Kyoto is not just another city in Japan; it is universally accepted as the birthplace and heart of matcha culture. This city is where the history of Matcha Japanese green tea truly started. As the best place to visit in Kyoto Prefecture for tradition and food, it offers so much more than just temples.

Kyoto is home to Uji, which is Japan’s most famous matcha-producing region. The tea fields in Uji are known for their ideal soil and climate, producing the highest quality green tea leaves used to make premium matcha powder from Japan. Because of this rich history dating back centuries, the very name 'Uji' is synonymous with the finest Japanese green tea.

The city perfectly preserves the traditional matcha ceremony alongside modern matcha cafés. To explore all these spots fully, you need to find great hotels in Kyoto. You can spend your morning attending a formal tea ceremony and your afternoon enjoying a trendy matcha latte. Areas like Uji itself (the source), Gion (the historic district), and Nishiki Market (the food market) are must-visits for any matcha lover searching for the ultimate matcha tea from Japan experience.

If you are looking for a perfect matcha latte or cold drink, these spots are known for their high quality and excellent flavour balance.

This heritage brand, which originated in Uji, has its flagship café in the central Gion district. They offer lattes and floats, but they are most famous for their high-quality Kyoto Uji Matcha tea in both drinks and desserts.

This spot is famous for incredibly creative Iced Lattes that feature traditional Japanese biscuits shaped like iconic Kyoto buildings (like Kyoto Tower). The drinks are very aesthetically pleasing and popular on social media.

This is a legendary tea shop established in 1854. Their matcha latte and tea are rich-tasting. Visit the original store in Uji for the most authentic experience and excellent quality.

Located in the lush tea hills south of Kyoto, this cafe offers a spectacular view of the countryside. You can taste tea-themed cuisine, like their matcha pasta, and enjoy an exceptionally fresh matcha tea kyoto experience.

This tea-house is popular not just for drinks, but for their signature Nishiki Ichiha Matcha Fondue. The fondue guarantees a thick and rich explosion of matcha flavour with every dip of cake, mochi, or dango. They also have a takeaway stall outside serving Kushi Dango with a rich matcha dipping sauce—a perfect street snack!

These cafés offer a full dining experience, combining matcha drinks with unique desserts, full meals, and a specific atmosphere.

This spot is known for its beautiful peaceful garden setting with colourful Koi and running water. It's a true oasis where you can enjoy a refreshing cold matcha set paired with their famous Warabi Mochi (soft jelly)

This is an incredibly cute, themed cafe that is a massive hit with children and adults. You must try their matcha parfait, which features a super kawaii Rilakkuma bear biscuit and mochi. It’s a fun, lighthearted matcha experience.

Perfect for a quick stop if you are arriving or leaving via Kyoto Station. They offer unique treats like a new kind of ice bar that is dipped into exceptionally dark green tea after you order.

This company has a reputation for high-quality tea since 1704. You can experience the beauty of matcha at their Motoan Tea House located behind the store, offering traditional Japanese sweets paired with matcha.

This café specializes in Western-style confections (Yogashi) skillfully mixed with traditional Japanese ingredients. They are famous for their Gion Matcha Fondue Set. The dip is amazingly rich and thick, and once you finish dipping the cake and dango, they give you hot milk so you can make your own matcha latte with the leftover fondue!

Read Also: 12 Kyoto Eateries for A Memorable Dining Experience - Where to Eat in Kyoto

Kyoto is the best place to find intense, high-quality matcha soft serve (also called matcha soft ice cream).

They are famous for their unique Gold Leaf Ice Cream! Kinkaku is known for having a stronger matcha flavor and comes with toppings like sweet azuki paste and chewy shiratama balls. It's a luxurious experience and a beautiful photo opportunity.

Their intricate matcha parfaits are legendary. They are built with layers of soft serve, jelly, mochi, and sponge cake, showcasing the intense flavour of uji japan matcha.

Best for a quick, refreshing pit stop. They offer a simple ice bar dipped in rich, dark green tea, satisfying your need for green tea ice cream quickly.

Their matcha soft serve is part of a fun, layered parfait topped with cute characters. Great if you want a lighter, less bitter soft serve matcha experience with novelty.

This shop sells unique cream choux and ice cream choux in vanilla and matcha flavour. Their choux pastry has a light, crispy, and airy crust, the perfect texture to hold the cool matcha filling.

If you love making matcha latte at home, Kyoto is the place to buy the best kyoto uji matcha powder directly from the source.

This is a truly historic store that has been running since 1854. They supply some of the highest quality matcha powder from Japan, and by buying directly in Uji, the source region, you get the most authentic and rich-tasting tea.

Known for high-quality matcha since 1704, they supply high-ranking temples and hotels. Their special stone-milled matcha is popular, and their beautiful packaging makes for a wonderful, high-class gift to take home. They also offer tax-free purchases.

This is a friendly, family-run shop that has been around since 1804. They offer knowledgeable staff who can speak English, clear price menus, and tax-free purchases for tourists, helping you select the best ceremonial powder without confusion.

You can find a wide variety of Uji teas and confectioneries here, all clearly labelled in English. The tea is rich in flavour and fragrance, and the paper packaging often looks like beautiful origami.

This small tea stand is hard to miss because you can smell the rich aroma of tea being roasted nearby, which is a clear sign you’re getting the freshest leaves. They sell various teas, including matcha, by the gram.

Experiencing a traditional matcha ceremony is a key part of visiting Kyoto, the cultural capital. It’s an essential experience if you want to truly understand matcha culture!

What it Is: A traditional matcha ceremony (Chanoyu) is a highly choreographed ritual where matcha is prepared and served to guests in a very precise manner. It’s much more than just a quick drink; it’s a focused art form based on the principles of respect, purity, and aesthetic appreciation. The entire process, from heating the water to serving the bowl, is slow and deliberate.

Where to Experience It: You can find this experience in many places. Many traditional tea houses in areas like Gion or near major temples offer classes or private ceremonies for small groups. Large tea companies like Marukyu Koyamaen sometimes offer structured matcha-making workshops where you can learn the basics of whisking the tea yourself.

The Tea: During a full ceremony, you will often be served two types of matcha: a thick matcha (koicha) first, followed by a thinner matcha (usucha). You will also be served a small Japanese sweet (wagashi) right before the tea is presented. The sweet helps to balance the natural bitterness of the powerful matcha.

Why it's Worth It: Attending a ceremony gives you a much deeper understanding of the history and spiritual significance of the matcha you drink in the cafés. It’s an authentic Japanese cultural experience not to be missed, providing a moment of quiet place and mindfulness after your long Singapore to Tokyo Flight and subsequent journey to Kyoto.

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Choosing the right hotels in Kyoto is important for maximising your matcha exploration.

This historic district is full of traditional restaurants and tea houses. You are close to famous matcha spots like Saryo Tsujiri and the beautiful Kiyomizudera Temple area. It’s perfect for exploring on foot and experiencing old Kyoto.

Recommended Hotels in Gion District:

This is the literal heart of Japan’s matcha culture. You will be surrounded by tea farms and the original stores of famous matcha brands (like Nakamura Tokichi), giving you the most authentic experience and the freshest tea.

Recommended Hotels near Kyoto Uji:

This is the best base for travellers who want easy access. The station is a major transport hub, allowing you to easily take the train to Uji, or take the bus to Gion and Arashiyama, or visit the quick matcha spots like Malebranche right outside.

Recommended Hotels near Kyoto Station:

Read Also: Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto: Here’s What You Need to Know

Kyoto is the ultimate destination for matcha lovers. Whether you are seeking the traditional ritual in a tea house or a giant, modern matcha soft serve parfait, Kyoto offers the richest and highest quality matcha experiences in Japan.

From tasting thick matcha at a centuries-old tea stall in Uji to shopping for the best matcha powder to take home, your trip will be full of delicious finds. Don't forget to explore both the historic Gion area and the source region of Uji to truly appreciate the history of this amazing Japanese green tea.

Start exploring the amazing matcha culture now! Book your Japan cheap flight and best hotel deals in Tokyo with Traveloka  for an unforgettable matcha-filled getaway today!