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.
Naturally, if you’re visiting Kyoto, you’ll want to bring some matcha home as a gift. While you can find matcha powder in the souvenir shops at train stations and department stores, the best experiences come from going to actual tea shops. Whether you’re seeking ceremonial-grade matcha, premium everyday matcha, or another type of Japanese tea like sencha or gyokurocha, these are our top picks.
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Note: Japan is currently experiencing a matcha shortage, so some stores in Kyoto and beyond are limiting the amount of matcha you can purchase. Additionally, some smaller tea shops are closed because of this.
And if you’d like to taste matcha done properly before committing to a tin, you can experience a proper tea ceremony at a Gion teahouse — at around US$35, it’s one of the cheapest well-reviewed ceremonies in 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.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
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.
To learn more about matcha and the different types of Japanese tea, Baikoan Tea Stall is the place to visit. Run by a cheerful old 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!
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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 40 g tin costs between ¥1,080 and ¥3,240.
Luxurious in both its interior and its products, Marukyu Koyamaen has built a reputation for high-quality tea since 1704. Today, the store 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 such high-quality tea, the price is actually quite affordable, with small sachets starting from ¥400.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
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.
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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.
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.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
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, an intricately designed matcha parfait, or a simple matcha latte. There are also a few takeout options for those wanting something smaller.
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 a daily basis.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
Since you purchase the tea leaves by gram, prices vary. Keep in mind that every label is in Japanese, so you might need to rely on Google Translate a little.
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 its ceremonial grade matcha. Nakamura Tokichi is the top choice for those seeking the highest quality.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
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 30 g 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.
Founded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo Tea is known as one of the main purveyors of Japanese tea. At its main store, located down Teramachi Street, you can find everything from one-pot teabags to matcha powder.
Regarding the matcha powder, you can find both light and rich types, as well as organic matcha and matcha to-go packets. The most afforable matcha powder sold here is a 20 g tin of Hatsu-mukashi (light) for ¥600. The most expensive is a 20 g tin of Ummon-no-mukashi (rich) for ¥4,000.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
After buying some tea, why not take some time to enjoy it? At the back of the store is Kaboku Tearoom. Here, you can order different types of Japanese tea, each of which comes with a small traditional sweet.
One of the most established tea shops in Kyoto, Fukujuen Kyoto focuses not just on Uji tea itself, but on the culture surrounding it. Nothing better epitomizes this than the flagship store.
From Japanese tea workshops to a restaurant that blends French cuisine with Japanese tea, this flagship store is perfect for those who want to really delve into the cultural significance of tea (as well as buy some).
Photo by Jane Pipkin
The street-level entrance to the store is where you’ll find the limited-edition tea products. You’ll find all the classic Japanese teas such as hojicha, gyokuro, sencha, and of course, matcha. After picking out your teas, you can head upstairs to browse gorgeous tea utensils.
Pro tip: Visit the Fukujuen store in Kyoto Station to enjoy a matcha on-the-go. We recommend the sweetened thin matcha.
This matcha speciality store is steeped in tradition and loved by locals. Its matcha is officially recognized by three established schools of tea ceremony, including Urasenke, so you know you are getting the real deal.
The matcha is freshly ground in a stone mill at the back of the store, and hand-packed. The tea leaves themselves are grown near the Uji River.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
Given its premium quality, you can expect to pay a premium price. That said, each matcha tin is covered with traditional Japanese motifs, making for a special souvenir.
The shop also stocks the daily teas like gyokuro, sencha, and bancha, which you can get for a more affordable price — at just as good quality. If you want to learn more about each tea type, we encourage you to speak to the friendly staff and ask for a sample to sip.
Note: Due to the matcha shortage, you can only purchase a maxmium of 3 items.
This tea wholesaler consists of two floors, with the first floor stocked with all kinds of Japanese teas — including matcha. There’s a wide variety to choose from, ranging in price ¥2,160 to ¥10,200.
If you need advice on what to get for a particular occasion, the staff are happy to share their knowledge.
Photo by Jane Pipkin
The store also has a mission to create a communal space where visitors can casually enjoy tea culture, which they’ve done through their “sweets parlour”.
Located on the second floor, you can indulge in matcha parfaits or sip on a matcha float or Vienna latte (a matcha latte topped with whipped cream). Prices start from ¥650.
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 powder 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 powder that has a dull yellow color to it is either low quality or out of date.
Where can I buy matcha powder near Kyoto Station?
If you’re short on time, Fukujuen Matcha House inside Kyoto Station sells matcha powder to take home, along with matcha drinks to go. For a wider selection, most of the shops on this list are only a short subway or bus ride from the station.
What is Uji matcha?
Uji matcha is matcha grown in and around Uji, a city just south of Kyoto that’s considered the birthplace of Japanese matcha. Its ideal soil and climate produce a vivid green tea with a rich, smooth umami flavor, which is why many of Kyoto’s most celebrated tea houses source their leaves from Uji. Uji is also home to the Nintendo Museum, so it’s easy to pair a matcha pilgrimage with a bit of Mario on a day trip from Kyoto.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in January 2025. Last updated: May 2026, by Jane Pipkin.
Written by Jane Pipkin
Kyoto 1.5 km
Kyoto 0.3 km
