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Uji Matcha — Green Tea Capital of Japan

Published: Jul 22, 2026

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Ujimatchagreen teatea ceremonycafes

Uji (宇治) has produced Japan's finest green tea for over 800 years, and Uji matcha (抹茶) is considered the gold standard for tea ceremony. The region's climate (morning mist, river valleys) and soil create ideal growing conditions. Uji tea shops and cafes serve matcha in every form: traditional tea ceremony, matcha parfaits, matcha soba noodles, and soft-serve ice cream.

The most famous tea house is Tsuen Tea (通圓茶屋), established in 1160 — possibly the world's oldest continuously operating tea shop. The family has served matcha for 24 generations on the same site beside Uji Bridge.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

Tsuen Tea: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Nakamura Tokichi: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Closed: Varies by shop | Tsuen Tea: open daily

Entrance Fee

Free | Matcha set ¥850–1,600 | Matcha parfait ¥1,200–1,600 | Tea plantation tours ¥3,000–5,000

Best Season

May–June (first flush harvest, freshest tea) | Year-round for matcha sweets

Visit Duration

1.5–2 hours (tea shop visits + town walk)

Getting There

Access Information

Uji City, 30-min train from Kyoto Station (JR Nara Line or Keihan Uji Line). Tsuen Tea: 27 Uji-Renge, open 10:00–17:00. Nakamura Tokichi: famous matcha parfait shop (¥1,200–2,000). Tea plantation tours available May–June (reservation required).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Tsuen Tea experience:** The shop's 900-year history is palpable — dark wood interiors, tea utensils displayed from different eras, and the current master (24th generation) sometimes prepares tea personally. Order the traditional matcha set (¥850) — ceremonial-grade matcha whisked tableside, served with seasonal wagashi sweet. The view overlooking Uji River adds contemplative atmosphere. **Nakamura Tokichi timing:** This matcha cafe is Uji's most popular (expect 30–60 minute waits on weekends). Arrive at opening (10:00) or after 15:00 to minimize wait. The matcha parfait (¥1,600) layers house-made matcha ice cream, shiratama mochi, adzuki bean paste, and matcha jelly — rich, bitter-sweet, authentically Uji. **Tea plantation tours:** Ocha no Kyoto (お茶の京都) organization offers guided tea farm tours (May–June, first flush harvest season). See shaded-grown gyokuro cultivation, learn processing techniques, and participate in tea picking (¥3,000–5,000). Book 1 month ahead through Uji City Tourism Office. Limited English availability but worth the immersion.

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