tea Archives | Japan Cheapo

The city of Uji, located between the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, is blessed with the soil quality and environment needed for one of Japan’s most famous products, matcha (powdered green tea). Pro tip: Take a half-day walking tour with a tea ceremony, for the ultimate Uji experience. The history of Uji Tea cultivation in Uji can be traced back to the early 11th century, and this tradition continues today. Although the tradition of tea cultivation in Japan originated at Kozanji Temple in Kyoto, tea from Uji has come to be renowned for its premium quality. Eisai -- a Japanese Buddhist priest who imported both Zen Buddhism and matcha to Japan from China in 1191 -- advised the priests in Uji on how to cultivate and produce the beverage. Over time, tea cultivation became popular among nobility, and later the masses. Tea from Uji came to be considered one of the most prestigious gifts. Pro tip: Learn more about the history of Uji at the museum inside Chazuna (known as the Uji Tea Room). Admission is for adults and for children. Top 3 tea shops in Uji Nowadays, you can enjoy Uji tea and the associated culture in many ways. From matcha-flavored soba to ice creams and sweets -- the people of Uji have made the most out of their delicious product. Here are our top picks for the best tea shops in Uji. 1. Nakamura Tokichi Nakamura Tokichi is a tea shop that attracts many visitors to Uji. It's conveniently located near JR Uji Station, with a second store near the river. Nakamura Tokichi is a family business with a longstanding tradition of trading Uji tea and promoting its good flavor. In 2001, they decided to renovate their old tea factory into a café/restaurant offering green-tea sweets as well as their home blend, Nakamura tea. The café has a small terrace overlooking the garden, perfect for tranquil tea-sipping. Cold matcha soba is by far the most popular menu item, which is served with several side dishes such as rice sprinkled with green-tea powder. Want to go deeper? Book a private matcha experience at Nakamura Tokichi. You'll enjoy a tea ceremony, and even get to try your hand at grinding tea leaves. 2. Taihoan If you'd like to try a traditional tea ceremony, why not do it at one of Uji's most renowned tea houses? Across the river from Byōdōin Temple you will find the tea house Taihoan. Its name translates to “Tea house across from the Phoenix” (referring to the Phoenix Hall of Byōdōin Temple). Here, you can experience an authentic tea ceremony performed by some of the best trained tea masters in the region. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, during which you will be sitting in kneeling seiza position (if you can). During the ceremony, you will not only learn about the tea being prepared and the ceremony itself, but also savor freshly made green tea. If you'd like to join a ceremony, it costs and can be booked online. Note: Taihoan is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3. Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo At Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo, just across the river from Taihoan, you will not only find a restaurant, but also tea rooms, a tea-workshop studio, and a gift shop to fulfill all your tea-related needs. Matcha-grinding workshops cost and can be booked online. Note: Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo is open for business between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Need more recommendations? Check out our popular Matcha Lover's Guide to Kyoto. How to get to Uji Uji is conveniently accessed on the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station or on the Keihan Uji Line. From Uji Station, it is just a short walk to most of the major attractions and tea houses in the town. If you would like some more information to plan your trip in Uji, just walk into the tourist information center east of Byōdōin Temple. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in November 2016. Last updated: August 2025, by Jane Pipkin.

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