Best Matcha & Tea in Tokyo
51 spots I vetted myself across the city, the ones I'd actually send you to.
Matcha in Tokyo goes far beyond the latte. There's the ceremonial side, a proper bowl of whisked tea in a garden tea house, and the dessert side, where the city's pastry culture turns matcha into some of the best ice cream, parfaits and wagashi sweets anywhere. The good stops range from centuries-old tea shops to modern cafes that grade their matcha like wine.
Where to find matcha & tea in Tokyo
My matcha & tea picks cluster in Roppongi & Toranomon (14), Ginza (11), Harajuku & Omotesando (5), Shibuya (4), Asakusa (3) and Tokyo Station & Marunouchi (3). Tap a neighborhood for the full rundown.
The list
The full guide names all 51 matcha & tea spots, each with the nearest station and exit, what to order and the reservation reality. The names and exact directions open in the full guide.
Matcha & Tea in Tokyo: frequently asked questions
Where can I try real matcha in Tokyo?
Traditional tea houses in and around the city's Japanese gardens serve a proper whisked bowl with a sweet, while specialist cafes and old tea merchants offer graded matcha, matcha desserts and takeaway. This guide points to specific spots for each.
What is the difference between matcha grades?
Ceremonial-grade matcha is smoother and less bitter, meant to be whisked and drunk on its own; culinary grade is stronger and made for lattes, ice cream and baking. Good cafes will tell you which they use and often let you choose.
What is a matcha parfait?
A layered Japanese dessert of matcha ice cream, whipped cream, sweet beans, mochi, jelly and cake or cornflakes in a tall glass. It's a Tokyo cafe staple and one of the best ways to enjoy matcha as a treat.