Hunt for the best Green Tea desserts in Kyoto!
Despite the fact that Kyoto is the touristic capital of Japan, the city is also known as the place where finest matcha comes from. Kyoto’s specialty “Uji matcha” is considered as the highest quality of Japanese green tea. So if you are a matcha lover, you better try delicious sweets at one of the most sophisticated Uji matcha cafes in Kyoto. Here is a list of 5 finest matcha cafes selected by me!
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1. Charyo Tsujiri (茶寮 都路里)
Established in 1978, Charyo Tsujiri is one of long-running traditional tea houses in Kyoto. As well as their significant finely ground powder matcha drink, there are a variety of Uji matcha dessert. Try their mega matcha parfait!!
Address: 573–3 Giomachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto
Nearest Station: 2 minutes walk from Gionshijo station (Keihan line)
Hours: 10:30 to 19:00 (20:00 on weekends & holidays)
2. Nakamura Tokichi (中村藤吉)
The tea house “Nakamura Tokichi” was originally founded in 1854 during Ansei period. The main branch of the tea house is located in the important cultural landscapes area in Kyoto. Enjoy the authentic matcha drink and dessert in the most historical cafe in Kyoto.
Address: 10 Uji ichiban, Uji-city, Kyoto
Nearest Station: 2 minutes walk from Uji station (Kaihan Uji line/JR Nara line)
Hours: 10:00 to 17:30
3. Jouvencelle (ジュヴァンセル)
Jouvencelle is a confectionery store in Kyoto. Their collection of creative Japanese and Western style confections are very impressive. They have recently won fame with the dish called “Matcha Fondue”. Enjoy pieces of seasonal fruits and home made sweets by dipping into rich match sauce.
Address: 482 Kiyoicho, Yasakatorimae minamihairu, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto
Nearest Station: 8 minutes walk from Gionshijo station (Keihan line)
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
4. Ito Kyuemon (伊藤久右衛門)
Another long-established traditional tea house, founded in Edo period. Green tea from Ito Kyuemon is one of the most popular souvenirs from Kyoto but you can taste their yummy sweets ONLY in the main branch in Kyoto. Their Best Selling dessert is Matcha par fait.
Address: Aramaki-19–3 Todo, Uji-city, Kyoto
Nearest Station: 6 minutes walk from Uji station (Keihan Uji line/JR Nara line)
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00
5. Umezono Gafe & Gallery (うめぞの Cafe & Gallery)
Pancakes has become a new nation’s favourites sweets for a last couple of years. Of course, Kyoto can make it to their very own way! Try their yummy “matcha” pancakes served with brown sugar butter, red bean paste and brown sugar syrup.
Address: 180 Fudocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Nearest Station: 7 minutes walk from Shijo Karasuma station(Hankyu Kyoto line)
Hours: 11:30 to 19:00
Love matcha? If you want to learn how to brew your own cup of green tea in accordance with traditional Japanese principles, we recommend checking out a tea ceremony experience during your time in Kyoto. With the city being the birthplace of the tea ceremony, it’s the perfect place to enjoy this ancient and uniquely Japanese ritual.
▶ Find the best tea ceremonies in Kyoto!
For more information about trendy places to visit in Kyoto, here are some more articles for you to check out!
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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈