Our Top Choices for Tokyo Matcha Shops and Tea Houses
Curated by Hypemaps Team
While coffee and cafe culture has become widespread across Japan, matcha has seen a "Third Wave" resurgence in the recent decade, thanks to importers, travelers and a general understanding of the health benefits of the traditional brew. Nevertheless, the matcha scene in Tokyo is bigger than ever. While matcha can be quite intimidating for newcomers to Tokyo, we visited a selection of locations recommended by our local and native friends around the city and picked our favorites. Some are more approachable and casual, while others are elegant, refined and premier in feeling. The spots include a wide variety of tea drinks and lattes, as well as a large offering of desserts and sweets that are regarded as a more modern take on traditional green tea offerings.
Located in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Uehara neighborhood, Ippuku and Matcha Uehara offers a minimalist space dedicated to high-quality matcha. The subdued interior emphasizes natural materials, creating a tranquil setting for tea appreciation. We recommend the matcha tiramisu, perfect with its paired syrup topping.
ATELIER MATCHA is the most modern on our list and presents a contemporary take on traditional matcha. The shop specializes in matcha drinks infused with unique ingredients, such as matcha espresso tonics and hojicha lattes.
Kagurazaka Saryō is a tea house that blends Japanese aesthetics with modern café culture, known for its matcha-based desserts and ice creams. The interior features tatami seating and wooden furnishings, offering a calm retreat from the busy streets.
HIGASHIYA GINZA, positioned in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, blends matcha with traditional Japanese confectionery. The interior is designed with a modern take on Japanese aesthetics, featuring soft lighting and elegant wooden furnishings. The smaller portions and modest menu is perfect for a casual tea time with a friend.
Bozu n’ Coffee, located atop of Shōunji Temple, offers an unusual combination of matcha, coffee, and Buddhist-inspired aesthetics. The interior incorporates Buddhist motifs, creating a space that encourages reflection and calm. Definitely a spot high on the list of travelers and locals who are looking for jaw-dropping aesthetics.
6.
safn°
safn° is both a modern restaurant as well as a fully-built out cafe in The Share Hotels in Sumida City. Whether you come here for food or drinks, the menu offers options to cater all, but we were mostly drawn towards the matcha-based drinks and desserts.
Originally located in Kyoto’s Takatsuji area, Saryo Suisen also has a Shinjuku Tokyo location that specializes in matcha and Japanese sweets. The matcha warabi mochi, a soft and chewy confection, is a highlight on the menu – perfect for those who are curious of traditional matcha desserts with a modern take and atmosphere.
8.
Chanoha
Chanoha focuses on artisanal matcha and handcrafted wagashi (Japanese confectionaries), in a refined and elegant atmosphere befitting of its Ginza location. Choose from a variety of tea brews in one of the most educational and informed locations on our list.
Chachabiyori, a small tea shop in Kokobunji, serves a selection of matcha drinks and Japanese confectionery for a perfect pairing of bitter and sweetness. The quiet atmosphere and traditional decor make it a spot for those seeking a relaxed tea experience.
Kantan-na Yume, located in west Shibuya, is a tea house with a focus on simplicity and seasonal matcha offerings. One of the highlights is the matcha shaved ice, as well as their selections of mochi-wrapped fruit sweets. The intimate space is designed with a minimalist approach, emphasizing quiet enjoyment of tea.