Uji Matcha Sweets: Sweet Delights of the Tea Town

Uji matcha sweets are matcha filled treats born in Uji, one of the foremost tea towns of Japan. Tea making in Uji is said to date back to the Kamakura era, and fine matcha has been nurtured over its long history. The parfaits, jellies, and soft serve made by old tea houses harmonize a rich bitterness with sweetness beautifully.

Highlights

- The matcha parfait is a dish full of matcha jelly, soft serve, and bean paste - Enjoy the sweets alongside a cup of matcha prepared by an old tea house - Settings that pair with historic scenery such as the Uji River and Uji Bridge

Enjoying the Seasons

Early summer, the season of new tea, is when Uji is at its liveliest. You can enjoy the fresh aroma of new tea, while summer brings chilled matcha shaved ice and the colder months bring warm matcha sweets, so the flavors shift through the year.

Access and Basic Information

- Area: famous shops gather along the Uji Bridge shopping street and the Uji River - Access: old tea houses dot the area within walking distance of JR or Keihan Uji stations - How to enjoy: some shops let you experience preparing authentic matcha along with sweets

A Quick Tip

Popular shops can form lines, so the early morning is a good target. Combining a visit with sights such as Byodoin makes for a full and satisfying day.