How to Plan a Trip
Where to buy matcha 
Matcha in Tokyo 
Mindful consumption 
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Looking to drink and buy matcha in Tokyo, Japan? This guide has got you covered!
Tokyo might not be the birthplace of matcha (that honor belongs to Kyoto and its nearby city of Uji), but it’s the city where old traditions and modern matcha cafe culture collide.
As Japan’s most visited city, Tokyo has no shortage of amazing shops to sip, taste, and buy matcha, even during the current matcha shortage.
Where to Buy Matcha in Tokyo
Let’s kick off this guide with my top picks for where to buy matcha in Tokyo. This list encompasses everything from traditional teahouses and trendy matcha cafes to small family-owned tea shops.
- Ippodo Tea: Best for ceremonial-grade tins. In 2025, most locations have a limit of 1 tin per person. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a traditional matcha. There are a number of different Ippodo shops and stalls across the city.
- Ikedaya Teastore (Shinjuku Station): Located inside Shinjuku Station, this shop is my go-to for both powders and soft serve. They stock excellent, lesser-known matcha brands (though stock has been more limited in 2025), and their matcha soft serve is not to be missed.
- Isodaen Sugamoten: A little further from central Tokyo, but absolutely worth the trip if you want to stock up on premium powders at excellent quality.
- Tsukasaen Tea Stall: A small, family-run stall where you can find a well-curated selection of both popular and lesser-known matcha brands. It’s cash only, so bring yen with you.
- Ginza Loft: A reliable department store spot for matcha powders. The quality isn’t the highest, but they usually have a well-stocked assortment with no purchase limits.
- 巣鴨のお茶屋さん 山年園 (Sugamo Tea Stall): A small but incredible tea stall in Sugamo, often stocking the famous Maruyuku Koyamen. Their selection changes daily, so check their TikTok for updates and arrive at opening; they sell out quickly.
- Department Store Basements: Department store basements often stock high-quality packaged matcha. Meidi-ya Kyobashi Store is a great department store to check out!
- Kappabashi Street: While this area is known for kitchenware, not matcha powder, it’s great for tea tools — bowls, bamboo whisks, and scoops.
Classic Matcha Tea Houses
Ippodo Tea Co. (丸の内店)
Founded in Kyoto in the early 18th century, Ippodo is one of the most respected names in Japanese tea. Their Tokyo outpost is just as special. You can sit down for a tasting flight, where our staff guides you through different grades of matcha, or you can grab a cup to go.
If they have matcha powders in stock, definitely grab some. I love the Iyuko as a daily drinking matcha, but Ummon is great if you’re willing to splurge a bit.
Wasachi
A beautiful space to sit down and drink matcha in a calm, refined atmosphere. A wonderful place to slow down and experience matcha as it’s meant to be enjoyed.
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Modern Matcha Cafés
Hatoya Asakusa
One of the best spots in Tokyo for a modern matcha latte. Be sure to order yours with gelato and mochi added; it’s easily one of the best lattes you’ll ever try.
They also sell their own matcha powders, which is perfect if you want to recreate the experience at home.
The Matcha Tokyo
With locations all over the city, The Matcha Tokyo has quickly become one of my favorite casual stops. The drinks are fun and approachable, with lattes made from organic Uji matcha.
Their powders are on the pricier side, so I mainly recommend stopping in for a latte or matcha-based sweet treat. Perfect when you want something high-quality and easy to find.
The Shibuya location makes a great mid-day stop between shopping.
Ippuku & Matcha
Another modern, design-forward cafe serving delicious matcha lattes. I love that they offer oat milk as a milk option, perfect for those who are dairy-free.
Great for those who want a fresh, contemporary take on traditional matcha, in a beautiful space.
Atelier Matcha
Known for their oat milk matcha lattes, Atelier Matcha is easily one of the best matcha lattes in Tokyo.
You alo have the option of doing a matcha tasting with their premium blends. What’s a better Tokyo experience for the matcha lovers?
They sell a small, limited selection of powders daily — but you’ll need to line up before opening if you want to grab one. Limited to 2 tins per person.
Cloud Club
Located in the popular Ginza neighborhood, Cloud Club is a small walk-up stand serving other matcha and hojicha lattes. Their matchas offer a super generous serving matcha (at least 6g), so I recommend eating something first, as that much matcha can be heavy on an empty stomach.
They add a lot of sweetener by default, so if you prefer unsweetened matcha like me, make sure to call that out!
Nakamura Tokichi
You’ll find multiple locations of this popular matcha shop across Tokyo, including locations in Ginza and in Minato City, by the Tokyo Tower.
They offer both matcha lattes and matcha desserts, like parfaits and matcha soft serve.
This is a great place to purchase matcha powderrs as well.
Matcha Desserts & Sweets
Nanaya Aoyama Store
A must-visit for matcha lovers. They’re famous for offering matcha gelato in multiple intensities of matcha, from light to extra-rich.
A fun way to experience the depth of matcha flavor with a sweet treat!
Suzukien Asakusa
Suzukien is famous for serving “the world’s strongest matcha gelato.” You can choose from seven levels of intensity, from mildly sweet to bold and bitter. Levels 6 and 7 are only for serious matcha fans, but they’re worth trying.
Suzukien is located right by the famous Senso-ji Temple, so you it’s the perfect treat after sightseeing.
Nana’s Green Tea
This is a reliable chain you’ll spot all over Tokyo. It’s not traditional, but the desserts are yummy. Try the matcha tiramisu or matcha parfait.
Tokyo Matcha in 2025
As of 2025, matcha is experiencing a global shortage. Demand has exploded globally due to social media, wellness trends, and a spike in tourism to Japan, and supply is struggling to keep up. Kyoto and other matcha-producing regions have also been hit with extreme heat, which has impacted the amount of matcha tea farmers are yielding.
To be a more responsible matcha consumer, here are a few ways to enjoy and purchase while supporting sustainability and fair supply:
- Only buy what you can consume: buy smaller amounts of high-quality matcha. Matcha is best when consumed fresh, so buying too much risks your powder going stale or oxidizing.
- Respect limits: many shops across Tokyo and the rest of Japan have implemented limits on the number of tins you can purchase per person. This is often limited to 1-2 tins of matcha per person from a given shop.
- Support authentic producers: while this note is more applicable to those shopping online, it is super important to shop from authentic matcha producers rather than supporting online resellers.
Try other Japanese teas: don’t be afraid to try other popular Japanese teas. I personally love hojicha, matcha’s roasted, creamy sister. Hojicha is a great alternative when you’re looking for something with less caffeine.
Buying Matcha in Tokyo: What to Look For
Quality: Some shops may offer a ceremonial grade, a newer term to describe matcha picked in the first harvest, a powder with the highest quality. Regardless of the classification, you’ll want to look for matcha, that is bright green in color.
Packaging: Small tins or bags (20-40g) are better for freshness if you don’t plan to enjoy your matcha daily, while larger bags (50-100g) typically offer the best value.
Storage: Keep your matcha sealed airtight, away from light and heat. Once a matcha tin is opened, it should be consumed in 4-6 weeks for optimal freshness and stored in the refrigerator.
Matcha in Tokyo FAQs
Can I bring matcha home on the plane?
Yes! You can absolutely travel home on the plane with matcha from Tokyo. Try to keep the matcha out of direct sun while traveling. Once you’re home, I recommend keeping all of your matcha in the fridge to extend the shelf life.
Is matcha in Tokyo cheaper than abroad?
Yes, while we’ve seen prices increases for matcha across the board in 2025, matcha is still considerably cheaper in Japan than abroad. I typically spend $6-7 USD (¥1000) for a standard 30g matcha tin. I’ve purchased 100g tins of great matcha for as little as $13.50 USD (¥2000)
Which matcha powders should I avoid in Tokyo?
Skip matcha powders sold at large chain stores like Don Quijote or anything pre-mixed with milk or sweeteners if you’re after authentic, high-quality matcha. These blends are convenient, but they won’t give you the true taste of pure matcha.
