The “matcha boom” is currently resurging both domestically and internationally.
While matcha lattes and sweets are becoming more familiar, new ways to enjoy matcha are also emerging, such as tea ceremony experiences and fusion with art. Among these, Kyoto is a unique place where the long-standing tea culture coexists with modern sensibilities.
So this time, from the perspective of “Kyoto no Ichibanchi,” we’ve carefully selected matcha experience spots in Kyoto for different purposes!
From those who want to calm their minds in tranquility to those who want to enjoy tea while experiencing art, and those who want to learn authentic tea ceremony—
Why not encounter Kyoto’s profound culture through matcha?
1. Savor Matcha in Tranquility: “Kanza”
The tea room “Kanza,” located in the precincts of Imakumano Kannonji Temple in Higashiyama, is a tranquil space surrounded by fresh green maple leaves and a pond.
You can enjoy matcha prepared in the Urasenke style, along with seasonal wagashi sweets that soothe your heart.
A matcha experience to be savored in quietude, away from the busy everyday life.
Here you can find a matcha time themed on “purification of the heart.”
- Hours: 10:00-16:00 (Last entry 15:45-16:00)
- Closed: Irregular (Check official Instagram for updates)
- Fee: Admission by donation, Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen (During autumn foliage season: Adults 3,000 yen, Children 2,000 yen)
- Note: Closed during winter season
2. New Sensation Matcha Fused with Art: “NAKED NIWA”
“NAKED NIWA,” a popular spot that appeared in Kyoto Station Building, is an experiential facility produced by NAKED.
In the fantastical tea room “Kiwa,” where light and sound intersect, you can enjoy matcha while surrounded by digital art.
Experience a new tea ceremony that stimulates your five senses in a space where tradition and future intersect.
- Hours: 11:00-23:00 (L.O. Drinks 22:30 / Food 22:00)
- Closed: Irregular (Check official Instagram for updates)
3. Deepen your Matcha Knowledge at a Long-Established Shop: Kyo No Chaan (Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store 4f)
The flagship store of Fukujuen, boasting over 230 years of history.
In the basement “Kyo no Chagura,” you can compare different Uji teas, enjoy matcha sweets at “Saryo FUKUCHA” on the 2nd floor, and learn various “tea ceremonies” at “Kyo no Chaan” on the 4th floor.
This is the perfect place for those who want to experience authentic tea ceremony practice or learn about different types of tea.
- Hours: 11:00-18:00 (Basement, 1F, 5F, 2F “FUKUCHA” L.O. 17:30, 4F “Kyo no Chaan” same)
- Closed: Wednesdays & New Year’s Day (3F closed Tue & Wed, 5F irregular)
- Fee/Reservation: Please check here for details and reservation methods for each experience
4. Casual Self-Experience: Gion Chikara (Grand Marble Gion Main Store 2f)
(Image source: Official website)
On the 2nd floor of Grand Marble Gion Main Store, “Gion Chikara” offers a “Tea Room Rental Plan” experience set where you can enjoy matcha in a “self-serve” style (preparing it yourself).
Even beginners can prepare tea while watching a video, making it easy to participate.
Enjoy a Kyoto-like moment where Japanese and Western styles blend by savoring it with the famous marble Danish.
Furthermore, if you use this plan, you can also take selfies in the courtyard garden, so be sure to capture a Kyoto-like photo.
This is recommended for those who want to casually but thoroughly experience the “Kyoto-ness.”
- Experience times: 11:00 / 12:30 / 14:00 / 15:30 / 17:00 (Each session about 30 minutes)
- Closed: None (May close temporarily)
- Fee: 1,870 yen
- Reservation: Advance reservation recommended (Same-day participation possible if space available)
- Reservation site for the “Tea Room Rental Plan” is here
5. Relax while Enjoying a Spectacular View: “Moan”
Cafe “Moan,” quietly nestled near the summit of Yoshida Mountain, is a cafe utilizing a building associated with Mojiro Tanigawa, a businessman and tea master from the Taisho era. Here, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets along with a spectacular view of Kyoto city.
The time spent savoring matcha and Japanese sweets while overlooking the panoramic view of Kyoto city is exceptional.
A “rewarding matcha time” that unfolds after climbing the mountain path.
- Hours: 12:00-17:00 (L.O. 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays (Open on holidays), closed during New Year’s and summer holidays
- Reservation: Advance reservation recommended as it’s a popular spot (Reservation site is here)
- Note: Generally no meal menu including light meals available
Comparison Chart | Kyoto Matcha Spots by Purpose
| Name | Features | Approximate fee (per person) | Time required | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanza | Healing experience with fresh green maple leaves and tranquility | ¥2,000 | About 30-45 minutes | Imakumano Kannonji Temple |
| NAKED NIWA | New experience of digital × matcha | From ¥1,500 | About 30 minutes | Directly connected to Kyoto Station |
| Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store 4F “Kyo no Chaan” | Authentic tea ceremony experience with thick tea and tea tasting | Matcha experience: ¥3,850 ※Varies depending on the plan | From about 30 minutes | Shijo Subway Station |
| Grand Marble Gion Main Store 2F “Gion Chikara” | Casual self-serve Danish | ¥1,870 | About 30 minutes | Near Gion-Shijo Station |
| Moan | Matcha experience at a scenic cafe | Around ¥1,000 | About 30 minutes | Near the summit of Yoshida Mountain |
Recommendations by Purpose
| Purpose | Recommended Spot |
|---|---|
| Want to be healed in tranquility | Kanza |
| Want to experience art and matcha | NAKED NIWA |
| Want to deepen tea knowledge / Learn authentic tea ceremony | Fukujuen Kyoto Main Store 4F “Kyo no Chaan” |
| Want to casually enjoy self-prepared matcha | Grand Marble Gion Main Store 2F “Gion Chikara” |
| Want to savor with a spectacular view | Moan |
Conclusion | Find your Own Matcha Time in Kyoto
The charms of Kyoto that can be enjoyed through matcha are truly diverse.
There are tea room experiences where you can surrender yourself to tranquility and nature, futuristic tea spaces enveloped in digital art, and authentic tea ceremony experiences where you can feel the wisdom and culture of long-established shops.
The five spots introduced this time each have different characteristics and attractions, forming a lineup that can be chosen according to your purpose.
Whether you want to casually drop by during sightseeing or savor it as a special experience, you’re sure to find the perfect way to enjoy matcha in Kyoto.
Why not take a step further into Kyoto’s matcha culture, especially now during the “matcha boom”?
