The matcha specialty cafe Satén has had a reputation among matcha lovers for its dedication to sourcing the best tea leaves for each drink. Nestled in a cosy little nook in Nishi-Ogikubo, Satén offers a nice selection of green tea, from lattes to desserts. Particularly recommended is their melt-in-your-mouth matcha pudding, a dessert which adds a nice touch of sweetness after the slightly bitter yet fragrant drinks. For those looking for a quick morning bite with their matcha, an (red bean) butter toast and ham sandwiches are also available on their breakfast menu. Satén also sells tea leaves and matcha powder for those who want to satisfy their tea cravings at home.

Satén
https://saten.jp
3-25-9 Shoan, Suginami-ku
167-0054 Tokyo
+81 (0)3 6754 8866

Kinozen closed its doors on September 30, 2022

Kinozen was the first place to come up with the idea of Matcha Babaroa, or Bavarois (Bavarian cream, a dessert made from milk thickened with eggs and gelatin). Located in the Kagurazaka neighborhood, Kinozen is a Japanese dessert (wagashi) shop with a selection ranging from the more traditional such as shiratama (mochi balls) in red bean to that of the matcha bavarois. The brilliance of this dessert lies in the hint of matcha bitterness enveloping a smooth milky creamy texture, paired with a dollop of fresh cream and sweet anko (red bean paste).

Simple yet delicious, this is a dessert that leaves you craving for more. During Tokyo’s hot summers, Kinozen’s menu expands to include kakigori (shaved ice desserts), including a matcha version topped with shiratama, a perfect solution for those wanting to escape from the heat. Takeout is also available for the matcha bavarois in case just one isn’t enough.

Kinozen
http://www.kinozen.co.jp
1-12 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku
162-0825 Tokyo
+81 (0)3 3269 2920

Ippuku&Matcha in Nihonbashi is a little cafe with terrace seating nestled in the midst of some Tokyo skyscrapers. The Matcha Terrine takes the cake (pun intended). With a soft, chocolatey melt-in-your-mouth texture with a strong punch of matcha, the terrine is a perfect snack by itself, or, if you’re looking for a mid-afternoon snack, a brilliant complement to the matcha beer. Fruity yet bitter with a slight tinge of sweetness, the beer ends with a strong matcha aftertaste. After an initial confusion on the taste buds, the smooth concoction is a brilliant find for those looking for something beyond the usual matcha lattes.

Apart from this alcoholic option, Ippuku&Matcha also offers fruity flavors such as peach and lemon matcha, along with lattes topped with a customizable number of matcha shots. For those seeking a different experience, book beforehand for access to their hidden matcha experience, which takes place in the back room behind a mirror, a little space that gives off speakeasy vibes. You can enjoy a modern tea room experience while sitting comfortably at the bar table here, complete with a fresh matcha drink made in front of you, and a mini dessert.

Ippuku&Matcha
https://ippukuandmatcha.jp
Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower 1F
2-1-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo-ku
103-0022 Tokyo
+81 (0)3 6262 3224

Hidden in one of the alleys at Tsukiji is Matcha Stand Maruni. Maruni’s grab-and-go matcha latte is simple, but it's a great find for those who prefer a no-frills (iced) matcha latte. With the traditional chasen (a bamboo whisk used in traditional tea making) and a lot of whisking, Maruni’s matcha latte creates a beautiful swirl when poured into the milk, perfect for those who love that pop of color and the highly photogenic. The iced version also brings a much-needed respite after a long walk around Tsukiji, regardless of weather. For a double-tea experience, try their hojicha latte (roasted tea) along with the matcha latte to get a taste of green tea in a different form. I promise you won’t regret it.

Matcha Stand Maruni Tokyo Tsukiji
https://matchastandmaruni.com
4-14-18 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku
104-0045 Tokyo
+81 (0)3 6254 3835

Matcha or Sencha? A Green Tea Primer
https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/4687/

7 Matcha Sweets to Die for in Kyoto!
https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/3484/