6 Delicious Matcha Dessert Places You’ll Love in Kyoto Tea Country

Nakamura Tokichi Honten was founded in 1854. With over 170 years of history, it is currently run by the seventh generation of the family. Today, it is especially famous for its delicious sweets using authentic matcha green tea, making it a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth. Nakamura Tokichi Honten has expanded from Kyoto into Osaka and Tokyo, with six locations in Kyoto. Their Tea Jelly [Matcha] is a must-try for any matcha lover. It features a special jelly that captures the essence of tea, blended in their secret ratio, served with high-quality matcha ice cream, shiratama (chewy rice dumplings), and sweet red bean paste. It offers the ultimate matcha experience.

Itoh Kyuemon is another renowned tea shop offering a wide range of matcha desserts. It has many stores mainly in Kyoto, and its main store is located in Uji. Their parfaits are visually appealing and delicious. The matcha jelly is flavorful, and its smooth, silky texture provides a refreshing coolness. The parfait is filled with a variety of other ingredients, so you’ll always find something new and exciting in the glass. Moreover, they offer seasonal parfaits that capture the essence of Japan’s beautiful seasons, offering a delightful and fulfilling experience. Their tiramisu made with matcha is also amazing and makes a great gift.

Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop offers comprehensive tea experiences on both banks of Uji River, with Ujicha Kobo on the right and Ujicha Tei on the left. At the cafeteria of the Ujicha Kobo, you can enjoy their matcha anmitsu, which is a must-try sweet treat. It is made with premium Uji matcha and fragrant hojicha (roasted tea) agar jelly. Top it with the luxurious matcha syrup. You can immerse yourself in its rich matcha flavor and enjoy the delicious taste.

Dan Dan Cafëis an incredible place that offers a feast for the eyes and mouth. Their matcha gelato offers a truly intense and satisfying tea experience. In warm seasons, they also serve a luxurious parfait using this rich gelato. If you are hungry, you can enjoy their delicious homemade lunch, too. Furthermore, you can view Wazuka Town’s most famous tea plantation from the cafe. The stunning scenery is unforgettable once seen. This tea plantation is a part of the Japan Heritage (Japanese Tea: Eight Centuries of Tradition).

At Roadside Rest Area Ocha-no-Kyoto Minamiyamashiro Village , featuring Minamiyamashiro Village’s culture including local specialties such as matcha, vegetables, mushrooms, fruit and rice, you can enjoy amazing meals, desserts and drinks as well as shopping. Their soft-serve ice cream, made with a generous amount of matcha, is truly delicious and attracts many people. The rich matcha flavor and the melty, smooth texture are blissful. Their matcha shaved ice, which appears in summer, is also a luxurious treat. It’s refreshing and perfect to beat the summer heat. In addition, various limited-time matcha sweets such as parfaits and zenzai (a warm dessert soup with mochi rice cakes), appear throughout the year.

Maiko Tea Boutique is a cozy cafe that serves a variety of desserts featuring Uji matcha. This layered parfait is a matcha lovers’ dream. It’s topped with matcha jelly and ice cream, as well as shiratama dango (chewy rice dumplings), azuki (red beans), a chestnut, and more. The harmony of the traditional Japanese ingredients and flavorful Uji matcha is divine.

Matcha desserts offer a unique and delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings while enjoying the healthy goodness. The Kyoto Tea Country region is a treasure trove of delicious matcha sweets, from historical tea shops to modern cafés. In addition to what we introduced above, a variety of matcha desserts await you, such as roll cakes, chocolates, pancakes, dango (Japanese dumplings), and daifuku (rice cakes stuffed with sweet filling). What you’ll savor here is authentic. Experience the profound flavors that have been grown with a long history and tradition, from tea cultivation and processing to the creation of exquisite sweets.

Beyond the amazing treats, you’ll find various elements of Japanese culture in the tableware, accompanying ingredients, ambiance of the place, the surrounding scenery, and so on. This journey might even spark a newfound curiosity about Japan’s rich heritage.

Come indulge in the rich flavors of matcha. Have a blissful experience!