Drinking matcha — powdered green tea — is a long-cherished Japanese tradition, and one that’s become popular internationally. But nowhere in the world can you find as much matcha as Kyoto — an historical hub for the beverage.
Naturally, if you’re visiting Kyoto, you’ll want to bring some matcha home as a gift for yourself or someone special. While you can find matcha in the souvenir shops at train stations and department stores, for a more personalized and authentic experience, you’ll want to visit some of Kyoto’s most renowned tea shops. Keep reading to discover some of the best places to buy high quality matcha in Kyoto.
Want to know more about all things matcha? Check out our Matcha Lover’s Guide to Kyoto.
1. Horaido Tea Stall
This family-run tea shop has been around since 1804 and is situated inside Teramachi Shopping Street. Loose tea leaves are on display, allowing you to assess their quality. Alongside the tea itself, this charming shop also stocks the essential utensils.
If you are unsure on what tea to choose, the staff are knowledgable, with some speaking English as well. The price menu provides all the information you need. Moreover, it is not only categorized by different types of tea, but also by the occasions they are best suited for. The prices vary, but as expected with anything of good quality, it tends to be on the more expensive side. Fortunately, this shop also offers tax-free purchases for tourists.
2. Baikoan Tea Stall
To learn more about matcha and the different types of tea, Baikoan Tea Stall is the place to visit. Run by a cheerful old Japanese man, this quaint shop offers excellent matcha for an affordable price. Although the owner doesn’t speak much English, his friendliness shines through and he is more than happy to offer recommendations. He may even offer to perform a free tea ceremony for you!
In this casual tea ceremony, the master will show you how different teas are brewed — including matcha and sencha. If there is a particular tea you want to try, it’s worth asking if he can use it. All the teas are produced in Uji. Depending on what matcha you choose, a 40g tin costs between ¥1,080 and ¥3,240.
3. Marukyu Koyamaen
Luxurious in both its interior and its products, Marukyu Koyamaen has built a reputation for high quality tea since 1704. Today, it supplies tea to first-class hotels and high-ranking shrines and temples around Japan.
Although they offer many different types of tea, the stoned-milled matcha is the most popular. What makes Marukyu Koyamaen stand out is its beautiful packaging, which makes for a wonderful gift. For high quality tea, the price is actually quite affordable, with small sachets starting from ¥400.
You can also experience the beauty of green tea at the Motoan Tea House, located at the back of the store. The menu features traditional Japanese sweets paired with matcha, and the quality is reflected in the price — with items ranging from ¥1,265 to ¥1,925. The store also offers a matcha-making workshop for ¥2,200. Note that this workshop needs to be booked in advance — and is currently on hold.
Pro tip: To learn more about matcha, consider going on the Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha Factory Tour in Uji. You will need to make a reservation at least 7 days in advance, but it only costs ¥500.
4. Saryo Tsujiri Tea House
Saryo Tsujiri Tea House is one of the most popular Kyoto tea brands, which has been around since 1860. Despite originating in Uji, the flagship store is in Gion today. There, you’ll find a wide variety of Uji teas and confectioneries — all labeled in English. Whether you prefer loose leaves or tea bags, all of the tea is rich in flavor and fragrance. The packaging is crafted from paper to look like origami, adding an artistic touch.
If you’re craving matcha-flavored treats, you’re in luck. As the name suggests — there’s a tea house and café at the back of the store. Here, you can try some matcha soba or an intricately designed matcha parfait. There are also a few takeout options for those wanting something smaller.
5. Yamadashiya
Inside Nishiki Market, this small tea stand offers a few different varieties of tea. It’s hard to miss, as you’ll be able to smell the rich aroma of tea being roasted. This is a clear sign that you’re getting the freshest leaves. Some of the teas you can find here include matcha, sencha, and genmaicha. Each is perfect for drinking on the daily basis.
Since you purchase the tea leaves by gram, the prices vary. Keep in mind that every label is in Japanese, so you might need to rely on Google Translate a little.
6. Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Nakamura Tokichi Honten, one of the most famous matcha tea companies in Japan, has been around since 1854. It was established by Tokichi Nakamura, a tea merchant who is also credited with inventing the electrified matcha grinding mill which revolutionized the local tea industry. However, it is not just the tea shop’s long history that makes it legendary among locals and tourists alike; it’s primarily about the top quality tea.
As well as the rich-tasting matcha, you can find a range of other teas. These include gyokuro, kabusecha, sencha, hojicha, kukicha, genmaicha, yanagi, konacha, okukucha and unique Nakamura blends. Each tea is brewed in its own special way, with precise methods that highlight its distinctive taste. The premium quality is reflected in the price, with a 30g can of matcha costing anywhere between ¥1,806 and ¥11,112.
The original Nakamura Tokichi tea store is still open in Uji — with parts of the main building being cultural heritage sights. Anyone can enter the shop, which resembles a traditional Japanese house, and browse the tea selection, matcha sweets, and cakes.
Pro tip: Behind the shop is a café offering exceptional matcha sweets and savory dishes. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go early. Learn more in A Matcha Lover’s Guide to Kyoto.
Matcha in Kyoto FAQs
Is Kyoto good for matcha?
It’s not just good, it is the best. It is said that the first batch of Japanese matcha was produced in Uji. Since then, Uji has become known for producing high quality and distinctive matcha, mostly as a result of its ideal soil conditions.
How do you know if matcha is good quality?
The easiest way to know if matcha is good quality is by its color. High quality matcha should be vibrant green. It should also have a smooth texture, and a sweet aroma. Matcha that has a dull yellow color to it is either low quality or out of date.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
