A Sip of Tea Culture in Kyoto! 8 Amazing Matcha and Green Tea Activities

The southern region of Kyoto Prefecture, called Yamashiro, is famous for its high-quality tea and over 800-year-long history in the production, invention, and perfection of Japanese tea.

Yamashiro is where Uji is located. This region is the birthplace of green tea varieties such as gyokuro, matcha, and sencha (*1). Visitors can drink flavorful tea while learning about the rich tea culture and history of this area.

The eight activities listed below are perfect for anyone wanting to learn about Japanese tea. From preparing matcha in Uji to savoring tea-infused sweets or picking tea on the hillside of one of Japan’s most picturesque areas, the activities you can enjoy here will become wonderful memories of your visit to the southern tea region in Kyoto.

*1… Gyokuro is a type of tea obtained from growing the tea plants in the shade. Matcha tea is grown in the shade just like the gyokuro, but after the leaves are picked, they are steamed, dried, and then ground in a stone mill. Sencha is obtained from tea plants grown in full sunlight; the fresh tea leaves are steamed, then left to dry. Matcha and gyokuro have a stronger flavor and aroma than sencha, and are considered high-quality teas. Several theories exist regarding the origins of these teas.

For many, matcha is synonymous with Kyoto. Especially in Uji, there are numerous workshops where participants can enjoy learning to grind and prepare matcha green tea. Uji is easy to access from Kyoto City; it can be reached in 17 minutes on the JR Nara Line.

Our first recommended spot in Uji is Takumi no Yakata. This facility offers activities where participants can learn how to prepare and enjoy delicious matcha, gyokuro, and sencha teas, as well as information on how these three types of tea differ from one another and how they are grown.

Takumi no Yakata has English-speaking staff who hold licenses as Japanese tea instructors. Please check the details on the official website.

Another great place that shouldn’t be missed is the Fukujuen Tea Factory (Fukujuen Uchija Kobo) in Uji. Matcha is made from tencha, a variety of green tea leaves, which are stone-ground. The matcha-making activity at Fukujuen Tea Factory allows participants to hand-grind matcha, and then try the tea they’ve made!

Inside Fukujuen, there is a cafe and a shop on the first floor. There are two other locations nearby: the Uji Kissakan, where you can enjoy ice cream and drinks made with green tea, and the Uji Kobo, which offers traditional sweets made with green tea.

Both Takumi no Yakata and Fukujuen are located within walking distance from JR and Keihan Uji stations. Please note that an advanced reservation is required for the workshops.

In southern Kyoto Prefecture, tea is traditionally harvested in the spring, summer, and fall. Tea grows on a type of camellia plant, and only the freshest leaves are taken when harvesting.

For a tea-picking experience, d:matcha in the town of Wazuka offers tea field tours and tea picking workshops in both Japanese and English. Participants will be able to venture into tea fields on a guided tour and see the tea plants up-close. The guides are very knowledgeable and explain the basics of tea production and harvesting.

Be sure to make an advanced reservation and inquire about when tea picking is available, as the activity is seasonal.

In the latter half of this article, we introduce a cafe operated by d:matcha.