The Complete Guide to Tsujiri Uji Main Store: Matcha Cafe and Souvenirs in Uji, Kyoto

The Complete Guide to Tsujiri Uji Main Store: Matcha Cafe and Souvenirs in Uji, Kyoto

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Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP
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If you are visiting Uji in Kyoto, Tsujiri Uji Main Store is an unmissable stop where you can enjoy authentic matcha.
With more than 165 years of history, this long-established main store carries on the tradition of Uji tea and offers its distinctive flavors in an approachable way through matcha sweets and authentic tea.
Uji is known as the home of Uji tea, one of Japan’s most famous premium teas.
It is also home to major sightseeing spots, including the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple, making it a wonderful place to experience tea culture while exploring the area.
This article introduces in detail the matcha cafe, popular menu items, and souvenirs you can enjoy at Tsujiri Uji Main Store.
Be sure to stop by during your visit to Uji and treat yourself to authentic matcha.

What Is Tsujiri, the Long-Established Uji Tea Brand?

Uji tea is one of Japan’s most celebrated premium teas.
The person who elevated its quality and reputation was Riemon Tsuji, the founder of Tsujiri.
In the final years of the Edo period, he worked tirelessly to revive Uji tea when it was in decline, promoting technical innovation and improving production methods.
Among his major achievements were establishing the production method for gyokuro, which is still known today as a premium tea, and developing tea chests that allowed tea to be transported while preserving its quality.
The quality and trust in Uji tea built through these efforts continue to be carried on by Tsujiri Uji Main Store today.

Statue of Riemon Tsuji, the great figure who helped shape the development of Uji tea
Statue of Riemon Tsuji, the great figure who helped shape the development of Uji tea
The tea chests devised by Riemon made it possible to transport tea while preserving its quality.
The tea chests devised by Riemon made it possible to transport tea while preserving its quality.

What Is Tsujiri Uji Main Store Like in Uji, Kyoto?

Tsujiri Uji Main Store is the main store of Tsujiri, a long-established Uji tea brand with more than 165 years of history.
In addition to selling traditional Uji tea, it also features an attached tea salon where visitors can enjoy matcha sweets.
It is located about a 5-minute walk from Uji Station on the JR Nara Line.
Set along Ujibashi-dori, which leads to the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple, it is easy to stop by while sightseeing.
Inside the shop, you will find Uji tea, matcha, and sweets, while farther inside there is a calm tea salon space overlooking an inner garden.
Another part of its charm is the chance to enjoy a relaxing tea break while taking in the scenery of the four seasons.

The brilliant white noren entrance curtain
The brilliant white noren entrance curtain
A space where Japanese tradition and modern style are in harmony
A space where Japanese tradition and modern style are in harmony

3 Reasons to Visit Tsujiri Uji Main Store in Uji, Kyoto

At Tsujiri Uji Main Store, which has more than 165 years of history, you can enjoy the appeal of Uji tea in many different ways.
Here are three highlights you should be sure to experience when you visit.

1. A Tea Salon Where You Can Enjoy Matcha Sweets

Tsujiri Uji Main Store has an attached tea salon where you can enjoy matcha and matcha sweets.
Tsujiri has three locations in Kyoto.
Among them, the only place where you can enjoy authentic matcha and a cafe menu devoted to matcha in a tea salon is Tsujiri Uji Main Store, so it is well worth trying.
Here, you can fully enjoy Tsujiri’s proud matcha through menu items such as popular parfaits and tea sweets.
There are also menu items you can enjoy together with matcha or hojicha, allowing you to experience the depth of Uji tea’s flavor.

The interior overlooks the inner garden, with terrace seating beyond.
The interior overlooks the inner garden, with terrace seating beyond.

2. Authentic Uji Tea Preserved by a Long-Established Tea House

Tsujiri is an essential name in the history of Uji tea.
At Tsujiri Uji Main Store, the lineage of Riemon Tsuji, who devoted himself to the development of Uji tea, lives on, and the traditional production methods continue to be preserved. Why has it remained beloved across generations?
The answer lies in the high reputation of the matcha itself.
Its quality is created by tea masters, professionals who can judge the three key elements of tea-aroma, flavor, and color-and who gather and blend teas one by one in balanced combinations.
In addition, by grinding the leaves with traditional stone mills, the aroma of the tea leaves and their vivid green color are preserved while creating fine particles.
Once you take a sip, you will likely be surprised by its flavor and depth.

You can experience mellow matcha with a smooth texture.
You can experience mellow matcha with a smooth texture.

3. Luxurious Time Spent Looking Out on the Garden

The building, originally a traditional townhouse, has been renovated.
The result is a calm design where classic Japanese style and modern elements are beautifully balanced.
The attached tea salon has a total of 14 tables, including both indoor seating and terrace seating.
At the back is a small garden, where the scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh greenery in spring to colorful leaves in autumn.
Being able to enjoy tea while taking in Kyoto’s four seasons during a break from sightseeing in Uji is a true pleasure.

Terrace seating is recommended on sunny days.
Terrace seating is recommended on sunny days.
A graceful bamboo water spout in the garden
A graceful bamboo water spout in the garden

Popular Matcha Cafe Menu Items to Try at Tsujiri Uji Main Store

At the tea salon of Tsujiri Uji Main Store, you can enjoy sweets and tea that make the most of matcha’s appeal.
Here are some especially popular menu items worth trying.

The Most Popular Matcha Parfait at Tsujiri Uji Main Store | Matcha ni Somaru Parfait

Above all, the one item you will want to try in the tea salon is the matcha parfait made with an abundance of the finest matcha.
It is the tea salon’s most popular item, and many visitors come specifically for it.
Among the parfaits, the most popular is Matcha ni Somaru Parfait.
It is an exquisite creation made with no fewer than 12 ingredients, including matcha and milk jelly, matcha ice cream, and a rich matcha paste, all generously showcasing Tsujiri’s prized matcha.

The most popular Matcha ni Somaru Parfait
The most popular Matcha ni Somaru Parfait
Matcha with a rich yet gentle mellowness
Matcha with a rich yet gentle mellowness

If you love matcha, this is a menu item you should try at least once, as it lets you enjoy intensely rich matcha.
Any concern that rich matcha might simply be bitter disappears right away.
It is certainly rich and does have a slight bitterness, but the overall balance is exquisite, with a mellow, smooth texture and the natural sweetness of tea itself.
The arare rice crackers and shiratama dumplings between the layers add an appealing accent and deepen the flavor.

A Popular Menu Item That Lets You Enjoy Matcha Sweets All at Once | Tsujiri Plate

Next up is a luxurious plate that lets you enjoy Tsujiri’s popular sweets all at once.
It is a fun set menu featuring an assortment of sweets such as the matcha roll cake Kyo Koi Cha Roll, the popular souvenir item Kyomachiya Cake, and matcha ice cream.
The plate also comes with either matcha or hojicha, so you can enjoy the tea itself as well.
It is recommended for those who want to sample a variety of flavors little by little.

A delightful plate that makes it hard to choose what to eat first
A delightful plate that makes it hard to choose what to eat first
Served with gently sweet matcha sugar
Served with gently sweet matcha sugar

4 Popular Matcha Souvenirs You Can Buy at Tsujiri Uji Main Store in Uji, Kyoto

At Tsujiri Uji Main Store, you will find a wide selection of souvenirs, including tea and matcha sweets.
Here are some popular products that let you enjoy the flavor of Uji tea at home as well.

1. Kyorangu

Kyorangu is a langue de chat cookie sandwich filled with the aroma of matcha and is one of Tsujiri’s long-selling products. The crisp cookies are filled with matcha chocolate, giving them a light and pleasant texture. It is especially popular with international visitors and is also well received as a souvenir.

Individually wrapped, making it ideal for souvenirs
Individually wrapped, making it ideal for souvenirs

2. Kyomachiya Cake

This Kyoto confection combines mochi and cake for a unique new texture. Soft genoise sponge is sandwiched with an ultra-thin layer of mochi.
Combined with matcha ganache containing azuki beans from Tokachi, it becomes a delicious treat with an exquisite balance.

A sweet inspired by Kyoto’s traditional row houses
A sweet inspired by Kyoto’s traditional row houses
The three layers create an enjoyable texture.
The three layers create an enjoyable texture.

3. Kyomukashi Matcha

This is a popular product also used in the matcha served at Tsujiri shops.
It is a high-grade usucha matcha with a refined sharp finish within its rich umami.
Its fragrant and mellow flavor makes it possible to enjoy authentic matcha at home as well.

Small and lightweight at 30 g, making it perfect as a souvenir.
Small and lightweight at 30 g, making it perfect as a souvenir.

4. Uji Matcha Green Tea

This powdered drink type makes it easy to prepare a matcha drink even without a chasen bamboo whisk.
Simply dissolve it in milk and you have a matcha latte.
Available in both sweetened and unsweetened versions, it is popular as an easy way to enjoy authentic matcha at home.

Enjoy matcha drinks with ease.
Enjoy matcha drinks with ease.

Access to Tsujiri Uji Main Store

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line from platforms 8, 9, or 10 and get off at Uji Station.
From the south exit of Uji Station, head down Ujibashi-dori and you will arrive in about 5 minutes on foot.
It is also close to sightseeing spots such as Phoenix Hall at Byodoin Temple and Uji Bridge, making it easy to stop by while sightseeing in Uji.

Kisen Bridge, about an 8-minute walk from Tsujiri Uji Main Store
Kisen Bridge, about an 8-minute walk from Tsujiri Uji Main Store

3 Tsujiri Sister Shops Near Tsujiri Uji Main Store

In addition to Tsujiri Uji Main Store, there are other Tsujiri shops in Kyoto and Osaka where you can enjoy Tsujiri’s Uji tea and matcha sweets. Here are three sister shops that are easy to stop by during sightseeing or while traveling.

1. Tsujiri Kyoto Gion

Located on Gion’s main street, Tsujiri Kyoto Gion is easy to access and convenient to stop by while sightseeing.
In the eating spaces on the first and second floors, you can enjoy sweets and drinks made with carefully selected matcha, including matcha soft serve and matcha latte.

You can enjoy matcha sweets in a calm Japanese-style setting.
You can enjoy matcha sweets in a calm Japanese-style setting.
Address
215 Nakanocho, Shijo-dori-yamato-ojinishiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Google Maps
Business Hours
11:30am - 6:30pm
Closed
Irregular holidays

2. Tsujiri Kyoto Tower Sando

Located on the first floor of Kyoto Tower Sando, right in front of Kyoto Station and inside one of Kyoto’s landmarks, this is an easy and convenient shop to visit.
In addition to selling popular rusks that are perfect as souvenirs, it also offers many appealing menu items for enjoying matcha, such as Tsujiri Soft, a matcha soft serve, and Kyo Latte, a matcha-based drink.

A shop along Shijo-dori that is easy to stop by during sightseeing in Gion
A shop along Shijo-dori that is easy to stop by during sightseeing in Gion
Address
KYOTO TOWER SANDO 1F 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Google Maps
Business Hours
10:00am - 9:00pm
Closed
In accordance with the facility’s business days

3. Tsujiri arde! Shin-Osaka

This shop is located inside arde! Shin-Osaka at JR Shin-Osaka Station.
After passing through the Shinkansen ticket gates, head up to the second floor.
Souvenir products such as rusks and langue de chat cookies with a rich matcha flavor are especially popular.
There is also a small counter eat-in space where you can enjoy drinks and sweets unique to Tsujiri.

Directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station, making it easy to stop by before or after travel
Directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station, making it easy to stop by before or after travel
Address
arde! SHIN-OSAKA, Shin-Osaka Station 2F 5-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Google Maps
Business Hours
9:00am - 9:00pm (drinks served from 10:00 am)
Closed
Follows the facility schedule

4 Tsujiri Souvenirs Available Throughout Japan

Tsujiri products can be purchased not only at Tsujiri Uji Main Store, but also at supermarkets and drugstores throughout Japan.
Many of these products let you enjoy authentic matcha simply by dissolving them in water or milk, making it easy to enjoy Uji tea at home or at work.
Here are four especially popular products.

1. Matcha Milk

Matcha Milk is a delicious drink you can prepare instantly just by dissolving it in water or hot water.
Because it uses milk from Hokkaido, you can enjoy mellow matcha milk even without adding extra milk. It is a classic long-selling product, and its easy-to-drink taste makes it very popular with children as well.

Its ease of use, even dissolving in cold water, makes it popular.
Its ease of use, even dissolving in cold water, makes it popular.

2. Matcha Milk Okoi Cha Jitate

This is a rich version of the very popular Matcha Milk series.
It offers a luxurious taste made with twice the usual amount of carefully selected matcha chosen by tea masters.
It is a product matcha lovers should definitely try.

The rich umami of matcha stands out, with a pleasantly bittersweet depth.
The rich umami of matcha stands out, with a pleasantly bittersweet depth.

3. Matcha Latte

This is a stick-type matcha latte that becomes delicious instantly just by dissolving it in water or hot water.
Each stick is individually wrapped, making it easy to use and convenient to keep on hand at places such as the office.
Its popularity comes from how quick and easy it is to prepare-just add 140 ml of water or hot water and stir.

You can easily enjoy a matcha latte even while out and about.
You can easily enjoy a matcha latte even while out and about.

4. Saratto Tokeru Matcha

This powder dissolves well in water or milk, making it easy to enjoy authentic matcha or a matcha latte.
Because it is unsweetened and contains no sugar, it works not only for drinks but also for a wide range of arrangements.
It is also ideal for cooking and baking, so it is recommended for many different uses.

A quick and easy way to enjoy matcha with an easy-to-dissolve powder
A quick and easy way to enjoy matcha with an easy-to-dissolve powder
Enjoy creating your own favorite variations.
Enjoy creating your own favorite variations.

Summary

Matcha has become extremely popular in recent years, and among the best places to truly savor the deliciousness of authentic matcha itself is Tsujiri Uji Main Store.
Here, you can easily experience the flavor of Uji tea preserved by a long-established shop for more than 160 years through matcha sweets and authentic tea.
The bitterness, mellow texture, smooth finish, and sweetness are all of exceptional quality, and you are sure to have a truly outstanding matcha experience.
With the relaxing tea salon overlooking the garden, the wide variety of tea, and the enjoyment of choosing souvenirs, it is a place you will definitely want to visit when sightseeing in Uji.