Uji Matcha Guide: Best Cafes, Tea Houses & Sweet Spots in Kyoto's Tea Capital

The Ultimate Uji Experience: Enjoying Matcha Delights & Sightseeing

Uji is a historic town known for Byodo-in Temple, Ujigami Shrine—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—and above all, as the heart of Japan’s matcha culture. For matcha lovers, it’s a dream destination. However, when you actually visit Uji, you might wonder: “Which shop should I visit for the best tea?” or “What’s the best route to explore the area?”

In fact, Uji’s matcha scene is divided into four unique areas, each offering a different experience. Some streets are lined with long-established tea shops dating back to the Muromachi period, while others feature modern matcha sweets that follow the latest trends. Some locations allow you to sip tea while enjoying scenic views of the Uji River. Every area has something special to offer.

Every time I explore Uji’s matcha scene, I find myself saying, “Uji truly is a special place.” The moment you step into a tea house, the rich aroma of tea leaves envelops you. The deep, authentic taste of carefully whisked matcha is unlike anything else. Every experience in Uji becomes a cherished memory.

In this guide, I will introduce the four main matcha areas, highlight recommended tea houses and cafes, and share my personal experiences to help you enjoy Uji to the fullest. I’ll also suggest an ideal sightseeing course that seamlessly blends matcha experiences with visits to UNESCO sites.

If you’re planning a trip to Uji, let this guide be your companion. It will surely make your Uji journey even more enjoyable.

Uji’s 4 Must-Visit Matcha Hotspots!

Uji’s matcha destinations are spread across four main areas, stretching from JR Uji Station to Keihan Uji Station and extending towards Byodo-in Temple.

1. Ujibashi Street
2. Byodo-in Omotesando
3. Ajirogi-no-Michi
4. Asagiri Street

Within these areas, you’ll also find Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. This makes it possible to enjoy matcha delights while also visiting Uji’s most famous attractions.

Understanding the Difference Between a Tea Shop (Chaho) & a Tea House (Sabo)

Before deciding where to go, let’s clarify an important distinction: What’s the difference between a “Chaho” (tea shop) and a “Sabo” (tea house)?

Since Uji is Japan’s premier matcha destination, you’ll want to visit places that specialize in tea leaves or offer authentic tea experiences. However, as you explore, you may come across the terms “Chaho” and “Sabo”, which describe two different types of establishments.

Knowing the difference will help you choose the perfect spot for your matcha experience.

What is a Chaho?

A Chaho (茶舗) is a store that primarily sells tea leaves. These specialty shops offer high-quality matcha, sencha, and gyokuro (refined green teas). Many of Uji’s most historic Chaho have been in business since the Muromachi or Edo periods.

Typical offerings at a Chaho include:

• A selection of matcha, sencha, and gyokuro
• Tea utensils such as kyusu (teapots) and chawan (tea bowls)
• Some shops offer tea tasting experiences

If you want to purchase authentic Uji matcha or tea leaves to enjoy at home, a Chaho is the perfect place to visit.

What is a Sabo?

A Sabo (茶房) is a tea house where you can enjoy freshly prepared tea on-site. These establishments are more like Japanese-style cafes, offering tea alongside wagashi (Japanese sweets), matcha desserts, and light meals.

Typical features of a Sabo include:

• Matcha, sencha, and gyokuro served fresh
• A menu with matcha parfaits, zenzai (sweet red bean soup), and other sweets
• A traditional Japanese-style atmosphere
• Some offer takeout and souvenir items

Uji’s Sabos provide an easy and comfortable way to enjoy premium matcha and tea-based desserts.

Comparing Chaho & Sabo

• If you want to buy high-quality matcha or tea leaves → Visit a Chaho
• If you want to enjoy matcha sweets or a relaxing tea experience → Visit a Sabo

That said, many Uji establishments operate both a Chaho and a Sabo under one roof, allowing visitors to enjoy matcha on-site and also purchase tea to take home.

Whenever I explore Uji’s matcha scene, I inevitably end up with both hands full of souvenir bags by the end of my trip!

Now, let’s dive into each of Uji’s top matcha destinations, showcasing famous, trendy, and historic shops to help you choose the best spots for your visit.

Ujibashi Street: The Frontline of Matcha Trends, From Traditional to Modern

Ujibashi Street stretches from JR Uji Station to Uji Bridge. This area is home to a mix of historic tea houses and trendsetting cafes, making it the ultimate hotspot for the latest matcha trends.

Must-Visit Matcha Spot on Ujibashi Street

If you visit Ujibashi Street, one spot you cannot miss is Matcha Republic Uji Main Store.

This place is stylish in every way and never fails to impress.

From their elegant perfume bottle-style matcha latte to rich matcha financiers, every item is not only photogenic but also truly delicious!

If you’re looking for Instagram-worthy matcha sweets, this is the place to be!

Byodo-in Omotesando: The Sacred Land of Uji’s Matcha Culture

Byodo - in Omotesando stretches from Uji Bridge to Byodo-in Temple. This historic street is lined with centuries-old Uji tea shops, some dating back to the Muromachi period.

More recently, even modern matcha dessert shops have appeared, including FUKUCHA Uji by Fukujuen, a brand known for its nationwide Iyemon green tea. This area is now a battleground for the most photogenic matcha sweets.

However, traditional tea shops still maintain their strong presence, offering high-quality Uji matcha and unique tea experiences, such as hands-on tea brewing and matcha preparation workshops.

If Ujibashi Street is the frontline of matcha trends, then Byodo-in Omotesando is the sacred land of matcha culture.

From elegant matcha pancakes to unique matcha delicacies, this area offers a wide variety of matcha gourmet experiences.

Must-Visit Matcha Spot on Byodo-in Omotesando

One of my top recommendations in this historic area is Sanshien Kanbayashi San’yu Main Store.

This historic tea shop is said to be the oldest in Japan, loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Sen no Rikyu, the most influential figures in Japan’s tea culture.

The fragrant aroma of tea, the warm hospitality, the delicious matcha and sweets—this shop offers everything a matcha lover could ask for.

They also provide English, Chinese, and German support, making it a great choice for international visitors.

Experience 500-Year-Old Japanese Tea Culture: Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu, Kyoto's Legendary Matcha House in Uji

Founded in 1522, this iconic tea house in Kyoto's Uji serves premium matcha and traditional sweets. Experience authentic tea ceremonies and matcha grinding using rare $600/kg green tea at Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu.

Ajirogi-no-Michi: A Scenic Matcha Spot Overlooking the Uji River

Ajirogi-no-Michi runs alongside the Uji River, stretching south from Byodo-in Temple. While it’s a smaller area compared to the others, it remains a popular gourmet spot.

Although tea houses and shops are fewer here, it offers breathtaking river views. Since it’s along the route to Uji River’s Nakajima Island, many visitors stop by along the way.

Asagiri Street: Hidden Gems & Kyoto’s Oldest Tea House

Asagiri Street runs along the east bank of the Uji River and is home to the Uji Genji Town Shopping District, also known as Uji Genji Town Meitenkai. Many unique matcha sweet shops can be found here.

One of the most famous spots here is Tsuen Main Store, founded in 1160 AD, making it Japan’s oldest tea house. It has been serving tea for over 865 years, dating back to the Heian period!

Hidden Matcha Spots Near Uji Station

In addition to the main areas, there are also hidden matcha gems near JR Uji Station and Keihan Uji Station. These local favorites are easy to miss but worth checking out!

The Ultimate Uji Matcha & Sightseeing Route

If you visit Uji, you’ll want to enjoy both matcha gourmet experiences and sightseeing. Here’s my recommended all-in-one itinerary that covers all four matcha areas and famous landmarks.

1. Start at JR Uji Station and explore Ujibashi Street’s matcha spots
2. Walk into Byodo-in Omotesando for more matcha experiences
3. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodo-in Temple
4. Stroll through Ajirogi-no-Michi and enjoy matcha with a river view
5. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ujigami Shrine
6. Visit Asagiri Street and try matcha at Japan’s oldest tea house
7. End your trip at Uji Bridge, Japan’s oldest bridge

This half-day itinerary covers all major attractions and matcha gourmet areas, but if you have more time, you can extend your trip to enjoy Uji for a full day.

Uji’s Matcha Culture: A Timeless & Evolving Experience

Exploring Uji’s matcha scene is a unique cultural experience. Whether you visit a historic tea shop serving hand-whisked matcha or a trendy café with matcha parfaits, every moment is special.

The centuries-old craftsmanship of Uji’s tea masters, the modern innovation of patissiers, and the timeless beauty of Uji’s landscape all come together to create an unforgettable journey.

Every time I visit Uji, I am captivated by the rich green scenery, the aroma of matcha in the air, and the dedication of those who cherish tea culture.

Each of the four areas in this guide has its own unique charm. Depending on your preferences, you can find your favorite spots and create your own perfect Uji experience.

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your Uji trip!