Hi, I’m Eiryu.
In August 2025, I visited the UNESCO World Heritage site Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto with my family.
Around the temple, there are many wonderful matcha shops, and I’d like to share some of my personal recommendations based on my own experience!
Right in front of the entrance of Byodo-in Temple, you’ll find a shop that sells 100% Uji matcha tea leaves. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for genuine, high-quality tea leaves to take home.
The shop also has a café where you can enjoy matcha ice cream, shaved ice, and traditional Japanese sweets.
I tried the matcha ice cream, topped with a sprinkle of matcha powder. It wasn’t too sweet and had a deep, rich flavor of authentic matcha — delicious!
Located just across the street from Byodo-in, this famous shop offers an incredible variety of matcha products. From Japanese sweets, cookies, soba noodles, and even curry and pasta, everything is infused with matcha!
If you want to buy matcha-based products rather than tea leaves, this is the best place.
I tried their Uji Matcha Cheesecake, and it was amazing — creamy texture with a rich blend of matcha and cheese. You can buy it by the slice, so it’s easy to match the quantity with the number of friends or family. It can also be stored at room temperature, making it a perfect souvenir.
Just down the same street, you’ll find Supermarket Apro. Don’t overlook this spot! Inside, there’s a section dedicated to matcha products, where you can buy local snacks and drinks that people in Uji actually enjoy every day — at supermarket prices.
Matcha KitKat and Ayataka Matcha Latte a super recommended! You may even spot matcha highballs and many other fun matcha treats.
Compared to specialty shops, this may not be “authentic matcha,” but if you want to buy a lot of souvenirs at reasonable prices, this is a great option.
Near the intersection by Ujibashi Bridge, there’s a unique matcha shop owned by a Swiss owner!
Inside, you can actually watch the stone-milling process of matcha. For just 100 yen, you can enjoy a cup of cold green tea.
The shop also sells authentic matcha tools such as bowls and whisks, perfect for anyone who wants to try making matcha at home.
I tried the cold green tea, which had a slight sweetness — refreshing and perfect for drinking while strolling through Uji.
Right in front of the temple entrance, there’s a Starbucks with a traditional Japanese-style design. Despite depending on the season, you can also try matcha drinks and sweets here.
Not matcha, but my personal favorite store! They sell premium umeboshi (pickled plums) that were once presented to feudal lords, modern plum wine, and — best of all — refreshing plum juice.
You can dilute it with water at home for a sweet and revitalizing drink. My family agreed it was our best buy from this trip. Free tastings are available, so be sure to try it!
If you’re visiting Uji and Byodo-in Temple, don’t miss these amazing matcha shops and local stores. They’re perfect for trying authentic flavors, picking up souvenirs, or just enjoying a delicious treat during your trip!
