Discover the World of Matcha: A Journey into Kyoto's Green Tea Culture
When you think of a trip to Kyoto, what comes to mind first? The atmospheric townscape of the ancient capital, shrines and temples, and matcha. Matcha, a special existence among Japanese teas, is inseparable from Kyoto's culture.
When I lived in Kyoto, I was captivated by the deep flavor and vivid green color of matcha. When I experienced the tea ceremony, I was moved by the deliciousness of the tea served in a historic tea room. At the same time, I was enchanted by the beauty of the tea utensils.
Even now, when I visit Uji in Kyoto, the nostalgic aroma of matcha brings back memories of those times.
The matcha culture that Kyoto boasts. Now that the ways of drinking and enjoying it have diversified, I can't help but feel its profundity anew.
In this article, I'll introduce you to the charm of matcha without leaving anything out, including basic knowledge of matcha and tea ceremony, tea ceremony experiences, and recommended shops. Would you like to travel with me into the world of Kyoto's matcha?
Table of Contents
・What is Matcha?
・What is Tea Ceremony? Experience the Spirit of Hospitality
・Why is Kyoto Famous for Matcha?
・The Deep Bond Between Uji and Matcha
・Let's Experience Matcha and Tea Ceremony in Kyoto!
・New Proposals for Enjoying Matcha
What is Matcha?
Matcha refers to finely ground green tea powder made from tea leaves grown in the shade. It's characterized by its vivid green color, rich umami, and subtle sweetness.
Unlike other Japanese teas, matcha is typically drunk by dissolving the powder in hot water. This unique flavor is created by shade cultivation and special processing methods.
Matcha was introduced to Japan in the 12th century, brought by Buddhist monks from China. During the Kamakura period, matcha spread among the samurai, and eventually developed into the art of tea ceremony. In the Muromachi period, Sen no Rikyu established the aesthetics of "wabi-cha," and it's said that the tea ceremony reached its perfection.
The tea ceremony that Rikyu idealized was based on the spirit of "wabi-sabi," which was the opposite of luxury and splendor. The tea room was considered better the more modest it was, and using everyday utensils as tea utensils was considered virtuous.
On the other hand, I'm still impressed by how the simplicity makes the beauty of each tea utensil stand out.
What is Tea Ceremony (Sado)? Experience the Spirit of Hospitality
Tea ceremony (sado) is an art that expresses the spirit of hospitality through the act of preparing and drinking tea. Every gesture of the host preparing a cup of tea for the guest embodies the unique aesthetics of the tea ceremony.
In tea gatherings, spending a calm and quiet time is emphasized, and Zen teachings have greatly influenced the tea ceremony. It can be said that the tea ceremony has an aspect of spiritual training to polish one's heart.
The tea ceremony has unique etiquettes, from sitting posture to how to hold the tea bowl and how to drink the tea. I remember being impressed by the beauty of these actions and the serene atmosphere that calms the mind when I first participated in a tea gathering.
There are still many places in Kyoto where you can experience the tea ceremony. If you taste a cup of tea prepared in a historic tea room, you'll be able to feel the "spirit of hospitality" that tea masters have cherished for hundreds of years.
Why is Kyoto Famous for Matcha?
From the introduction of tea to the development of the tea ceremony, Kyoto has long flourished as the center of Japanese tea culture. In the Heian period, tea spread among aristocrats, and in the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the tea ceremony blossomed as part of samurai culture.
The fact that Kyoto became known as the home of the tea ceremony is largely due to tea masters like Rikyu living in Kyoto.
They created new aesthetics through tea gatherings and sublimated it into "wabi-cha." Kyoto, with its many historic buildings, was the perfect stage to embody this spirituality.
Also, a characteristic of Kyoto is the concentration of traditional crafts that support tea culture. The existence of craftsmen who create indispensable crafts for the tea ceremony, such as Japanese confectionery artisans, potters, and scroll mounters, forms the foundation that supports Kyoto's tea culture.
When I was a student, I worked part-time at a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in Kyoto. I'm still attracted to the beauty and delicate taste of high-grade confections carefully made for the tea ceremony. I realized that it's because of Kyoto's artisan culture that the tea ceremony continues to fascinate many people.
The Deep Bond Between Uji and Matcha
Uji, located south of Kyoto, is one of Japan's leading tea producing areas, known for producing high-quality tea leaves since ancient times. Uji tea, which is nurtured by rich nature, is produced from Uji's tea fields and is proudly exported to the world. Due to its high quality, Uji tea is often used as the raw material for matcha.
Currently, there are many shops in Uji City where you can enjoy matcha and matcha sweets. If you visit Uji, which is also called the "birthplace of matcha," you should be able to savor the authentic taste.
The matcha I drank at a cafe in Uji during my student days still remains in my memory as the "ideal form of matcha."
Recommended Tea Shop in Uji 1: Nakamura Tokichi Honten
When it comes to Uji matcha, Nakamura Tokichi Honten is probably the first name that comes up. As a long-established Uji matcha shop with a long history, you can enjoy the traditional taste that has been preserved since its founding.
At Nakamura Tokichi Honten, not only tea but also ice cream and parfaits using matcha are popular. No reservation is required, but there may be a waiting time, so I recommend visiting leisurely combined with a stroll around the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple. However, be careful as the closing time is early.
The shop is filled with the rich aroma of matcha in an atmosphere that evokes history. I often recommend to my close friends that they can spend a "matcha-filled" time in Uji, one of Kyoto's representative tourist spots.
<Store Information>
Address: Ichiban-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021
Closed: None
Phone: 077-422-7800
Hours: 10 AM–5:30 PM, 10 AM–4 PM(Wednesdays)
Website: https://global.tokichi.jp/
Recommended Tea Shop in Uji 2: Itohkyuemon
Another place I'd like to recommend is the cafe attached to Uji's long-established shop "Itohkyuemon." Here, I'd like you to taste the signature menu item "cha soba." You can enjoy the vivid green buckwheat noodles kneaded with matcha, dipped in a broth with elegant sweetness.
It also goes perfectly with fragrant matcha sweets, especially recommended for lunchtime use. When I was a student, I often went to Uji to refresh my tired mind from writing papers and visited here.
<Store Information>
Address: 19-3 Aramaki, Todo, Uji, Kyoto 611-0013
Closed: None
Phone: 077-423-3955
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/corporate/shop/uji/sabo/
Let's Experience Matcha and Tea Ceremony in Kyoto!
When you visit Kyoto, I recommend trying an authentic tea ceremony and matcha experience. Here, I'll introduce two tours where you can enjoy tea ceremony and matcha more deeply. Both should allow you to fully enjoy the world of tea unique to Kyoto.
"Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour" by Magical Trip
This is a 3-hour walking tour by us at Magical Trip that allows you to enjoy both tea ceremony and Kyoto sightseeing. First, we visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most popular spots. The charm is that you can learn about its history and highlights from the guide while strolling around the temple grounds. After that, it's time for the tea ceremony experience.
You can learn how to prepare matcha in an authentic tea room from a guide knowledgeable in tea ceremony. Everything needed for the tea ceremony experience, including sweets, matcha, and commemorative photos in the tea room, is included in the fee, so you can relax.
The price is about 92 USD per person, which is reasonable considering it includes the entrance fee to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
It's also nice that you can participate while learning about tea ceremony manners and history through easy-to-understand English guidance for foreign tourists. It's a chance to casually experience the world of tea ceremony, which can be called the "essence of Japanese and Kyoto culture."
Click here for more details: Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour
"Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour" by Arigato Travel
Source: Arigato Travel official website
This is a 3-hour guided tour that takes you around Uji, famous as a matcha spot. In addition to visiting the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple, you can enjoy tasting Uji tea and foods made with matcha.
The price is about 240 USD per person. Although it's a bit expensive, it includes lunch, so the content is substantial. I recommend this for those who want to fully enjoy the deep charm of Uji.
From my experience of spending my student days in Kyoto, Uji is an area where sightseeing spots and gourmet spots are scattered. If you want to tour as efficiently as possible, I think using a tour like this is the best option.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour
New Proposals for Enjoying Matcha
In recent years, various arranged menus using matcha, such as matcha latte and soft serve ice cream, have also become popular. You can now easily enjoy the taste of matcha not only in Kyoto but all over Japan.
The familiarity of matcha is increasing, with matcha flavors appearing on cafe chain menus. I find it interesting how it's blending into our modern lives in a different form from traditional tea ceremony.
However, the charm of matcha tasted in Kyoto, the birthplace, is exceptional. The time spent enjoying a cup of tea in a tea place with hundreds of years of history, feeling the thoughts of tea masters, has become an irreplaceable memory for me.
When I think back to my days spent as a student in Kyoto, I can still recall the aroma of matcha.
Kyoto and matcha. This combination is one of the things I'd like foreign visitors to Kyoto to experience. Matcha culture that cherishes tradition while evolving to suit modern lifestyles.
I hope you experience its charm in Kyoto!