19Matcha isn’t just an ordinary green tea drink—it’s a deeply rooted part of Japanese culture and tradition. Made from finely ground high-quality green tea leaves, matcha has a distinct flavor: gently bitter, slightly sweet, and sometimes savory. It’s no wonder Japan is considered the true home of matcha. If you’re a die-hard matcha fan, you won't want to miss these cities in Japan known for their authentic matcha experiences. Check out these five matcha havens for matcha enthusiasts!
Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture is known as the ‘matcha capital’ of Japan. According to Travel Japan, Uji was the first place where matcha green tea leaves were cultivated seriously. No surprise, then, that matcha and Uji are inseparable. Many even say that the best matcha comes from Uji, with unmatched quality.
During the first week of October, the city hosts the Uji Tea Festival at Koshoji Temple. At this festival, monks offer matcha to sacred statues in the temple as a form of reverence. Visitors can also participate in the ceremony and experience the spiritual side of Japanese tea traditions.
To get to Uji from Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line and get off at Uji Station. The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the train type—local trains are slightly slower than rapid services.
Located at the southern tip of Kyushu Island, Kagoshima has become one of Japan’s largest tea production centers, including matcha. Thanks to its warm sub-tropical climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, Kagoshima offers ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality tea.
Kagoshima matcha stands out for its tea leaf varieties like Saemidori and Yutaka Midori, which produce a sweeter flavor and vibrant green color. The region’s focus on organic farming also makes Kagoshima a top choice for global consumers seeking premium organic matcha.
Aside from matcha, visitors to Kagoshima can explore various destinations with stunning natural sights like Sengan-en Garden and Mount Sakurajima.
If you’re traveling to Kagoshima from major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Hiroshima, you can take the Kyushu Shinkansen. This train connects directly to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, the city’s main gateway.
Shizuoka, located in the Tokai region, is famous for producing top-quality matcha. Historical records show that green tea farms in the city have existed since the 12th century, making it one of Japan’s earliest matcha producers. The mix of warm and cool climates and fertile volcanic soil in Shizuoka yields green tea with a signature umami taste.
The best time to visit Shizuoka is from mid-March to April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.Alongside fresh spring matcha, you can enjoy the Hinamatsuri Doll Festival and traditional kite festivals.
Shizuoka is easily accessible from Tokyo via the Tokaido Shinkansen. The ride typically takes just about an hour.
Nishio, a city in Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s leading matcha producers. According to Rakuten Travel, Nishio contributes around 20% of all domestic matcha production. Nishio matcha is known for its vibrant green color, elegant aroma, and rich umami taste.
If you want a hands-on matcha-making experience, Nishio also offers a unique experience: the Saijoen WAKUWAKU Matcha Museum. This interactive museum lets you observe matcha production, try grinding tea leaves using a traditional stone mill, and savor your own freshly prepared tea.
To get to Nishio from Tokyo, you can take a train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Anjo Station first. Then, transfer to the Meitetsu Line to reach Nishio Station. The total travel time is between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the train type and transfers.
Nara boasts of a rich tea culture and heritage. This city is less than an hour away from Osaka and Kyoto, making it one of the most popular destinations for international travelers. According to the official Visit Nara website, the city has been a hub for tea cultivation since the 8th century.
For those eager to experience a traditional matcha tea ceremony, Nara offers a special opportunity every Tuesday at the NARA Visitor Center & Inn. Here, you can learn about matcha’s history and tea-drinking etiquette while enjoying tea in an authentic setting.
Nara is easily accessible from Osaka. To reach Nara from Osaka, you can take the JR Namba Line to JR Nara Station. The journey usually takes about 50 minutes.
And there you have it—five of the most famous matcha-producing cities in Japan. If you’re craving a taste of authentic Japanese matcha, these cities are a must-visit. And don’t forget to protect your matcha-hunting adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia, so you can sip safely and travel comfortably!
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