A Multi-Sensory Matcha Experience in the Heart of Ginza

If you're coming to Japan, matcha is one of those must-try experiences. It's not just a drink—it's a delicate balance of bitterness and sweetness, a fragrance steeped in history, and a doorway into centuries of tradition. In this article, we’ll take you through five incredible places in Tokyo’s stylish Ginza district where you can savor matcha like never before. Whether you're new to matcha or a long-time fan, these spots promise a rich, immersive experience that goes far beyond taste. Ready to discover the cultural depth of Japan through matcha?

Ginza and the Culture of Matcha

Ginza is often known for its luxury shopping and cosmopolitan vibe, but it's also a unique space where Japanese tradition and modern aesthetics coexist beautifully. Here, matcha isn’t just something to drink—it's an experience crafted with precision, heart, and a deep respect for heritage. While the roots of matcha lie in Kyoto and Nara, it has found a refined expression even in the heart of Tokyo. In Ginza, you’ll find matcha elevated to an art form—an elegant fusion of old and new.

Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store

Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/NJtNR33HhAHB7abC9

(Source.1:https://ginza6.tokyo/shops/1159)

Founded in 1854 in Uji, Kyoto—Japan’s matcha heartland—Nakamura Tokichi is a storied tea brand. At its sleek Ginza outpost inside GINZA SIX, you can indulge in traditional matcha sweets within a space that marries heritage with contemporary design. One standout is the Nama-Cha Jelly [Matcha], exclusive to the Ginza store. This luxurious dessert features matcha jelly and ice cream, topped with matcha bean paste, black soybeans, and sweet chestnuts—all beautifully arranged for maximum delight. Another highlight is the freshly made kuzumochi (matcha-filled mochi made with premium Yoshino kudzu), prepared to order. The interior—featuring stone mill-inspired floors and lacquered tables—blends Kyoto’s serenity with Ginza’s modern flair, making it a peaceful hideaway to enjoy Japanese tea at its finest.

(Source.2:https://ginza6.tokyo/shops/1159)

(Source.3:https://ginza6.tokyo/shops/1159)

HIGASHIYA GINZA

Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/UqJdJ2cj92ZTxvabA

(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13099859/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

HIGASHIYA GINZA redefines the traditional tea house with a modern Japanese twist. Since opening on Ginza’s main street in 2009, it has offered a serene 40-seat tea salon where guests can enjoy seasonal afternoon teas and refined dishes. A signature experience here is chakan-shoku and chaka, their original takes on tea-time. The chakan-shoku set pairs three kinds of tea with delights like inari sushi and wagashi (traditional sweets), served on a beautiful three-tiered tray. Meanwhile, chaka offers a tasting of five petite sweets inspired by Japan’s 24 seasonal periods, each matched with a carefully selected blend tea. The space itself is calm and minimalist, designed for quiet reflection. Children aren’t allowed inside—an intentional choice that creates a tranquil, grown-up atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourself in the aesthetics of Japan.

(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13099859/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13099859/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

JUGETSUDO Ginza Kabukiza Store

Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/2oTbNmgFrbgCsDSM9

(Source.1:https://maruyamanori.net/sp/kabuki-za/store/)

Perched atop the Kabukiza Theater’s rooftop garden, JUGETSUDO offers a unique blend of tea culture and architectural artistry. Created by Maruyama Nori, a venerable tea and nori purveyor, the space was designed by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma to evoke the calm of a bamboo grove. Here, you can enjoy matcha-infused sweets as well as light meals that incorporate premium nori—like sandwiches and pasta. Don’t miss the Japanese Tea Experience Course, which allows you to sample various types of tea, including matcha and sencha, alongside perfectly paired sweets. It’s a rare opportunity to slow down and lose yourself in an oasis of greenery and calm, right in the heart of the city.

(Source.2:https://maruyamanori.net/sp/kabuki-za/store/)

FUKUROKUJU Ginza Main Store

Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/NUZmahDNNYrn6fdz6

(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13223247/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

FUKUROKUJU Ginza Main Store offers a warm, nostalgic atmosphere where tradition takes center stage. Their menu includes lovingly made classics like warabi mochi, ujikintoki (matcha shaved ice with red beans), and savory dishes such as dashi-chazuke (broth-poured rice bowls). Rather than following modern trends, the shop focuses on timeless flavors that comfort both the body and soul. With its calm and inviting interior, it’s a true oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Ginza—ideal for a relaxed break during a day of sightseeing or shopping.

(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13223247/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13223247/dtlphotolst/smp2/)

Hayashi Shinbei Hibiya Store

Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/fVPGkLdbboZDT9nT7

(Source.1:https://kyo-hayashiya.jp/tea/)

Run by the legendary Kyoto-based tea house Kyo Hayashiya, Hayashi Shinbei carries on a legacy of over 260 years. Known for pioneering matcha sweets, this café is a haven for matcha lovers. The highlight here is the Matcha Parfait, a masterful blend of umami, bitterness, and sweetness. All teas are meticulously curated, from Uji matcha to gyokuro and Yabukita sencha, offering a deep dive into Japan’s diverse tea profiles. You can also savor the tea leaves themselves—perfect for those seeking a more introspective encounter with Japanese tea. With its elegant, serene décor, Hayashi Shinbei offers a harmonious space where tradition and innovation meet in every sip.

(Source.2:https://kyo-hayashiya.jp/sweets/)

(Source.3:https://kyo-hayashiya.jp/shoplist/hibiya/)

Final Thoughts

Who would have thought that in the middle of one of the world’s busiest shopping districts, you could encounter such a rich tapestry of Japanese matcha culture? Each of these five spots offers more than just a treat—they offer an experience. From thoughtful interiors to seasonal menus and heartfelt service, you’ll find the spirit of Japanese hospitality and aesthetics woven into every detail. Whether you're taking a break from exploring or creating a special memory with someone dear, visiting one of these places might just transform your impression of Japan into something deeper and more vibrant.