mikan or Mandarin is a common choise) , ice cream and finally sweet black syrup, to send the blood sugar levels off the Richter scale!

But hey it's worth it right? 

https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/corporate/shop/uji/sabo/

We hope you enjoyed our rundown of Matcha hot spots to check out in Japan!

Let us know if you have any favourites to add to the list!

For the next best thing to being in Japan, check out our collection of Matcha Green Tea Powders to enjoy at home:

https://www.matchayutea.com/collections/matcha



 

 

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🍵 Getting Started with Matcha

Why try our Matcha?

Since 2018, we’ve sourced exceptional Japanese Matcha directly from trusted tea producers in Japan.

Our Matcha is crafted from 2025 first-harvest leaves grown in Kagoshima, freshly milled to order, and carefully cold-stored to preserve its vibrant colour, delicate aroma, and depth of flavour.

We refrigerate all Matcha to slow oxidation and protect its integrity from farm to cup.

Proudly recognised with industry awards and trusted by thousands of customers across Australia, we remain committed to delivering a true Taste of Japan in a Cup.

We are so confident you will enjoy our tea so we also offer a 30 day taste guarantee.

Why does First Harvest Matcha matter?

First harvest means the tea leaves are picked during the very first flush of spring, when the youngest leaves are at their most tender, vibrant and nutrient-rich.

This early harvest is prized for producing matcha with a fresher colour, smoother flavour, natural sweetness and deeper umami.

Do you offer Ceremonial Grade Matcha?

Many people have become familiar with the phrase "ceremonial grade" and equate it to meaning high quality matcha. The truth is there is no such thing as ceremonial grade, it was a marketing term developed in the west to denote high quality. Japan has no official grading system or regulation so anyone can put it on their packaging, regardless of the quality.

At Matcha Yu Tea, we prioritise what actually matters — First Harvest leaves, vibrant green colour and a fresh depth of flavour — over marketing terms.

What Matcha should I choose?

If you’re new to matcha, we recommend starting with our Everyday Matcha. It’s smooth, well-balanced, and easy to prepare, with a fresh flavour and gentle umami. It tastes beautiful whisked traditionally with water, or made into your favourite matcha latte.

If you prefer a deeper, more refined flavour with richer umami notes, our Premium Matcha is best enjoyed simply with water.

For lattes: Everyday Matcha

For traditional drinking: Premium Matcha

Does your Matcha contain sugar?

No. Our matcha is 100% pure Japanese green tea powder, with no added sugar, sweeteners, fillers, or additives.

What if I don’t like the taste?

We are confident you’ll love our Tea. If you’re new to Matcha Yu Tea and don’t enjoy the taste of your tea, we offer a 30-day Taste Guarantee on your first purchase.

How it works:

  • Applies to first-time customers only
  • Applies to one opened bag per order on first-time purchases
  • Contact us within 30 days of delivery at hello@matchayutea.com
  • One refund per customer
  • No need to return opened matcha — we’d rather learn how we can help 

What’s not covered:

  • Orders where tea has been prepared with boiling water (we recommend 70-80 degrees Celsius) 
  • Orders stored incorrectly (not adequately sealed / refrigerated)
  • Multiple opened products in the same order
  • Change-of-mind or “no longer needed” returns

What are the health benefits of drinking Matcha?

More than just a beautiful drink — matcha is a daily ritual that works for your mind, body, and skin.

Matcha provides

⚡ Natural Energy 🧘 Calm & Focus 🧠 Improved Concentration ✨ Detox & Anti-Ageing 🛡️ Immune Support 🔥 Boosted Metabolism

01 — ENERGY

Natural, Sustained Energy

Matcha contains caffeine — but only a third of what's in coffee. The key difference is how it's released. Matcha delivers a slow, steady stream of caffeine into your bloodstream, sustaining you for hours without the sharp spike and crash that coffee causes. No jitters. No cravings. Just clean, lasting energy.

02 — CALM

Calming & Reduces Anxiety

Matcha contains L-theanine, a remarkable amino acid that positively affects alpha brain waves — promoting a state of relaxed alertness and reducing feelings of stress or anxiety. It also increases dopamine and serotonin levels, naturally lifting your mood and helping you feel genuinely good.

03 — FOCUS

Improved Focus & Concentration

The synergy between caffeine and L-theanine in matcha is well-studied — together they improve memory retention, reaction time, and sustained attention. Matcha helps you get into a flow state and stay there, making it the ideal companion for deep work, study, or creative thinking.

04 — DETOX & ANTI-AGEING

Detoxifying & Anti-Ageing

Before harvest, matcha plants are shade-grown to boost chlorophyll — a natural detoxifier that supports liver function and helps flush toxins, heavy metals, and persistent chemicals from the body. Matcha also contains catechins that fight UV damage and pollution, plus vitamins A, C, K and B complex that support skin cell renewal for smoother, more supple skin.

Anti Ageing Matcha Good for Skin

05 — IMMUNITY

Helps Boost Immunity

Matcha is one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants — surpassing blueberries, chia seeds, and other well-known superfoods. It's also the richest natural source of EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a plant catechin that helps your body produce T-cells to fight pathogens and viruses. Read more about matcha and immunity →

Matcha helps keep your immune system healthy

06 — METABOLISM

Boosts Metabolism & Aids Weight Loss

EGCG works in tandem with matcha's natural caffeine to stimulate thermogenesis — your body's calorie-burning process. Matcha also helps your body use stored fat as an energy source during exercise, making it a smart addition to any active lifestyle.

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What Matcha do I use for Usucha (thin tea) / Koicha (thick tea)?

For the smoothest, most umami-rich experience, we recommend our Premium Matcha for both usucha and koicha.

Premium Matcha is best enjoyed with water, where its deeper flavour, natural sweetness, and rich umami can really shine.

How do I make a Matcha latte?


Making a cup of Matcha has never been easier, especially when using our convenient Matcha Shaker. 

How to Make A Matcha Latte Easily Without A Bamboo Whisk
If you don't own our Matcha Shaker simply follow these steps instead to make a Matcha Latte: 
  1. Push 1 teaspoon (approx. 2 grams) of Matcha Powder through a sieve into your cup. NOTE: if you want a stronger flavour we recommending adding up to 2 Teaspoons of Matcha
  2. Pour in around 30ml of hot water (no hotter than 80 degrees), just enough to cover the Matcha Powder.
  3. Blend the Matcha and Water by mixing with a Bamboo whisk / Matcha Shaker or Electric Whisk to blend to get a better result) 
  4. Add 100ml milk to the dissolved Matcha & Water Mix
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of sweetener (we recommend Maple Syrup) to taste (optional)
  6. Larger serve? Just double the quantity of Matcha to 4 grams (2 metric teaspoons) and 200ml milk. Keep the water at 30ml so it doesn’t dilute. 
How to Make A Matcha Latte

Watch How To Use the Matcha Shaker Here (Turn On Captions)


Ready to get started? Make Matcha easy by grabbing one of our Matcha Tea Sets.  

Why do we cold store our Matcha?

Matcha is delicate. Because it’s a finely ground green tea powder, it’s more exposed to heat, light, air and moisture than whole-leaf tea.

We cold-store our matcha to help protect its vibrant colour, fresh aroma and smooth umami flavour — so it reaches you as fresh as possible.

How should I store my Matcha?

We recommend storing Matcha in the fridge in a well sealed, air tight container to preserve freshness and reduce oxidation. Either in the pouch you receive the tea in or transfer it to a Storage Jar.

Do you have any intro offers?

Yes use code FIRSTSIP at checkout for $10 off your first purchase