An Unprecedented Matcha Boom! 16 Recommended Sweets from Uji, Where History and Tradition are Kept Alive! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Nov 19 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

An Unprecedented Matcha Boom! 16 Recommended Sweets from Uji, Where History and Tradition are Kept Alive!

Uji, Kyoto, is a popular tourist destination. It's synonymous with Matcha (powdered green tea). Premium Matcha is fragrant and has a bittersweet flavor. Sweets made with premium Matcha are popular with people of all ages. Check out these established stores with centuries of history! Prepare to be wowed by the premium Matcha sweets that can only be found in Uji!

See full listings of Sweets restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Rokujyoan

This place is perfect when you're tired from traveling! Rokujyoan is made up of 3 restaurants. At Tensho, you can enjoy a Kyoto cuisine buffet. Rokujyoan Cafe Momiji is perfect for lunch or dessert, and Rokujyoan sells Matcha sweets for take-out. Enjoy the sweets as you lose track of time while strolling through this area, which has been chosen as one of the Top 100 Places with Natural Fragrance. Popular menu items include the [Matcha Parfait] that combines tea and waffle cone flavors, and the [Kuromitsu Kinako Parfait] (Black Honey and Roasted Soy Flour Parfait). Another recommendation is the smooth shaved ice. Have the Matcha flavored shaved ice, and eat it without syrup. It's great!

Rokujyoan

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
Cafe 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5.30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: Lunch: 1,480 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
10-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: 5, Renge, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
More Details

2. Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch

You can't forget Nakamura Tokichi when talking about dessert destinations in Uji, Kyoto. Nakamura Tokichi has a proud 150-year history of serving foods and desserts in Uji. Served in a bamboo container, the [Namacha Jelly] is a popular favorite. It consists of Matcha ice-cream that's topped with delicious items like Shiratama (rice flour dumpling) and jelly. The texture of the Kuzumochi (Kuzu starch cake) and the jelly is quite a gem, and you’d be hard pressed to find its match elsewhere. Take a seat by the window and feast on delicious sweets while looking out on Uji River (Uji-gawa)’s sights, which are very Kyoto-esque.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch

Open: [Tokichi Cafe]11:00 am - 5:30 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
[Meicha Uriba]10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: 1,001 JPY - 1,500 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from JR Uji Station, 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 10, Ichiban, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

3. Mitsuboshien Kambayashi Sannyu Main Branch

Mitsuboshien Kambayashi is well-established, and has been in existence for around 500 years (since the Tensho period, 1573 - 1592). The restaurant’s trademark is made up of 3 stars, and its origins are said to be the map symbol for tea plantations. The [Uji Kintoki] is a must-try! Matcha that costs 80,000 JPY per kilogram is used in this sweet that makes you feel refreshed just by looking at it. The [Kakigori] (shaved ice) is worth a try too. This dish has some unique characteristics. The shavings are big and have substance, strong tea (not syrup!) is used as a topping, and Matcha powder is used. The Matcha isn’t astringent, and it has a fine fragrance. The Matcha in this shaved ice is also ground on the same day. There’s an adjoining museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Uji tea. You can also try your hand at making Matcha.

Mitsuboshien Kambayashi Sannyu Main Branch

Open: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: Lunch: Up to 999 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
10-minute walk from JR Uji Station
432m from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 27-2 Renge, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

4. Cha-ganju Cafe

"A cafe where you can taste samples for free!” At Cha-ganju Cafe, you can try samples for free and buy only the items that grab your fancy. The name “Cha-ganju” is Okinawan for “always feeling great”. Like its name, the shop is a bright and lively place. A popular menu item is a crepe that’s just a bit different. You can choose from Matcha, Bancha (coarse tea), or Hojicha (roasted green tea) batter, and then add fillings, which range from the standard banana and chocolate, to more exotic options like purple sweet potato, Bancha, and acerola. There’s also the Uji Matcha Miso Crepe with Tanba black beans and white Miso (fermented bean paste). The fragrance of the tea spreads in your mouth and pairs perfectly with the whipped cream in the crepe. There is also Warabi Mochi (bracken-starch dumpling) inside this crepe, which is so full of fillings that it will definitely satisfy you!

Cha-ganju Café

Open: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday
Access: 1 minute walk from JR Uji Station
7-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
132m from JR Uji Station
Address: 66-1, Ichiban, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

5. Itoh Kyuemon Byodoin Branch

Even among the numerous shops on Uji Omotesando, this shop ranks high for its selection of Uji Matcha products. Its customers include Uji Obakuzan Manpukuji Temple, Uji Byodoin Temple, and Heian Jingu Shrine. The [Matcha Parfait] comes highly recommended. The Matcha ice-cream in the parfait has a good balance of bitterness and sweetness. The toppings include Matcha jelly, Shiratama, and biscuits. You’ll enjoy every last bite. The [Uji Matcha Daifuku] (stuffed rice cake) is popular as a gift. The filling is made of Matcha-flavored fresh cream and Matcha paste. You can also order the [Matcha Pound Cake] that goes well with Japanese tea, coffee, and red tea. There’s also [Uji Komochimo] that features Matcha, mochi (rice cake), and walnuts.

Itoh Kyuemon Byodoin Branch

Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: Dinner: Up to 999 yen
Lunch: 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
10-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: Byodoin Omotesando, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)

6. Patisserie Yuji

Patisserie Yuji focuses on French sweets like cakes and baked goods that include seasonal fruit. There are also many sweets that feature Matcha, the popular ones being the [Sencha Roll] (green tea roll) and [Koicha no Financier] (dark Matcha Financier). They make great presents and birthday cakes as well! There’s a cafe inside the shop where you can enjoy their sweets. Check out the [Zarame Choux Matcha Choux Cream] (brown sugar choux Matcha choux cream)! Plenty of Uji Matcha-flavored custard is piped into the choux pastry that has a generous sprinkling of brown sugar and Matcha powder on top. They make for great souvenirs or snacks that you can eat as you walk around!

Patisserie Yuji

Open: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Closed: Tuesday, 3rd Wednesday of every month
Average price: Dinner: 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Uji Station
10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
125m from JR Uji Station
Address: 70, Ichiban, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

7. Omatchadokoro Todoan

This tea shop is housed in a 150-year-old building with a distinctive Kayabuki roof (thatched roof). Located near the front entrance of Byodoin Temple, this shop seems to belong in a different time, and is surrounded by a calm atmosphere. Their [Matcha Float] is a popular item. Melt and mix the right amount of ice cream with Matcha, and a refreshing mix of sweetness and bitterness ensues. The Kakigori is fluffy and melts in your mouth. The Chadango (green tea rice cake) used in the Kakigori is from the well-known Inafusa.

Omatchadokoro Todoan

Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: Lunch: Up to 999 yen
Access: 464m from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 20, Renge, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

8. Tsuji Rihei Main Branch

This well-established sweets shop has a history of 156 years (since the Edo period, 1603 - 1868) and serves up Matcha sweets. The [Parfait], [Warabi Mochi] (bracken-starch dumpling), and [Roll Cake] are all popular. The items here are made with a focus on the ingredients. Uji Matcha is also served here. The inside of the shop is a mix of modern and traditional. Seat yourself at the Hanami Seki (flower-viewing seat) and gaze out at the garden, or relax in the sofas at the Kissa Space (tea drinking space).

Tsuji Rihei Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Wednesday - Friday] 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday] 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (L.O. 5:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: Dinner: 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Lunch: 1,000 JPY - 1,999 JPY
Access: 295m from JR Uji Station
Address: 41, Wakamori, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

9. Kunugi

This shop is a hidden gem located in a small alleyway that's a short distance from Uji Station. The [Matcha Fondue] is a well-loved dish, and is served with a generous helping of Uji Matcha. Kinako (soybean powder) is sprinkled onto a large serving of Shiratama, making this sweet irresistible for Matcha lovers. There’s also the [Hojicha Fondue]. They’re great when shared with your other half, friends, or family. Other recommendations are the [Matcha Chiffon Cake] and [Matcha Parfait].

Kunugi

Open: 11:30 am - around 4:30 pm
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: Lunch: Up to 999 yen
Access: 12-minute walk from JR Uji Station
5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 66-4 Uji Mataburi, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)

10. Ochaman

Ochaman focuses on serving only Chadango and tea. You’ve got to try their [Chadango] that’s made with carefully selected ingredients and Uji Matcha. The [Chacha Set] and [Wa Parfait] (Japanese parfait) are also hot items. The unusual [Matcha Cider Float] is a much-talked about menu item as well.

Ochaman

Open: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm
Closed: Monday
Average price: Lunch: Up to 999 yen
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: 160-13 Myoraku, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

11. Fukujuen Uji Kobo Fukuju Saryo

Fukujuen Uji Kobo Fukuju Saryo is a tea workshop that was founded in 1790, during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). At Fukujuen Uji Kobo Fukuju Saryo, you can try your hand at making Matcha or enjoy freshly made Matcha sweets. Their [Uji Match Ice Kori] is a recommended item. There's the [Goshiki Mochi] (5-colored Mochi), a combo of Uji Kintoki (Matcha shaved ice), Matcha-flavored Shiratama (rice dumpling), and Matcha ice cream. The slightly bitter Matcha syrup that's poured on the thinly shaved ice goes perfectly with the Mochi. The [Matcha Ice Parfait] is also popular. Matcha Dango (rice dumpling), cookies, fruits, and Kintoki (Azuki-an) are added to Matcha ice cream to make this parfait. There's also the [Cha no Ka Mochi] that's dusted in Matcha powder or Kinako (soy bean powder), which you should definitely try!

Fukujuen Uji Kobo Fukuju Saryo

Address: 2F, Ujikobo, Fukujuen, 10, Yamada, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Open: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: Monday (closed on the following day if Monday is a National Holiday)
Access: 8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
15-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Offical Website (Japanese only)

12. Tsuen

Established around the end of the Heian era in 1160, this is a cafe that Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu have both visited for a quick tea and sweets break. With their recommended [Jo Matcha to Okashi no Set], you can choose from a range of sweets, such as Chadango, Monaka, and Yokan (sweet bean jelly). Regardless of what you choose, they all have an exquisite sweetness and feel perfect on the tongue. Their take-out [Matcha Soft-serve Ice Cream] is also popular. It has a refreshing sweetness and fragrant aroma. Even those that aren’t good with sweet foods can lick it all up!

Tsuen

Open: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Closed: None
Access: 2-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
10-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: 1, Higashiuchi, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Offical Website (Japanese only)

13. Chez Hagata

This cake shop is tucked away in a quiet Uji residential neighborhood. The [Hikitate Matcha no Zeitaku Terrine] is a popular item that’s appeared in the media. You can order this in advance as well. The moist and rich Matcha and chocolate flavors meld together, giving it a wonderful texture like raw chocolate mousse. It’s a taste that you won’t get tired of, so there are many repeat customers.

Chez Hagata

Open: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday
Access: 3-minute walk from Mimurodo Station
20-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: 44-11, Tanisagari, Todo, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Official Website (Japanese only)

14. Hannari Cafe Iwai

This Uji sweet shop is produced by Kyoto’s Iwai Seika. The top recommendation here would be the [Mongai Fushutsu no Hiyashi Ame]. It’s a familiar Kansai drink that goes well with ginger. The [Ho-oh Pancake] (phoenix pancake) gets its name from the symbol of Byodoin Temple, the phoenix. The shape of the phoenix is formed using sugar and Matcha powder. Pair it with Matcha syrup, and the result is a Japanese treat that you can only taste in Kyoto. The [Genji Parfait] and [Matcha Shiratama Zenzai] are also crowd favorites.

Hannari Cafe Iwai

Open: [Weekdays] 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
[Weekends, National Holidays] 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: None (closed during New Year's)
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station
5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 5-6, Renge, Uji, Uji-shi (Map)
Source: Official Website (Japanese only)

15. Kyoto Uji Sabo Yamamoto Jinjiro

Kyoto Uji Sabo Yamamoto Jinjiro places an importance on producing tea using traditional methods. Their [Matcha Ice] is a popular item that was featured in the media. At Kyoto Uji Sabo Yamamoto Jinjiro, both Matcha aficionados and newbies will find a Matcha that they will love. The rich flavor and fragrance of the tea are excellent. The key feature of the tea here is that it's made using the Honzu Saibai method that’s been in use for over 400 years. The tea is roasted in the oldest tea furnace in use today. Knowing the history of this tea makes it taste even better. Come and experience Matcha like you have never experienced it before!

Kyoto Uji Sabo Yamamoto Jinjiro

Open: [Friday, Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Average price: Lunch: Up to 999 yen
Access: 6-minute walk from JR Uji Station
8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station
Address: 36, Myoraku, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Hitosara (Japanese)

16. Uji Surugaya

Uji Surugaya is located near the entrance of the road leading to Uji Byodoin. One of the popular menu items is the [Cha no Komochi]. Matcha-kinako powder covers the soft Mochi, and it even comes with an extra packet of Matcha powder! Sprinkle on the extra Matcha powder right before eating to increase the wonderful Matcha flavor. This is definitely a sweet that Matcha lovers can’t keep their hands off of! You’ll be hooked after your first bite!

Uji Surugaya

Open: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Uji Station
Address: 41, Renge, Uji, Uji-shi, Kyoto (Map)
Source: Official Website (Japanese only)

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.