When you visit Japan, one flavor you absolutely shouldn’t miss is matcha. With its signature bittersweet taste and rich aroma, matcha is more than just a drink—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture itself. And while Kyoto might be the first place that comes to mind, Osaka is actually one of the best cities to enjoy high-quality matcha in a more casual yet authentic setting. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the finest matcha spots I’ve discovered since moving to Japan. Whether you're sightseeing, shopping, or just in need of a little break, these places offer the perfect matcha escape. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for your next matcha fix in Osaka.
Matcha and Osaka: A Cultural Connection
When people think of matcha, Kyoto often takes the spotlight. But Osaka has its own unique role in Japan’s tea culture. Historically a hub for trade and culture, Osaka attracted many famous tea purveyors from Kyoto, and as a result, the city has become a vibrant center for matcha-based sweets and drinks. More recently, local artisans and creatives have added their own modern twist, offering new ways to experience this timeless ingredient. In a city where tradition and innovation coexist, matcha has taken on many delightful forms.
Matcha House - Namba Walk
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/QLSRrP8MNGdVTuhK9
(Source.1:https://maccha-house.com/1177/photo/)
Conveniently located in Namba Walk, directly connected to Namba Station, Matcha House is a popular café known for its aromatic matcha sweets. They use high-quality matcha from Morihan, a long-established tea brand from Kyoto, so you know you're getting the good stuff. Their most talked-about item? The Uji Matcha Tiramisu. Served in a glass cup, it’s as photogenic as it is addictive—with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The menu also features matcha lattes, soft-serve ice cream, and more. Despite being in an underground shopping arcade, the café has a calm, peaceful vibe—like stepping into a world gently wrapped in the scent of matcha.
(Source.2:https://maccha-house.com/1177/photo/)
Ippodo Tea - Hanshin Umeda Store
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/DeYQmCzztCLfdgdW9
If you’re a tea lover, the name Ippodo probably rings a bell. This legendary tea brand specializes in high-grade Japanese teas, and their Hanshin Umeda store is a must-visit. Here, you can sample a range of teas, including matcha, while also exploring unique pairings with seasonal dishes. The space itself is beautifully designed, blending sharp lines with soft curves and featuring striking decor like tiger paintings and traditional tea jars. Unusually for a department store, this location even offers matcha drinks to-go. Respectful of tradition but open to modern tastes, Ippodo makes tea culture accessible and enjoyable for everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned connoisseurs.
Ujikoen - Shinsaibashi
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Y5noCXhY6UmxoNf6
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27012399/)
Just a short stroll from Shinsaibashi’s bustling main street, you’ll find Ujikoen—a refined tea shop operated by a historic tea merchant that’s been around since 1865. They've been spreading the love for Japanese tea here in Osaka since shortly after World War II. One of the highlights is their freshly brewed tea, made with care in a traditional teapot. They also host hands-on workshops called Ichiwanchakai, where even beginners can learn to brew tea the authentic way. For something more casual, grab a matcha drink or matcha soft serve to go. The serene interior offers a welcome escape from the city buzz, inviting you to fully engage your senses in the world of tea.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27012399/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27012399/)
Ujien Kissako - Shinsaibashi
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/WeLqzYabdAX9L2wT9
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27004677/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Located just across from Daimaru Department Store, this charming tea café is a rare oasis where you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and sweets in the heart of the city. On the first floor, you’ll find a selection of teas and herbal infusions, while the spacious second-floor café invites you to unwind. The must-try item here is the Freshly Squeezed Mont Blanc, available in both matcha and roasted tea flavors. It’s prepared to order and melts in your mouth like a dream. There’s also a hands-on matcha whisking experience, perfect for international visitors wanting to connect more deeply with tea culture. With Ryukyu glassware and elegant Japanese ceramics on display, the café is also a visual delight.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27004677/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270201/27004677/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Café Osaka Chakai
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYxnJCkcrBAQGvueA
(Source.1:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270103/27093217/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Tucked away just north of Osaka Castle in a quiet shopping street, this hidden gem of a café is inspired by the idea of a “mountain retreat in the heart of the city.” What makes it special? The matcha here is always freshly ground from pesticide-free tea leaves, right in front of you. The café sources leaves from four regions across Japan, and the difference is something you can taste. You also get to choose your own teacup from over 100 different designs—a unique and personal touch. Their matcha latte, made with 100% pure milk from the Rokko mountains, strikes the perfect balance between creaminess and matcha’s signature bitterness. A large mural of a tea field wraps around the walls, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
(Source.2:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270103/27093217/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
(Source.3:https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270103/27093217/dtlphotolst/smp2/)
Final Thoughts
Osaka may not be the first place you associate with matcha, but it’s definitely one of the most exciting. With a blend of Kyoto’s timeless tradition and the city’s own urban creativity, Osaka offers a wide range of matcha experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The five spots I’ve introduced each bring something unique to the table—and I can wholeheartedly recommend them all. So if you're a matcha fan, why not embark on a little matcha journey through Osaka? You might just find a new favorite—and a moment of peace for both body and soul.
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