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

For something more substantial than sweets, how about matcha soba or a green tea-infused meal?

Yantan is a sightseeing information center located in Ujitawara. “Yantan” is a short version of Yuyadani, the name of this area in the Edo period (1603-1868), when Soen Nagatani invented here the production method for ryokucha green tea.

The tourist information center called Soen Koyuan Yantan sits inside a renovated tea factory. The facility offers fresh meals such as chajiru, which is made with miso paste and bancha tea, or matcha soba (please note that the menu varies by season and time).

The house where Soen Nagatani was born is located close by and is also worth a visit. The facility can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00. An advanced reservation is required for visits on weekdays.

On a tour, you can visit the home, see the remains of the tea drier used by Soen, and enjoy a cup of sencha tea inside. The processing of green tea to produce its vibrant color and increase its flavor was invented here, forever improving the taste and experience of Japanese tea.

Kyoyaki––ceramics made in Kyoto––are famous throughout Japan and the world, and the Sumiyama Pottery Village in Uji is one of the best places to learn more about this centuries-old pottery. Skilled artisans who have been making these ceramics for years have their studios here, and visitors can purchase some of the finest teacups and utensils, dinnerware, vases, and other crafts.

Kyoyaki is known for its elegance and refinement and is thought to date back to the 16th century. The intricate designs are made using a variety of techniques, including slip trailing, a method where watered-down clay is used to draw on the surface.

Although most wares today are finished with an electric kiln, there is also a climbing kiln originally from the Edo period (1603 – 1868), which is used only once a year during a special event dedicated to the preservation of traditional pottery methods. When used, the ceramics are put in special cases to avoid ash and imperfections from the climbing kiln.

Please note that only Japanese is spoken here, so it’s best to visit with a tour group or interpreter. If you send an e-mail to Ocha no Kyoto DMO at t-taravel@kyototeacountry.jp, you can apply for tours of the studios and the climbing kiln, as well as for ceramic drawing workshops. For more details, please see check the official website of the facility.

Byodoin Temple, a World Heritage site, is one of the best-known attractions in Uji and the southern Kyoto area. Omotesando, the main street leading up to Byodoin has been designated one of Japan’s one hundred fragrance scapes. This street is lined with shops selling souvenirs and sweet treats, as well as cafes and restaurants.

One of the must-try treats here is cha-dango––skewered mochi flavored with green tea. They can be small in size, making it an excellent choice for something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The long history of tea production in Kyoto and the complex tea culture here can’t be found anywhere else in Japan. Anyone searching for a cup of green tea or matcha will be delighted with the depth of tea and its high quality in this paradise for tea lovers!

Venture to the twelve towns (*2) in southern Kyoto Prefecture, including Uji, for a trip full of satisfying tea and discovery. For a day trip suggestion, see this article.

*2… Uji, Joyo, Yawata, Kyotanabe, Kizugawa, Kumiyama, Ide, Ujitawara, Kasagi, Wazuka, Seika, and Minamiyamashiro.