Enjoy Kyoto's Matcha Sweets! Introducing Amazing Cafes & Souvenirs
Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, is known for its refined and elegant atmosphere that appeals to both Japanese and international visitors. Kyoto is renowned as a culinary capital of Japan, with a multitude of dining establishments scattered throughout the city.
In addition to traditional Japanese restaurants, there are also many cafes and shops that specialize in desserts and sweets. Establishments offering traditional Japanese flavors like matcha and Anko (red bean paste) are particularly prevalent. When taking a break from sightseeing, visitors can enjoy authentic matcha sweets at various locations around the city.
(Kyoto Matcha Sweets 2024) This article introduces some of the must-try matcha sweets in Kyoto. We'll cover not only cafes serving matcha desserts, but also matcha sweets that make great souvenirs.
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Takashi Nakadomari
Kyoto's Uji Matcha is Renowned as One of Japan's Top Three
While there are many types of Japanese tea, the flavors and aromas can vary greatly depending on the region of origin. Among the numerous Japanese teas, the three most prestigious are Uji tea from Kyoto, Shizuoka tea, and Sayama tea, collectively known as the "Three Great Japanese Teas."
Shizuoka tea has a deeper astringency, while Sayama tea is characterized by its rich and full-bodied flavor. On the other hand, Uji matcha is prized for its low bitterness and strong sweetness. In Kyoto, a cultivation method called "shaded cultivation" has been used since the 16th century, producing matcha with a pronounced umami (savory) flavor.
Shaded cultivation involves blocking sunlight from the tea plants during their growth period, which enhances the umami components. At one point, shaded cultivation was prohibited outside the Uji region, allowing the distinct flavor of Uji tea to spread throughout Japan.
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Takashi Nakadomari
3 Must-Visit Shops for Matcha Sweets Tasting
Shinpachi Chaya
source：Tabelog
Shinpachi Chaya is a sweets shop that won 3rd place at the International Gelato Competition in Italy in 2010. The shop was originally known for its popular matcha soft serve, but in 1993 they developed a "Kyoto gelato" that incorporates traditional Japanese ingredients like sakura mochi, Saga tofu, and matcha floating island.
The matcha-based menu items are the original matcha soft serve made with only the finest Uji tea leaves and the matcha floating island gelato. I particularly recommend the matcha floating island gelato, which features a rich matcha base with a perfectly balanced sweetness from the azuki beans.
I also ordered the sakura mochi gelato, which captures the taste of the traditional Japanese wagashi (confection) remarkably well, with a slightly salty flavor that makes it absolutely delicious. Even those unfamiliar with Japanese sweets will find the gelato easy to enjoy, so I encourage visitors to indulge in the gelato offerings.
<shop_info>
Address: 37-17 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm (5:30 pm in winter)
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 075-861-0117
Website
Gion Tsujiri Gion Honten
source： Official website
Gion Tsujiri Gion Honten is a shop that serves sweets made with the finest Uji matcha. Only the highest quality Uji matcha is used in their products.
My recommendations are the condensed milk matcha soft serve and the premium green tea float. The condensed milk matcha soft serve is a decadent creation with a rich matcha soft serve base topped with a generous drizzle of condensed milk matcha. This was my first time trying the condensed milk matcha, and I was impressed by how the sweetness of the condensed milk harmonized with the subtle bitterness of the matcha.
The premium green tea float features a base of intense green tea with a matcha soft serve floating on top. The soft serve is accented with matcha senbei (rice crackers), making it a visually stunning dessert.
In addition to the takeout menu, I also recommend browsing the retail section to purchase Uji tea. An English menu is available, so even non-Japanese speakers can feel at ease.
<shop_info>
Address: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 10:30 am - 8:00 pm (7:30 pm last order for soft serve)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 075-551-1122
Website
Itohkyuemon Uji Honten
source：Tabelog
Itohkyuemon Uji Honten is a longstanding Uji tea specialty shop established in 1832. The shop has an attached Uji Confectionery Workshop that produces their matcha sweets.
The confections use a proprietary blend of three types of tencha (high-quality powdered green tea leaves) that are carefully selected. The specific type of matcha used varies depending on the confection.
My recommendation is the Itohkyuemon parfait, which contains refreshing matcha jelly, mochi (chewy rice dumplings), and sweetened red beans.
If you're intrigued by Itohkyuemon's sweets, I also suggest trying their Uji matcha parfait ice bar, which is a popular item among tourists due to its visually stunning presentation.
<shop_info>
Address: 19-3 Ujicho Uji, Uji, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (5:30 pm last order for tea house)
Closed: January 1st
Phone: 0774-23-3955
Website
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3 Cafes Offering Exceptional Matcha Sweets
SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen
source： Official website
SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen is a cafe within the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens) that serves traditional Japanese sweets. The Kyoto Gyoen was once the site of residences for those who served the Emperor, and is now a sprawling public park.
SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen is operated by the long-established wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop Sasaya Iori, but the cafe offers a contemporary take on traditional sweets.
The cafe is surrounded by beautiful nature, including sakura trees and Konoe Pond, so you can enjoy your matcha sweets while taking in the serene scenery. The glass-walled cafe allows you to admire the changing seasons from any seat.
My recommendation is the Fukuraido, a type of dorayaki (pancake-like confection) filled with red bean paste and other delights. I had the Uji matcha special, which features a fluffy dorayaki filled with matcha ice cream and red bean paste. The perfect balance of the subtly bitter matcha and the gentle sweetness of the fillings is simply exquisite.
<shop_info>
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm (4:00 pm last order)
Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, then the following weekday), and New Year's
Phone: 075-256-7177
Website
Nakamura Toukichi Honten
source： Official Instagram
Nakamura Toukichi Honten was established in 1854 in Uji, Kyoto. The cafe's open-air terrace is a serene, wood-accented space that blends traditional tea culture with modern sweets.
When I visited, I ordered the most popular item, the live tea jelly (matcha). This was my first time trying a matcha jelly, and I was surprised by how the jelly itself had no sweetness, allowing the pure tea flavor to shine. The gentle sweetness of the accompanying red bean paste and mochi made for a wonderfully balanced dessert.
Nakamura Toukichi Honten is especially popular with tourists, so expect longer waiting times during peak seasons. My recommendation is to arrive early, put your name on the waitlist, and then explore Uji while you wait for your table.
<shop_info>
Address: 1 Ujicho, Uji, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm last order)
Closed: January 1st
Phone: 0774-22-7800
Website
Inari Saryou
source： Official website
Inari Saryou is a cafe located within the precincts of Fushimi Inari Taisha, on the premises of the Teichoan rest stop. You can savor your sweets while taking in the sights of Mt. Inari and the Yashimagaike Pond.
The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, both of which offer stunning views. My recommendation is the Inari parfait, which features matcha ice cream, tea seed, and even an edible torii gate (traditional Japanese shrine gate) made of rice.
Inari Saryou is the perfect spot to recharge after exploring the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The rich, intense matcha sweets will revive your energy. If the cafe is crowded, you can also purchase a matcha soft serve and enjoy it at the nearby free rest area.
<shop_info>
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto (Teichoan)
Hours: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (3:30 pm last order)
Closed: Wednesdays and irregular
Phone: 075-286-3631
Website
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Excellent Matcha Sweets for Souvenirs
Matcha Langues de Chat
source： Official website
These rich and aromatic matcha langues de chat (tea biscuits) are made with high-quality "concentrated matcha." Concentrated matcha refers to tea leaves that are steeped in minimal water, resulting in an intensely flavorful brew.
The matcha langues de chat feature a smooth white chocolate filling that complements the deep, complex matcha flavor and aroma. The shop takes great care in the packaging and presentation, offering both a simple, elegant standard design as well as limited-edition seasonal packaging.
With a shelf life of about 30 days, these matcha langues de chat make an ideal souvenir, suitable for both personal consumption and gift-giving.
Matcha Financier
source： Official website
The limited-edition matcha financier from the Hyogo-based brand Henri Charpentier is made with the finest matcha harvested in May. The matcha used is of such exceptional quality that it meets the high standards of the shop.
Without any aging period, these financiers capture the fresh, vibrant character of the early harvest matcha. The packaging design, inspired by the deep color of concentrated tea leaves, evokes the lively freshness of the tea.
If the concentrated matcha financiers are sold out, you can also consider the Henri Charpentier - HANARE line's Kyoto Artisan Matcha Financier, which, while not using the prized first-flush matcha, still features high-quality tea leaves that deliver a satisfying matcha experience.
Sai no Cha
source： Official website
Sai no Cha is a cube-shaped traditional Japanese sweet from the renowned Tsujirihei Honten matcha specialty shop. The moist, chewy cake envelops a core of rich matcha cream.
The matcha used is carefully selected for its freshness and then ground using traditional methods, resulting in a deep, umami-packed flavor. The cake also contains a touch of liquor, adding an elegant, grown-up touch to this traditional sweet.
Available in matcha & matcha, strawberry & matcha, and hojicha & genmaicha (roasted green tea & brown rice tea) flavors, these individually wrapped Sai no Cha have a remarkable shelf life of up to 60 days, making them an excellent souvenir choice.
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