Written by Jane Pipkin
Researched by Carey Finn
Matcha has become a Kyoto bucket-list activity, right up there with Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
With so many options — Kyoto is an historical hub for matcha, after all — here are our personal favorite matcha cafés. I visited all of them except for NIWA, which our editor stopped by on a business trip.
Pro tip: Take part in a tea ceremony in Kyoto to learn the true art of matcha-making.
For more on matcha in Kyoto — including the history, workshops, sweets and other recommendations — check out our Ultimate Matcha Lover’s Guide to Kyoto.
Pro tip: Kyoto is also home to many matcha dessert spots — primarily serving parfaits and traditional Japanese sweets. Our top recommendation is Gion Tokuya and its warabi mochi parfait.
1. Best local matcha café — Matcha Stand 1 1/2
Nakagyo¥1,000 to ¥2,000
Woman-run with antiques amidst the matcha
If you want to try new matcha flavors but still enjoy the traditional essence, Matcha Stand 1 1/2 is our recommendation. Serving fruit-flavored matchas, including strawberry and mango, this quaint café still uses traditional methods, and offers classic Japanese sweets.
The friendly owner wears a yukuta and sells vintage Japanese antiques, creating a casual yet traditional matcha-drinking experience.
She is also an artist, and sells her drawings as well as a small zine sharing the story behind the matcha shop. It’s a charming personal detail that reflects the café’s character.
2. Best modern matcha café — 2050 Coffee
Nakagyo¥500 to ¥1,000
Matcha on tap
For a more “futuristic” matcha-drinking experience, head to 2050 Coffee. With sustainability at its forefront, this café primarily serves coffee, but matcha latte too, on tap to ensure consistent quality and speed with every cup.
3. Most Instagrammable matcha café — NIWA
Kyoto Station¥1,000 to ¥1,500
Digital koi in your tea
Located in Kyoto Station, the artsy NIWA offers a fresh take on the matcha experience. This sleek café, created by the NAKED collective, uses digital mapping to bring your matcha to life. With flowers dancing around your cup and bamboo decor adorning the walls, this space offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional.
Plus, you can even ask for a single, double, or triple shot in your matcha — a rarity in most cafés.
4. Best matcha café in Kyoto Station — Fukujuen
Kyoto Station¥400 to ¥550
Renowned Kyoto tea brand right in the station
Should you want one last Kyoto matcha before boarding the bullet train to your next destination, Fukujuen Matcha House is the best place inside Kyoto Station. Fukujuen is one of Kyoto’s most established tea brands, with its flagship store embodying Japanese tea culture at its finest.
At this smaller outlet, you can still experience the best of Fukujuen’s tea by ordering one of their matcha drinks to-go. There are two options to choose from: Matcha Latte and “Thin” (usucha) Matcha (hot or cold). We personally tried the sweetened Thin Matcha (for ¥450), and it was perfectly balanced.
5. Most prestigious matcha café — Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Uji¥1,000 to ¥2,000
Super famous and authentic
When in Uji, you need to stop by Nakamura Tokichi Honten. The fact that this main store is known for its long line (don’t worry, you can add yourself to a virtual queue) is indication enough of just how renowned this place is.
The building where the café is located is designated as one of the Important Cultural Landscapes of Uji. You can slowly sip premium matcha while indulging in one of the parfaits.
We tried the Maruto Parfait, one of the most popular menu items. Prices are on the higher side — but then again, you’re also paying for the Zen setting.
6. Best Kyoto matcha café with views — Tsujirihei Honten
Uji¥1,000 to ¥2,000
Zen vibes abound
If you want a traditional matcha experience complete with a stunning ambience, then Tsujirihei Honten is a must-visit. Having been around since the 19th century, Tsujirihei is known for its high-quality tea and tea-making techniques.
Inside this traditonal teahouse, you can choose from a variety of Japanese teas and matcha offerings. Expect to pay anywhere from ¥900 to ¥2,000 for a cup of the premium Uji matcha. Complete the experience by ordering one of the exquisitive Uji Matcha Parfaits as well.
Matcha FAQs
What’s the difference between matcha latte and “thin” matcha?
A matcha latte blends powdered matcha with steamed milk, creating a creamy, sweetened drink. Thin matcha (usucha) is the traditional ceremonial preparation — finely whisked matcha powder with hot water, for a more bitter, frothy experience.
Is matcha expensive in Japan?
Prices vary widely. Budget cafés like 2050 Coffee serve matcha lattes for ¥500–¥1,000. Premium teahouses charge ¥1,500–¥2,000 for ceremonial-grade matcha with sweets.
Can I learn to make matcha myself?
Yes. Many Kyoto workshops teach the whisking technique. Look for matcha-making classes or tea ceremony experiences — they’re widely available and run 1–2 hours. For example, check out this matcha-grinding workshop.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
