Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage, is the perfect place to experience the country’s refined tea culture. Whether you’re looking for a serene tea house serving centuries-old matcha traditions or a stylish café blending modern aesthetics with Kyoto’s tea legacy, this city offers an unparalleled tea experience.
In this guide, we explore the best cafés in Kyoto where you can enjoy traditional matcha, sencha, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) in an authentic setting.
1. Ippodo Tea Kyoto – A Legacy of Fine Tea
Location: Near Kyoto Imperial Palace
Best for: High-quality Japanese tea tasting
Founded in 1717, Ippodo Tea Kyoto is one of Japan’s most respected tea shops. The café inside the store offers a guided tea experience, where visitors can choose from various types of Japanese tea, including matcha, gyokuro (premium green tea), and sencha.
What to Try:
- Matcha Koicha (thick, rich matcha with a deep umami taste)
- Gyokuro (a premium, shaded green tea with a sweet aftertaste)
- Seasonal wagashi (traditional sweets that pair perfectly with tea)
Tip: The staff will guide you through proper brewing techniques, making this a great stop for tea enthusiasts.
2. Tsujiri Kyoto – Matcha Lovers’ Paradise
Location: Gion District
Best for: Matcha-based drinks and desserts
Tsujiri Kyoto is a historic tea house founded in 1860, famous for its matcha desserts and high-quality powdered green tea. It’s a must-visit for matcha lovers, offering everything from traditional whisked matcha to modern treats like matcha parfaits and soft-serve ice cream.
What to Try:
- Matcha Latte (creamy, balanced, and deeply flavorful)
- Matcha Parfait (layered with matcha jelly, mochi, and red bean paste)
- Matcha Soft Serve (a smooth and rich green tea ice cream)
Tip: Visit the Gion location for a traditional atmosphere, perfect for a post-temple visit treat.
3. En Tea House – A Hidden Gem in Gion
Location: Gion District
Best for: Intimate tea ceremonies
For a quiet and intimate tea experience, En Tea House is a beautiful choice. Nestled in a traditional Kyoto machiya (wooden townhouse), this small tea house offers guests a tranquil retreat from the bustling streets of Gion.
What to Try:
- Hand-whisked matcha served in elegant ceramic bowls
- Traditional wagashi, made fresh daily
- Seasonal sencha, offering a light and refreshing taste
Tip: The tea house has limited seating, so arrive early or make a reservation for a private tea ceremony experience.
4. Camellia Tea Ceremony – A Cultural Experience
Location: Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Best for: A full tea ceremony experience
For those looking to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, Camellia Tea Ceremony offers a guided matcha experience in a peaceful setting. The tea masters will introduce the history, rituals, and etiquette of the tea ceremony, making it a memorable cultural experience.
What to Try:
- Thick or thin matcha, based on your preference
- Handmade nerikiri wagashi, crafted to reflect the seasons
- Sencha brewing demonstration, showing the precision behind Japanese tea preparation
Tip: Camellia Tea Ceremony is English-friendly, making it an excellent option for international visitors interested in tea culture.
5. Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto – A Tea House in a Historic Setting
Location: Near Kyoto Station & Uji
Best for: Traditional tea with a modern twist
Founded in 1854, Nakamura Tokichi is a historic tea house that beautifully blends tradition with modern aesthetics. The café, housed in a restored wooden townhouse, serves a variety of matcha-infused delicacies alongside expertly brewed tea.
What to Try:
- Warabimochi with matcha syrup (a chewy, jelly-like dessert dusted with kinako powder)
- Matcha soba noodles (a savory dish made with green tea-infused buckwheat noodles)
- Uji matcha (one of the finest grades of green tea from Kyoto’s Uji region)
Tip: Visit the Uji flagship store for an authentic tea experience in Kyoto’s famous tea-producing district.
6. Fukujuen Kyoto – A Tea Tasting Adventure
Location: Downtown Kyoto
Best for: Tea connoisseurs looking for a guided tasting
Fukujuen Kyoto is a high-end tea house offering multi-course tea tastings, where guests can compare different varieties of Japanese green tea. The experience is educational, interactive, and perfect for those wanting to deepen their appreciation of tea.
What to Try:
- Tea Tasting Flight – Compare matcha, sencha, and gyokuro side by side.
- Kyoto-style afternoon tea, featuring delicate Japanese sweets.
- Hand-brewed matcha, whisked to perfection by tea experts.
Tip: Book a guided tea experience in advance for a more immersive experience.
7. Uji’s Tea Houses – A Short Trip from Kyoto
For the ultimate traditional tea experience, take a short trip to Uji, Kyoto’s world-famous tea-growing region. The tea houses here serve some of the finest matcha and gyokuro in Japan, set against a scenic riverside backdrop.
Best Uji Tea Houses:
- Taihoan Tea House – A public tea house offering authentic tea ceremonies for visitors.
- Tsuen Tea – Japan’s oldest tea shop, operating since 1160.
- Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu – A historic tea merchant offering matcha grinding experiences.
Tip: Pair your visit with a trip to Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO-listed site with a stunning Phoenix Hall.
Conclusion
Kyoto’s tea cafés and tea houses provide a window into Japan’s deep tea culture, whether through a simple bowl of matcha, a full tea ceremony, or a modern take on traditional flavors.
From historic tea houses in Gion to hidden gems in Uji, Kyoto is the perfect place to indulge in the art of Japanese tea.
