Around the corner from Uji station by the famous Uji River across the Uji Bridge (I said Uji too much) is Kyoto’s dedicated green tea street!
A paradise for matcha green tea lovers, this little street in Uji is known as Byodoin Omotesando and is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike.
In a mutual love for all things matcha, this street is packed with cafes, restaurants, and gift shops specializing in green tea-inspired consumable goods.
A Humble Layout
Byodoin Omotesando is quite subtle in how it displays its matcha theme, in fact, I had no idea where I was until I was halfway up the street.
There’s no big sign or grand entrance with an arrow pointing “this way to the green tea street!” though this kind of destination certainly deserves one.
Instead, you simply walk along the street just outside the Byodoin Temple and before you know it there is a wave of green tea stores to your left and right sides.
The shops themselves don’t stand out in a dramatic way or anything, but they’re quaint and adorable in their design, often featuring traditional banners and cool pop-out statues.
Matcha-Themed Restaurants
We’ve all seen the usual matcha soft-serve shops selling green tea-flavored ice cream, but a bowl of matcha ramen is a new beast altogether.
At Byodoin Omotesando, green tea is infused in savory dishes as much as they are in sweet desserts.
From green tea gyoza dumplings to matcha soba noodles, everything is made with premium Uji matcha powder grown in the most ideal farming conditions.
Offering all the health benefits and antioxidants of green tea leaves as well as the potent bitter matcha flavor, you can enjoy food and drink that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Matcha Latte Vending Machines!
Make sure to bring plenty of cash when you come to Byodoin Omotesando because just about all of these shops do not accept cards as a form of payment.
Take for example this one-of-a-kind matcha-themed vending machine, allowing you to enjoy a hot and soothing cup of matcha latte on demand!
In addition, you can get hojicha (roasted green tea) lattes, matcha and hojicha ice cream, and straight-up matcha powder in a box to take home!
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