If you’re coming to Japan, tasting authentic matcha is probably high on your list. But maybe you’ve found yourself wondering, “Where can I actually try real matcha?” or “Isn’t it a little too formal or intimidating?” Don’t worry — Kyoto Station, one of Japan’s busiest and most iconic gateways, is actually home to a number of spots where you can casually enjoy high-quality matcha without any fuss.
In this guide, we’ll introduce five must-visit matcha spots around Kyoto Station. Each one blends tradition and modern sensibilities, offering a unique space where time-honored Japanese tea culture meets creative flair. By the end, you just might find yourself saying, “Let’s take a matcha break.”
Kyoto Station & Matcha: A Cultural Connection
Kyoto is synonymous with history, elegance, and tradition — and when it comes to tea, especially matcha, this city holds a special place. Kyoto is the heartland of the Japanese tea ceremony, with deep roots going back to tea master Sen no Rikyū. The nearby Uji region is famous worldwide for producing some of the finest green tea in Japan. Thanks to this rich legacy, Kyoto offers endless opportunities to experience matcha in its truest form.
And the gateway to it all? Kyoto Station. More than just a transport hub, it's a striking blend of the old and the new — a place where your journey into Japan’s cultural depths can begin the moment you step off the train. Around the station, you’ll find beautifully curated matcha experiences that are easy to access yet deeply authentic.
Tsujiri – Kyoto Tower Sando Store
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdydjzNHxmn3C8Tq7
(Source.1:https://www.kyoto-tower-sando.jp/shop/index/122)
A Taste of 160 Years of Uji Tea, Made Easy
Founded in 1860, Tsujiri is one of Uji’s most storied tea houses. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy its heritage — just head to Kyoto Tower Sando, right across from the station. This modern and welcoming shop serves up refined matcha drinks and sweets using carefully selected Uji tea leaves.
The standout? The Tsujiri Soft Kyo Parfait — a dreamy combo of creamy matcha soft serve, sweet red bean paste, chewy rice flour dumplings, and a drizzle of kuromitsu (black sugar syrup). It’s a decadent introduction to the depth of matcha flavor. You’ll also find matcha lattes and elegant baked goods like Kyō-cha rusks, perfect as souvenirs. Tradition has never felt this accessible.
(Source.2:https://www.kyoto-tower-sando.jp/shop/index/122)
(Source.3:https://www.kyoto-tower-sando.jp/shop/index/122)
Saryo FUKUCHA
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/B1w2xBj1ubLvtZVx9
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26032328/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
A New Generation of Matcha, Rooted in Tradition
FUKUCHA is a modern tea café born from a desire to share Uji tea with the world in a more casual, approachable way. Their space is minimalist yet warm, designed to let you savor tea with all five senses. Here, traditional tea meets creativity — think colorful desserts paired perfectly with tea, and even their own herbal tea blends.
It’s not just about drinking tea — it’s about experiencing it. Whether you're taking a quiet moment alone or catching up with friends, FUKUCHA is the kind of place where Japanese culture feels relaxed and inviting. Don’t forget to browse their beautifully packaged tea leaves and sweets before you leave.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26032328/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26032328/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Itohkyuemon – Kyoto Station Front Store
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/NqhvBwZ4BUo4iYww6
The Pride of Uji, in Every Sip
A legendary name in the tea world, Itohkyuemon has been crafting top-quality Uji matcha since the late Edo period. Their Kyoto Station front store offers a calm, refined escape from the bustle just outside. Step in, and you're immediately surrounded by the gentle aroma of fresh tea.
Here, only the finest first-harvest tea leaves are stone-ground to create matcha with incredible depth. Their matcha parfaits and roll cakes are not only delicious — they’re stunning, like edible art. The elegant interior invites you to slow down and truly savor the richness of Kyoto’s tea tradition.
Tsuruya Yoshinobu IRODORI
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/hvtuhmxtkSjb8QHT8
(Source.1:https://www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/shop/irodori)
Where Wagashi Becomes Art
From one of Kyoto’s most respected traditional confectioners, IRODORI offers a whole new take on wagashi (Japanese sweets). The sleek, gallery-like space showcases seasonal confections inspired by Japan’s nature — from sakura in spring to autumn leaves — many of which feature matcha in delicate, jewel-like forms.
Located just outside Kyoto Station’s Hachijo exit, it’s perfect for a quick yet memorable stop before catching your train. Whether you're nibbling on sparkling kohakutō (amber sugar candy) or admiring the sweets’ artistry, IRODORI invites you to see tradition in a new light.
(Source.2:https://www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/shop/irodori)
(Source.3:https://www.tsuruyayoshinobu.jp/shop/irodori)
Yakigama Sweets Chasen
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/VRZn6c61mp9xaqzP6
(Source.1:https://kyoto-chasen.jimdofree.com/)
A Multi-Sensory Matcha Playground
Tucked away on the 10th floor of Isetan in the Kyoto Ramen Koji area, Chasen is more than just a café — it’s a matcha experience with a theatrical twist. Take the Matcha Tamatebako Dessert, for example: open the wooden box and you’ll be greeted by a swirl of steam, like something out of a fairytale.
From matcha tiramisu to matcha beer and matcha dessert pizzas, the menu is playful, creative, and always photogenic. All matcha is sourced from Yoshida Meichaen, a tea grower whose tea was served at the Ise-Shima G7 Summit — a sign of its high quality. If you’re looking for something different and memorable, this is your spot.
(Source.2:https://kyoto-chasen.jimdofree.com/)
(Source.3:https://kyoto-chasen.jimdofree.com/%E5%BA%97%E8%88%97%E7%B4%B9%E4%BB%8B/)
Final Thoughts: Let Matcha Add a Little Magic to Your Journey
Only in Kyoto can you find this rich variety of matcha experiences, all within walking distance of a major station. From centuries-old tea houses to trendsetting cafés, each place tells a unique story — one that’s woven into the broader tapestry of Japanese tea culture.
These aren’t just cafés. They’re expressions of craft, care, and creativity — places where tea isn’t just a drink, but a window into Japan’s heart. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, let Kyoto Station be the beginning of your own matcha adventure.
What is Matcha?
Search Restaurants by Destination
Search Restaurants by Popular Cuisines
