A Sweet Journey into Kyoto’s Best Matcha Desserts
If you love matcha—or even just have a soft spot for green tea desserts—Kyoto is where your sweet dreams come true.
In this guide, we’ll take you through Kyoto’s best matcha treats, from modern must-tries to time-honored classics. Whether you’re strolling down a quiet lane in Higashiyama or hopping on a train to Uji, get ready to explore the greenest, creamiest, most Instagram-worthy sweets in Japan.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
Why Kyoto is the Capital of Matcha Sweets
To understand why Kyoto is the place for matcha, you need to know one word: Uji.
Located just 20–30 minutes south of Kyoto by train, Uji is Japan’s most prestigious matcha-producing region. Its rich soil, clean water, and centuries-old cultivation methods make Uji matcha the gold standard—used in tea ceremonies, gourmet kitchens, and yes, delicious sweets.
But Kyoto’s matcha culture is about more than just tea leaves. It’s woven into the city’s identity. Kyoto was once the capital of Japan, and it’s where the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, truly flourished. Even today, the spirit of tea lives on in its quiet backstreets, historic tea houses, and carefully crafted desserts.
Whether you’re sipping a thick, velvety matcha in a tatami-matted room or enjoying a soft-serve cone on a sunny afternoon, Kyoto offers matcha in every form—beautiful, balanced, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Popular Modern Matcha Treats You’ll See Everywhere
Matcha isn’t just for tea ceremonies anymore—Kyoto has embraced matcha in every dessert imaginable, blending tradition with trendy café culture. Whether you’re team ice cream or cake, there’s a green tea treat waiting for you. Here are the ones you’ll see (and probably want to try) all over the city:
🍦 Matcha Soft Serve
A classic street snack with a creamy, slightly bitter edge. Some places even offer double swirl with vanilla or hojicha. Try it in a cone or a cup while visiting Gion or Arashiyama (just don’t eat and walk.)
🍰 Matcha Roll Cake
Light sponge cake rolled around matcha cream—fluffy, photogenic, and surprisingly not too sweet. Often paired with azuki (red bean) or chestnut.
🍧 Matcha Parfait
A layered dessert dream: matcha jelly, ice cream, whipped cream, mochi, red beans, cornflakes, and more. Each shop has its own twist, and no two are quite the same.
🍮 Matcha Tiramisu
Italian-Japanese fusion! Soft mascarpone and matcha powder, sometimes served in a masu (traditional wooden cup). Elegant and rich without being heavy.
🥞 Matcha Pancakes & French Toast
Thick, fluffy pancakes or perfectly soaked brioche, drizzled with matcha syrup or dusted with powder. Found in Kyoto’s many stylish brunch cafes.
Best Cafes and Shops for Matcha Sweets
Kyoto is full of cafés and dessert shops serving matcha in all forms—but some are truly a cut above. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious parfait, a soft-serve to eat on the go, or a serene tea experience, these are the spots to bookmark:
🍵 Nakamura Tokichi (中村藤吉) – Uji & Kyoto Station
One of the most famous matcha sweet shops in Japan. Their matcha jelly parfaits are iconic, and you can enjoy them in a modern teahouse setting. They also serve matcha soba and elegant seasonal desserts.
👉 Tip: The Kyoto Station location is more accessible, but the Uji main store offers a more traditional atmosphere.
🍦 Tsujiri (辻利) – Gion, Kyoto Tower, and more
A historic tea company turned dessert powerhouse. Their matcha soft serve is incredibly smooth and rich. You’ll also find parfaits, lattes, and take-home sweets.
👉 Perfect for a quick stop while exploring central Kyoto.
🍰 Itohkyuemon (伊藤久右衛門) – Uji & Kyoto
Established in the 1800s, this Uji tea company makes matcha desserts that look like art. Their seasonal parfaits (matcha × sakura, chestnut, peach, etc.) are very Instagrammable and flavor-packed.
👉 Their Kyoto shop is near Kawaramachi; the Uji store has a peaceful garden.
🍡 Saryo Suisen (茶寮 翠泉) – Hidden Kyoto Favorite
A little more low-key, but loved by locals. Their matcha tiramisu and warm zenzai are excellent, and the interior is sleek and calm.
👉 Recommended for a quiet afternoon break away from crowds.
🍨 Gion Kinana (祇園きなな) – For Matcha Ice Cream with a Twist
This isn’t strictly a matcha shop, but their handmade ice creams often include matcha as a seasonal flavor. You can pair it with kinako, black honey, or sweet potato.
👉 Near Yasaka Shrine, in the heart of Gion.
🟢 Bonus: Kyoto-Only Matcha at Starbucks
Some Starbucks stores in Kyoto offer matcha drinks and desserts exclusive to the region. Keep an eye out for unique blends and themed cups—especially during sakura season!
Matcha Lovers, Don’t Miss Uji 🍃
If you’re serious about matcha—or just want to taste the real deal—Uji is a must. This small town just 20–30 minutes from Kyoto by train is world-famous for its premium matcha, and you can feel the difference in every bite and sip.
Uji isn’t only about tea fields and factories. It’s a charming riverside town with a mix of culture, history, and (of course) desserts. You’ll find everything from high-end matcha cafes to street stalls selling soft serve and dorayaki.
🏞 What to Do in Uji:
– Visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on the ¥10 coin
– Walk across the Uji Bridge, said to be one of the oldest bridges in Japan
– Try matcha soba, matcha mochi, and full-course matcha menus
– Explore local tea shops like Nakamura Tokichi and Itohkyuemon in their original locations
– Pick up fresh matcha powder or sweets as souvenirs—perfect for gifts or your own tea time at home
👉 Tip: Uji is especially beautiful in spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (maple leaves). It’s an easy half-day trip from Kyoto and pairs well with Fushimi Inari or Uji Shrine.
Do You Like Traditional Flavors Too?
Modern matcha desserts are fun and flashy—but there’s something special about the traditional sweets that have been loved for generations. These treats are often less sugary and more about balance, texture, and the natural bitterness of high-quality matcha. If you want to taste the “real” Japan, try a few of these timeless options:
🍡 Matcha Dango (団子)
Chewy rice flour dumplings served on skewers, often brushed with matcha syrup or dusted with green tea powder. You’ll sometimes find these at tea shops or near shrines.
❄️ Matcha Warabi Mochi (抹茶わらび餅)
Soft and jiggly, this version of warabi mochi is either infused with matcha or dusted in matcha powder. It melts in your mouth and is especially popular in summer.
🍡 Wagashi & Matcha Sets
At many teahouses, you can order a matcha tea set that includes wagashi—seasonal sweets shaped like flowers, leaves, or symbols of nature. They’re handmade and almost too pretty to eat.
👉 Tip: These are best enjoyed slowly, ideally in a quiet cafe or tatami tea room. Don’t rush it—this is matcha mindfulness.
Best Seasons for Matcha Sweets in Kyoto 🌸☀🍁❄
Matcha tastes great year-round—but in Kyoto, each season brings unique sweets and limited-time creations that reflect the beauty of the moment. Here’s what to look for depending on when you visit:
🌸 Spring: Matcha × Sakura
Cherry blossom season is a dream in Kyoto, and cafes go all-out with delicate combinations of matcha and sakura (cherry blossom).
– Matcha sakura parfaits
– Mochi with salted sakura leaves and green tea filling
– Sakura latte with matcha foam
👉 Perfect for picnic-style sweets under blooming trees.
☀ Summer: Matcha Kakigori & Cold Sweets
When the heat hits, Kyoto cools down with icy green treats.
– Matcha kakigori (shaved ice) topped with condensed milk, mochi, or anmitsu
– Matcha warabi mochi served chilled
– Cold matcha drinks with citrus or yuzu accents
👉 Tip: Go early—popular kakigori spots often have long lines in summer!
🍁 Autumn: Matcha Meets Chestnuts
Fall in Kyoto is all about earthy flavors. Matcha pairs beautifully with kuri (Japanese chestnut) and roasted sweet potato.
– Matcha mont blanc
– Chestnut matcha tarts
– Seasonal wagashi shaped like maple leaves
👉 This is the best season for deep, mellow flavors—and stunning photo ops.
❄ Winter: Warm, Cozy Green Goodness
When the air gets cold, Kyoto cafés turn up the comfort.
– Warm matcha lattes (sometimes with kinako or hojicha)
– Matcha zenzai (sweet red bean soup with matcha)
– Baked sweets like matcha pound cake or matcha fondant
👉 Great for relaxing indoors after sightseeing in the snow or crisp air.
Souvenirs to Take Home 🎁🍵
Can’t get enough of Kyoto’s matcha magic? Good news—you can bring some of it home! From beautifully packaged treats to high-quality matcha powder, these souvenirs are perfect for tea lovers, friends, and even your own post-travel cravings.
🍫 Matcha KitKats & Regional Sweets
The famous green tea KitKat is a must, but don’t stop there. Kyoto and Uji also have limited-edition matcha cookies, langue de chat, and even matcha Pocky.
👉 Look for gift boxes at Kyoto Station or airport shops.
🍪 Matcha Cookies, Cakes, and Chocolates
Shops like Tsujiri and Itohkyuemon offer individually wrapped sweets that stay fresh for weeks—great for souvenirs or omiyage.
– Matcha pound cakes
– Soft cookies with matcha cream
– Chocolate-covered nuts or biscuits
🛍 Where to Shop
– Kyoto Station: Isetan department store, souvenir zones, and inside the Shinkansen area
– Gion & Kawaramachi: Flagship matcha shops and local snack boutiques
– Uji Shopping Streets: For authentic matcha straight from the source
Tips for Matcha Fans in Kyoto ☕✨
Before you dive head-first into the green deliciousness, here are a few tips to make your matcha adventures in Kyoto even better:
🧂 Bitterness = Quality (Usually)
Don’t be surprised if some sweets are less sugary than you expected. Real Uji matcha has a bold, bitter depth—it’s meant to be that way! Many Japanese prefer subtle sweetness, especially in traditional sweets.
🏃♀️ Beat the Lines at Popular Cafes
Kyoto’s famous matcha spots can have long waits, especially on weekends or during cherry blossom season.
👉 Try visiting right after they open, or aim for weekdays not around mealtime.
Conclusion: A Matcha Memory in Every Bite
Kyoto is more than just temples and shrines—it’s a city where even dessert tells a story. From elegant wagashi paired with thick matcha tea to parfaits overflowing with modern flair, every bite is a window into centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Whether you’re wandering the quiet alleys of Gion, enjoying a peaceful afternoon in Uji, or just taking a break at a Kyoto Station café, there’s a green tea treat waiting to surprise you. And the best part? It’s not just about taste. It’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and connecting with a tradition that’s been refined over generations.
So next time you’re in Kyoto, don’t just see the sights—taste them. Because here, matcha isn’t just a flavor. It’s an experience.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
