5 Must-Know Japanese Green Tea Shops in Kyoto
As you may know, the production areas known as Japan’s 3 Best Green Tea are Uji, Shizuoka, and Sayama.
Among them, Uji (宇治) is a city in Kyoto Prefecture, where unique tea culture has developed over centuries of history.
Today, there are many green tea shops in Kyoto and Uji Cities, and each boasts its Ryokucha.
Out of them, today I will introduce 5 Japanese green tea shops you must know.
Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Image: Wikipedia
First, Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗) is a green tea shop established in 1717 in Kyoto City.
The shop got its name from a member of the Imperial Family in 1846 and is now considered one of Japan’s most prestigious tea shops.
Shop Information
- Address: 52 Tokiwagi-Cho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto City (MAP)
- Open through the week: 9:00 to 18:00
Ryuouen Chaho (柳桜園茶舗)
Image: kyoto.graphic.co.jp
Ryuouen Chaho (柳桜園茶舗) is a tea shop that opened in 1875, known for its Matcha green tea leaves favored by famous schools, such as San-Senke (三千家).
Another recommendation of this shop is the roasted green tea called Karigane Hojicha (かりがねほうじ茶), which features an outstandingly good aroma.
Shop Information
- Address: 690 Nishiiruchoujiya-Cho, Nijo-Dori-Gokomachi, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto City (MAP)
- Open: 9:00 to 18:00
- Closed: Sundays
Takemura Gyokusuien Honpo (竹村玉翠園本舗)
Image: leafkyoto.net
Takemura Gyokusuien Honpo (竹村玉翠園本舗) is a green tea shop that’s been in business since 1914, known for its Uji-Cha leaves harvested in Kyoto.
The shop is also recognized for the sweets occasionally featured by the media, such as Ujikin Ice Monaka (宇治金アイスモナカ) and Matcha-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Shop Information
- Address: 13 Shogoinsanno-Cho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto City (MAP)
- Open: 9:00 to 19:00
- Closed: Sundays
Marukyu Koyamaen (丸久小山園)
Image: getnews.jp
Founded about 300 years ago in the Uji region of Kyoto, Marukyu Koyamaen (丸久小山園) is known for its Uji-Cha leaves.
Their green tea is highly regarded and has won awards many times.
Shop Information
- Address: Nishigawa, Nishinotouin-Dori, Oike-Sagaru, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto City (MAP)
- Open: 9:30 to 18:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten (上林春松本店)
Image: ayataka.jp
Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten (上林春松本店), located in Uji City, is also one of Japan’s most prestigious green tea shops with about 450 years of history.
The shop had many connections with famous historical characters in the old days. And today, it carries various products ranging from luxurious to inexpensive.
Shop Information
- Address: 38 Ujimyoraku, Uji City (MAP)
- Open: 9:00 to 18:00
