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Kyoto is a benchmark for matcha. Where to buy matcha tea in Kyoto? It can be found everywhere, but it’s best to buy it in stores frequented by Japanese people and locals in the city, so you can be sure it’s a unique product.
More Kyoto Guides Worth Opening Next
Still chasing the perfect tin of Kyoto green gold? These guides pair neatly with our Where To Buy Matcha Tea In Kyoto post, whether you want to turn your tea hunt into a fuller Kyoto plan, add a tea ceremony, or keep the shopping spiral going in the most respectable way possible.
- Build the rest of your city plans with this Kyoto travel guide
- Pick the right base for tea shops, temples, and snack breaks with this where to stay in Kyoto guide
- Go beyond buying tea and book one of the best tea ceremonies in Kyoto
- Add a few memorable activities between matcha stops with these best Kyoto experiences
- Keep the shopping streak going with this guide to shopping in Japan
- Bring home a few more edible treasures with these best things to buy in Japan
- Prefer to drink your souvenirs too? Start with these best Japanese drinks
- Slow down after the shopping with these best restaurants in Kyoto
Table of Contents
What is matcha tea?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to know how to recognize a good matcha tea. We shouldn’t confuse it with other types of powdered green tea sometimes sold in stores like Donquijote or supermarkets, as their properties and flavor are completely different.
Japanese matcha tea is a unique variety of green tea that comes in a very fine powder form. This powder comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant , which are ground to a fine size. Thanks to the grinding process, the tea maintains its flavor and better preserves its health benefits.
In Japan, it’s the main element used in the tea ceremony. This characteristic ceremony symbolizes purity and respect for nature , offering a unique moment of harmony and tranquility to relax and meditate.
It’s also delicious and very easy to prepare with just hot water and a good hand-whisking technique. In addition to matcha tea, typical souvenirs to buy in Japan include the bamboo whisk and the bowls for preparing and drinking it , which are usually handmade and feature beautiful designs.
Where To Buy Matcha Tea In Kyoto: 8 recommended shops
Now, let’s see which are the best shops to buy matcha tea in Kyoto. The Kyoto region is one of the largest producers of this type of tea in Japan, famous for its high quality.
Specifically, Uji tea from Kyoto is considered one of the ‘3 great teas’ of Japan , along with Shizuoka tea and Sayama tea.
Unique cultivation and production techniques have been developed in the Uji area , giving Kyoto matcha tea its current high reputation.
Let’s see which are the best stores where you can also try and buy this popular product to take home as a souvenir.
Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store
Ippodo Tea is a traditional-style tea shop and teahouse located on Teramachi Shopping Street , very close to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Housed in a historic wooden building, it houses several rooms offering a variety of activities.
The shop is called Ippodo, and you can tell it by its enormous noren curtains, which bear the name in Japanese. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a wide variety of teas, tea-making tools , and other traditional products based on matcha.
If you’re not sure which matcha or green tea you like best, don’t hesitate to head to the Kaboku Tea Room first for a full tasting that includes premium select matcha and gyokuro .
It has a total of 44 seats , in a truly Japanese atmosphere that will transport you back to centuries of Japan. They also have sweets, menus, and matcha tea to go if you’re in a hurry or want to try it at your hotel.
Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store
Although they have other smaller branches around the city, the main store in Fukujuen Kyoto is the most comprehensive and a favorite among locals. Of course, you’ll find the occasional tourist there, but for now, it’s best known among Japanese people who come to taste the finest teas or participate in a live ceremony.
The flagship store is located in the heart of Kyoto, with easy access and next to many of Kyoto’s major tourist spots .
It offers a variety of activities, including a top-quality Uji tea shop , handcrafted tea preparation utensils, a tea room, a restaurant, matcha tea ceremony workshops , and an art museum.
If you don’t have much time, at least stop by the store to try and compare the different varieties of matcha tea in Kyoto, get advice, and choose your favorites to take home . They have samples to smell, taste, and learn from top experts.
Saryo Tsujiri Tea House, Gion Main Store
Better known among foreign tourists, but equally frequented by Japanese visitors and local Kyoto residents, is the famous Saryo Tsujiri Tea House.
This shop specializes in Uji tea, adapting to the evolution it has undergone over more than 800 years of use and tradition in Kyoto cuisine.
They have an exclusive green and matcha tea shop, as well as other specialty items and supplies. Right next door is the café, where they serve all kinds of drinks, matcha-based sweets, ice cream, and hot and cold beverages , as well as delicious freshly brewed tea, blended with a bamboo whisk. You can order it to drink or take away.
Saryo Tsujiri has two more stores in Kyoto Station and a couple of other locations in Tokyo. The best part is that each one has different specialties , including seasonal products that change constantly, so you’ll have something new to try with each visit.
Lupicia Kyoto
We continue with the best tea shop according to Japanese reviews, which focuses solely on matcha tea from Kyoto or Uji.
Lucpicia is a shop specializing in different varieties of tea from around the world, located in the basement of the Shijo Station department store, Daimaru Kyoto Store.
Lupicia is the flagship of Japanese tea houses, as you’ll find every type of tea here. They offer everything from the most classic blends that never fail to impress, to the most innovative, modern drinks , and daring combinations that work perfectly.
You can find Japanese matcha tea, but also green tea, black tea, infusions flavored with flowers, spices, with or without caffeine and theine, and much more. Within an elegant space, you can receive advice at any time , especially if you’re looking for typical products from the country or the city.
➡️READ: From Matcha to Sencha: 8 Iconic Japanese Tea Types You’ll Want to Try
Horaido Tea Stall
If you like centuries-old traditional shops, this is a shop you can’t miss in Kyoto. Established in the city of geishas since 1803 , it has maintained its essence as the main distributor of Ujicha tea made exclusively in Kyoto Prefecture.
In addition to tea, they sell a complete set of utensils for making and tasting tea, all of extraordinary quality. It’s often a go-to store for professionals who need to invest in high-quality items and products.
The store is open every day of the week, but its hours vary slightly. We recommend checking their official website on the day you plan to visit, so you don’t find it closed .
You don’t need to make a reservation , but if you plan to try and buy products, please arrive early to ensure greater availability and receive a super-comprehensive customer service.
Yamadashiya Tea shop Nishiki markets
Inside the Nishiki market , we find this Tea Shop that often goes unnoticed when you are not specifically looking for it.
We recommend you don’t miss it, as it has affordable prices that are well worth it , as well as excellent reviews from locals.
At Yamadashiya, they specialize in all types of teas, spices , and much more. Of course, they have the highest quality matcha tea in Kyoto, which you can buy prepackaged in different jars and bags, and in a variety of qualities depending on your budget.
Smell, taste, experiment, trust the professional who runs the business, and buy your favorite products by weight . Being a stall in a local market, Japanese matcha tea is cheaper, but without sacrificing the quality found in other, more gourmet tea shops.
Baikoan Tea Stall
And speaking of modest local businesses in the increasingly touristy city of Kyoto, we can’t forget another of the recommended shops for buying matcha-style tea.
Baikoan is a small shop run by a friendly old Japanese man , Mashashi San, who hand-picks the best matcha tea in Kyoto.
Its small wooden facade may go unnoticed, but don’t leave it behind. Come in, ask questions, and buy at a great price , plus try a freshly prepared tea right there, prepared by a professional.
If you have time, ask for a master class to learn how to blend tea and achieve the best flavor and texture from this delicious beverage. You’re sure to enjoy it even more, because a personalized experience in such a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere doesn’t come every day.
Marukyu Koyamaen – Nishinotoin / Sabo Moto-an
We conclude with another of Kyoto’s best tea shops that you can’t miss: Marukyu Koyamaen. Like other recommended shops, it has a sales area, a tea room, and an activity room for ceremonies and private classes.
Enjoy a truly unique experience with a delicious, freshly brewed tea paired with matcha sweets. Participate in a ceremony with a professional master, and finally, receive a complete set of Uji’s finest matcha .
It may be a little more expensive than other Japanese stores and supermarkets , but its quality is undoubtedly extraordinary.
Since you’re in the land of matcha tea, and in the largest producing region , you’ll appreciate taking the product home as a souvenir, so you can continue making and drinking it beyond your vacation in Japan.
➡️ YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: The Ultimate Matcha Tea Guide: Benefits, Preparation & Japanese Traditions
FAQs: Where to Buy Matcha Tea in Kyoto
What are the most reliable shops for high-grade matcha in Kyoto?
Start with heritage brands that mill their own or control sourcing: Ippodo (Teramachi), Marukyu Koyamaen (Nishinotoin / Gion showroom), Fukujuen (Shijo & flagship on Gion Shijo), Gion Tsujiri, and—if you can hop a train—Itohkyuemon in Uji. These places clearly label grades and offer tastings.
Is it worth taking a quick trip to Uji for matcha?
Yes if you care about top freshness and variety. Uji Byōdō-in Omotesandō street is lined with specialist shops (Marukyu Koyamaen, Itohkyuemon, Tsuen). You’ll often see more koicha-grade options and recent milling dates.
How do I tell ceremonial matcha from “latte/cooking” grade in a shop?
Look for words like 薄茶 (usucha) / 濃茶 (koicha) or 点茶用 for whisked matcha; 製菓用 indicates culinary. Color should be vivid spring-green (not olive), aroma sweet-grassy, texture silky with no grittiness.
What should I ask in Japanese to get the right style (straight whisked vs. latte)?
- Straight whisked: 「点てて飲む抹茶を探しています。」
- Koicha (very rich): 「濃茶用はありますか？」
- For lattes/desserts: 「ラテやお菓子用の抹茶はどれですか？」
How fresh should matcha be—and how do I read the label?
Prefer tins/pouches with a milling or packing date within 6–9 months. Look for 充填日 (packing) or 製造日 (milling/production). Nitrogen-flushed packs keep better sealed.
Can I taste before I buy?
At Ippodo, Fukujuen, and many Uji shops you can order a prepared bowl or sample flights for a small fee—great for comparing usucha vs. koicha before committing.
What sizes and prices make sense for souvenirs?
Common sizes: 20–40 g tins (great for gifts), 80–100 g for home use. Expect roughly ¥1,200–¥2,500 (everyday usucha) up to ¥3,000–¥6,000+ (premium/koicha). Ultra-premium can be higher.
Any tourist traps I should avoid?
Beware unlabeled bulk “matcha” in markets that looks dull/olive or is sold very cheap in big bags. Ask origin (産地), grade, and milling/packing date. If staff can’t answer, skip.
Can shops ship abroad or do tax-free?
Many major stores offer tax-free over the minimum spend (show passport). A few will ship internationally or advise consolidated shipping.
How do I carry matcha home without losing flavor?
Keep sealed in original pouch/tin, stash cool and dark (carry-on is fine). Once opened at home, refrigerate well-sealed, and finish within 1–2 months for peak flavor.
I only have time near Nishiki Market—any solid stops?
Check Marukyu Koyamaen Nishiki, Ippodo (Teramachi, a short walk), or Fukujuen on Shijo. You can also snag good whisks (茶筅) and sifters nearby.
What else should I buy with the matcha (minimal kit)?
A chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (scoop), and a small fine sieve. Optional but helpful: chawan (bowl) and a thermometer or temp-control kettle.
Hot or iced—what should I order in summer?
Order iced usucha or sparkling matcha at cafés; at home, try matcha “shaken”: 2 g sifted matcha + 60–80 ml cool water in a bottle, shake hard, pour over ice.
Any quick brewing tips so my matcha isn’t bitter or clumpy?
Sift first. Use 2 g matcha to 60–70 ml water at 70–80 °C for usucha; whisk in fast “M” strokes for fine foam. For koicha, double powder and use ~40 ml; stir slowly (no foam needed).
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