Best matcha tea experiences in Japan

Discover the most authentic and memorable matcha tea experiences across Japan, from traditional tea ceremonies in Kyoto and Uji, the birthplace of matcha, to innovative cafes in Tokyo. Explore where to find the best matcha lattes, desserts, and ice creams, including options with the strongest flavour. This guide is perfect for tea lovers and travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Japanese matcha culture, offering recommendations for both historic tea houses and modern establishments. Prepare for a sensory journey through the flavours and rituals of Japanese green tea.

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  1. 1

    Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour (Uji, Kyoto)

    283 Global Votes
    • Engage in a traditional tea ceremony

      (+4)

    This complete cultural experience merges a traditional tea ceremony with a guided walking tour of Uji's historic temples and shrines, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a deep immersion into both the spirituality of tea and the historical richness of the region.

  2. 2

    Nakamura Tokichi (Byodo-in, Uji, Kyoto)

    88 Global Votes
    • Best place for matcha lovers

      (+4)

    This historic tea house is a benchmark for experiencing authentic matcha in Uji, Japan's matcha capital. It is renowned for its high-quality matcha and traditional atmosphere, offering a well-established and prestigious experience.

  3. 3

    Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views (Kyoto)

    55 Global Votes
    • Offers breathtaking garden views

      (+4)

    This experience combines the solemnity of an authentic tea ceremony led by a master with impressive views of a beautiful Japanese garden. Its location near Kiyomizu Temple makes it a very attractive cultural and meditative option.

  4. 4

    Suzukien Asakusa Honten (Asakusa, Tokyo)

    50 Global Votes
    • Offers seven levels of matcha ice cream intensity

      (+4)

    Famous for its multi-grade matcha ice cream and wide selection of tea, it is ideal for trying different intensities of matcha in a popular and refreshing format. It is an iconic spot in Asakusa for matcha lovers.

  5. 5

    Ippodo Tea House (Kyoto)

    36 Global Votes
    • Offers authentic Japanese tea experiences

      (+4)

    With over 300 years of experience, Ippodo Tea House is a renowned establishment that guarantees quality and tradition in its tea products and experiences. It is an essential place for matcha lovers seeking authenticity.

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  7. 6

    Nakamura Tokichi – Ginza Six (Ginza, Tokyo)

    29 Global Votes
    • Offers matcha everything, including matcha noodles

      (+4)

    It offers a modern and comfortable experience to try good matcha in a contemporary setting within a luxury shopping mall. It combines the quality of matcha from a renowned brand with the convenience and style of Ginza.

  8. 7

    Tsujiri Gion (Kyoto)

    17 Global Votes
    • Incredible matcha ice cream taste

      (+4)

    Famous for its matcha desserts since 1860, Tsujiri Gion is perfect for matcha lovers who want to explore its applications in traditional Japanese confectionery. It offers a delicious alternative to the traditional beverage.

  9. 8

    Takizme (Shinagawa, Tokyo)

    12 Global Votes
    • Offers modern tea ceremony experiences

      (+4)

    This modern tea space with a minimalist design focuses on high-quality matcha, offering a sophisticated experience in a contemporary atmosphere. It is ideal for those seeking a modern take on the matcha tradition.

  10. 9

    Kosoan (Jiyugaoka, Tokyo)

    11 Global Votes
    • Offers a sweet matcha escape

      (+4)

    This tranquil tea room offers a serene escape and traditional matcha served with *wagashi* (Japanese sweets). It provides a traditional tea experience in a relaxing atmosphere, away from the city bustle.

  11. 10

    Fukujuen Uji Kobo (Uji, Kyoto)

    10 Global Votes
    • Offers delicious tea and tea dishes

      (+4)

    This tea house offers a 'Uji Tea Making Experience Course' where you can taste teas and dishes made with matcha. It allows for an immersion into tea gastronomy, exploring matcha beyond the beverage.

  12. 11

    Wazuka Tea Cafe (Wazuka, Kyoto Prefecture)

    10 Global Votes
    • Sells around 200 varieties of Wazuka tea

      (+4)

    This cafe is a center for cultural exchange and information dissemination about tea, with a wide variety of options for matcha enthusiasts. It is the only direct sales store in Japan with over 300 Wazuka tea products.

  13. 12

    En Tea House (Higashiyama, Kyoto)

    9 Global Votes
    • Offers an authentic tea ceremony experience

      (+4)

    This tea house stands out for offering hands-on experiences where participants not only observe but also actively participate in the tea ceremony. It is ideal for those seeking a more interactive and profound immersion in the ritual.

  14. 13

    Obubu Tea Farm and Factory (Wazuka, Kyoto Prefecture)

    8 Global Votes
    • Offers behind-the-scenes look at matcha tea farms

      (+4)

    This farm and factory offers a unique opportunity to understand matcha production from farm to cup, with tours available. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the plantations and the grinding process, culminating in a tasting of freshly ground matcha.

  15. 14

    Uji and Wazuka Matcha Farm Half Day Private Guided Tour (Uji, Kyoto)

    7 Global Votes
    • Offers a private guided tour

      (+4)

    This private tour offers a first-hand look at the tea cultivation process, visiting an active plantation in the hills of Wazuka. It includes learning about cultivation and an exclusive tasting, providing a very comprehensive experience.

  16. 15

    Camellia Garden (Gion, Kyoto)

    5 Global Votes
    • Offers an authentic tea ceremony experience

      (+4)

    Located on a quiet street in the historic Gion district, this place offers intimate tea ceremony experiences. It is ideal for those seeking a cultural immersion in a picturesque and meaningful setting.

  17. 16

    Taihoan (Uji, Kyoto)

    3 Global Votes
    • Offers authentic matcha tea ceremony

      (+4)

    This municipal tea house, in traditional 'Sukiya-Zukuri' style, offers tea ceremonies and a matcha making experience. It provides an accessible and authentic tea ceremony experience in a traditional and beautiful setting.

  18. 17

    Slow Cycling Tour at Uji's Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage (Uji, Kyoto)

    2 Global Votes
    • Leisurely tour of Uji on a Brompton bicycle

      (+4)

    This cycling tour offers an active and relaxed way to explore the tea fields and historic sites of Uji, the birthplace of matcha. It allows you to enjoy the landscape and cultural heritage at a calm and immersive pace.

  19. 18

    Scenic Green Tea Fields of Hidden Kyoto & Local Tea Exp Private (Kyoto)

    0 Global Votes
    • Explore beautiful tea plantations

      (+4)

    This private tour offers a deep dive into the origin of matcha, allowing exploration of the lush tea plantations in rural Kyoto. It is an experience recommended for 2026 for its focus on natural beauty and guided local tasting.

  20. 19

    Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour (Uji, Kyoto)

    0 Global Votes
    • Grind matcha with a stone mill experience

      (+4)

    This interactive experience allows participants to grind their own matcha with a traditional stone mill, directly connecting with ancient production methods. Additionally, it includes a walking tour through the historic streets of Uji, the matcha capital.