If you asked me to choose between Tokyo and Kyoto, I'd say Kyoto faster than you can whisk up a bowl for matcha! Kyoto isn't just a city, it's a matcha lover's paradise, where every street corner has the green elixir calling my name.
Kyoto has everything a matcha lover dreams of: tea houses, bustling markets with matcha-flavoured delights, and that delicious matcha ice-cream. Once you taste Kyoto's finest, you'll understand why I keep going back for more.
I had so little time, and there was so matcha to eat in Kyoto.
Itoh Kyuemon - Gion Shijo / Sabo [伊藤久右衛門 祇園四条店・茶房]
Address: 586 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (10:30am - 6:30pm)
Founded way back in 1832 by Tsuneemon Itoh in Uji, Itoh Kyuemon has become a matcha lover’s paradise. Fast forward to today, you can find their fabulous tea stores sprinkled around Kyoto and Uji, offering some of the finest matcha goodies, including their Premium Matcha Powder.
During my recent trip to Kyoto, I hit the jackpot when I found out Itoh Kyuemon was just a stone’s throw from my hotel. Sneaking out at night for a sweet treat while the little one snoozed? Yes, please! My dessert of choice: the Itoh Kyuemon Parfait. Imagine this – matcha syrup, vanilla ice cream, agar jelly, matcha jelly, black soybeans, deep matcha ice cream, rice flour dumplings, mandarin, red beans, whipped cream, and matcha senbei, all in one dreamy parfait.
Honestly, it was love at first bite. The parfait had the perfect balance of flavours, and I savoured every mouthful. And that mandarin? Absolute perfection. I’m usually not a citrus fan, but I wished there was more.
But wait, there’s more! I couldn’t leave without trying the parfait bar I’d been fantasising about since they launched it five years ago. I went for the Strawberry Parfait, a picture-perfect blend of strawberry and matcha. Too pretty to eat? Maybe. Did I devour it anyway? Absolutely. It was the perfect winter warmer.
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate matcha parfait, do not pass go—go directly to Itoh Kyuemon. You’ll thank me later!
Il caffè del giglio d'oro [金の百合亭]
Address: Japan, 〒605-0073 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Kitagawa, 292-2 2階
Opening hours: Friday - Tuesday (11:00am - 6:00pm), Wednesday - Thursday (closed)
If you find yourself near Yasaka Shrine and craving a little pick-me-up, look no further than Il caffè del giglio d’oro. This charming spot offers both savory and sweet delights, but I was there for one thing: their Parfaits. They whip up a special parfait for every month of the year, and since I visited in December, I got to indulge in their Christmas Special.
Now, a word of caution—the steps leading to this café are pretty steep. Take your time, especially on the way down, to avoid any spills or thrills. But once inside, it’s all worth it.
Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying their Homemade Ginger Ale. It’s got just the right amount of ginger kick to keep you coming back for more. Perfect for warming up during a chilly day.
Tsujiri Tea House, Gion Main Shop [茶寮都路里 祇園本店]
Address: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday (10:30am - 8:00pm)
Founded in Uji in 1860, Tsujiri Tea House is a matcha haven with a rich legacy passed down through generations, dedicated to preserving its unique traditions.
Stepping into Tsujiri is like entering a matcha wonderland. With an amazing array of matcha varieties, each given a “tea name” by the family head—a tradition dating back to the Edo period—you’ll be spoiled for choice. I was so overwhelmed by the selection that I splurged without hesitation. They say Tsujiri’s matcha is the best in Japan, and honestly, you’ll just have to visit to see if it lives up to the hype.
But the fun doesn’t stop at tea. Tsujiri offers seasonal sweets that pair perfectly with their matcha. I dove into a matcha parfait featuring azuki beans, which were spot on in flavour and texture. The shiratama had the right amount of chewiness, and the matcha jelly and ice cream delivered just the right amount of matcha goodness without any bitterness.
Did this parfait make it to my list of favourites? Not quite. Despite the delicious individual components, the overall balance was a bit heavy for my taste. Still, it was an unforgettable treat.
So, if you’re a matcha fan, Tsujiri Tea House is a must-visit. Come for the tea, stay for the sweets, and experience a piece of matcha history in the heart of Gion.
Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store [福寿園 京都本店]
Address: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8005, Japan
Opening hours: Thursday – Tuesday (11:00am – 6:00pm), Wednesday (closed)
Established in 1790, Fukujuen in the heart of Kyoto is a treasure trove with over 200 years of tea history.
This iconic tea shop spans six unique floors, each offering a different slice of tea heaven:
B1 – Kyo no Chagura: Dive into the art of tea-making at the Japanese Tea Workshop.
1F – Kyo no Chaho: Discover exclusive Japanese tea products you won’t find anywhere else.
2F – Saryo Fukucha: Sip and savour in the delightful Japanese Tea Café.
3F – Maison de Matsuda Fukujuen: Indulge in French cuisine infused with the essence of Japanese tea.
4F – Kyo no Cha-an: Experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
5F – Kyo no Chagu: Find exquisite Japanese tea cutlery and utensils.
On my second visit to Fukujuen, I couldn't resist stocking up on their incredible tea offerings. Although I missed out on their sweet treats this time, the allure of their carefully curated teas kept me more than satisfied.
Fukujuen is a must-visit for tea enthusiasts. Whether you’re brewing a perfect cup, enjoying a tea-infused meal, or participating in a tea ceremony, this place offers an immersive experience into the world of Japanese tea.
Next time you’re in Kyoto, make sure to carve out some time to explore every enchanting floor of Fukujuen.
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If you ever find yourself in Yokohama, I've got a matcha spot that's a must-visit!
Japanese Tea Shop and Cafeteria SAKURA [日本茶専門店 茶倉 SAKURA]
Address: 2 Chome-107 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861, Japan
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday (11:00am – 7:00pm), Monday (closed)
If you find yourself in Yokohama, Chakura is a must-visit for any tea enthusiast. This Japanese tea speciality store boasts an impressive selection of teas to enjoy in-house or take home.
The highlight of my visit was their matcha parfait, a delightful treat featuring matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, matcha mousse, matcha cookie, matcha mochi, and sakura ice cream. To top it all off, it even came with a sprinkle of fairy floss!
While the lunch menu didn’t wow me, the fantastic tea and sweet treats more than made up for it. If I'm ever back in Yokohama, Chakura will definitely be on my list for a return visit.
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Where are your favourite matcha spots in Japan? Do share them with me :)
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