Tsuen Tea / Tsuen Chaya
Step into history at Tsuen Tea, a beloved Uji tea shop offering authentic matcha treats and a nostalgic ambiance by the river.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Tsuen Tea / Tsuen Chaya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at Tsuen Tea, a beloved Uji tea shop offering authentic matcha treats and a nostalgic ambiance by the river.
"A good experience in general =)"
🎟️ Get Your Ticket Early
Take a ticket at the end of the shop before entering the restaurant to avoid long waits.
🍦 Try the Ice Cream
Matcha and Sakura ice cream cones are highly recommended and delicious!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matcha Ice Cream Cones
Shop counter
Rich, creamy, and intensely flavored matcha ice cream, often paired with sweet red bean. A must-try treat!
Matcha Soba Noodles
Restaurant seating
Experience savory noodles infused with matcha, available hot or cold. A unique culinary adventure.
Historic Ambiance
Interior and garden seating
Step back in time in this nostalgic tea shop, offering a relaxing and authentic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wait for Authentic Matcha
Savor History and Scenic Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Get Your Ticket Early
Take a ticket at the end of the shop before entering the restaurant to avoid long waits.
🍦 Try the Ice Cream
Matcha and Sakura ice cream cones are highly recommended and delicious!
🍵 Sample Teas in Shop
You can try different matcha and sencha drinks in the shop before purchasing.
💰 Shop Coupon Available
Spend in the cafe to get coupons for the tea shop.
An afternoon at the oldest tea house in the world, Tsuen Tea in Uji, Japan, just outside of Kyoto. They have been in operation since 1160.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Get Your Ticket Early
Take a ticket at the end of the shop before entering the restaurant to avoid long waits.
🍦 Try the Ice Cream
Matcha and Sakura ice cream cones are highly recommended and delicious!
🍵 Sample Teas in Shop
You can try different matcha and sencha drinks in the shop before purchasing.
💰 Shop Coupon Available
Spend in the cafe to get coupons for the tea shop.
🚶 Near Station & Bridge
Conveniently located near the train station and Uji Bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tsuen Tea is a highly recommended historic tea shop in Uji, celebrated for its authentic matcha offerings and nostalgic ambiance. Visitors rave about the delicious matcha ice cream and unique soba noodles, though be prepared for potential wait times. The scenic river views and the opportunity to purchase quality teas add to its charm, making it a worthwhile stop for experiencing traditional Japanese tea culture.
"I wanted to go to this old matcha tea shop for the history!
You have to take a ticket at the end of the shop, before entering the restaurant. We had to wait for 30 minutes to have a table.
We were sitter just in front of the garden so I was really happy!
My mum and the hot matcha soba harring fish wish is smocked and sweet, she liked it but the soba not so much.
The first lady told me there is nothing vegetarian for me but the second one was very nice and helped me, so I had the cold soba matcha and she asked to change the fish sauce for some salt and wasabi so I was really glad =)
And I took some swiss roll matcha and had a cappuccino matcha with it 🍵 The dessert was good but nothing special and the drink was nice!
We had some hojicha tea as well for free as a welcome and in the shop we could try different drinks (matcha, sencha).
You receive a coupon of 30 yens for the shop for each 1000 yen spend in the coffee, so we received 3. You can use it there in the shop or in the others shops they have like the one in Kyoto.
I didn't bought enought there.
A good experience in general =)"
Clary Truritralen
"Great matcha ice cream cones. It gets a bit busy but they offer both eat in and takeout options depending on if you want to wait for seating. We tried the matcha and Sakura ice cream cones, both delicious!!"
Najeeb Abdullah
"I stopped by here to have matcha ice cream (even when it was freezing outside) and buy some tea. Ambience was relaxing and nostalgic (rightfully so!), service was great, and the food options weren't pricey at all! Wish I tried their noodles, too, 'cause they smelled so good. Super near the traun station & Uji bridge."
Pau Dv
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji Station. Tsuen Tea is a short walk from the station, conveniently located near the Uji Bridge.
Yes, it's very accessible. It's a short walk from Uji Station, making it a popular stop for day trips from Kyoto.
If you're exploring Uji, Tsuen Tea is centrally located near the main attractions like the Uji Bridge and Byodo-in Temple, making it easy to find on foot.
While there are parking lots in Uji, it's generally recommended to use public transport due to the proximity to the train station and the pedestrian-friendly nature of the area.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Byodo-in Temple to Tsuen Tea, taking you along the scenic Uji River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to enter the tea shop, but you do need to take a numbered ticket at the end of the shop to wait for a table in the restaurant.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daytime hours. It's best to check their official website or recent visitor posts for the most up-to-date information.
Wait times can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak times. Grabbing a ticket early is key.
You enter the shop area first, and if you wish to dine, you take a ticket for the restaurant seating. The shop itself is where you can purchase tea and ice cream.
Reservations are generally not accepted. The ticketing system is in place to manage the queue for walk-in customers.
🎫 🍵 Onsite Experience
The matcha ice cream cones are a huge hit, as are the matcha soba noodles (hot or cold). Don't miss trying some of their teas!
The ambiance is described as relaxing, nostalgic, and historic, offering a peaceful escape with views of the river.
While the menu might not be extensive, staff are often accommodating. One reviewer mentioned they were able to modify a dish to be vegetarian.
Yes, the shop offers a variety of teas for purchase, including matcha and sencha. You can even sample some drinks.
Tsuen Tea offers both eat-in and takeout options for their ice cream and other treats.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
They primarily serve matcha-infused dishes like matcha soba noodles (hot and cold), matcha ice cream, and various matcha drinks.
It's highly praised for being delicious, rich, and creamy, often considered a highlight by visitors.
Yes, the matcha soba noodles are a popular choice, with options for both hot and cold preparations. Some found them unique and enjoyable.
You can enjoy various matcha drinks, including cappuccinos, and they also offer complimentary hojicha tea as a welcome drink.
The food options are generally considered reasonably priced, especially given the quality and experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The garden seating area offers beautiful views of the river and traditional Japanese scenery. The interior also has a charming, historic feel.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos, especially of the food and the scenic garden views.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting, especially if you're seated near the garden. Weekday afternoons might also mean fewer people in your shots.
The vibrant green matcha ice cream cones and the artfully presented matcha soba noodles are very popular for photos.
Any modern smartphone or camera will capture the beauty of Tsuen Tea. Focus on natural light and the charming details of the shop and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday afternoons, to minimize wait times and keep little ones happy. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic river views can also provide a pleasant backdrop for a family outing. The shop area is also interesting for kids to explore, with various tea products on display.
🍵 Tea Connoisseurs
Beyond sampling, the shop offers a curated selection of high-quality teas to take home. The historic setting adds to the appreciation of the craft. Consider pairing your tea purchase with a matcha-infused dish in the restaurant to fully immerse yourself in the Uji tea experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the garden seating if possible for the best river views. Weekday afternoons can offer fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed photos. The interplay of light and shadow within the traditional interior also creates a unique photographic opportunity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Matcha at Tsuen Tea
Beyond the drinks, Tsuen Tea showcases matcha's versatility in its cuisine. The matcha soba noodles, available both hot and cold, are a unique culinary exploration. The matcha ice cream is consistently lauded for its intense flavor and creamy texture, making it a must-try for many. Even the complimentary hojicha tea served as a welcome drink highlights the shop's commitment to traditional Japanese teas.
For those interested in taking a piece of this experience home, the attached shop offers a selection of high-quality teas. Sampling different varieties before purchasing allows visitors to find their perfect match. The integration of the cafe and shop, with coupons offered for purchases, creates a cohesive and rewarding experience for tea enthusiasts.
Navigating the Tsuen Tea Experience
While waiting, you can explore the shop area, where you can sample various teas like matcha and sencha. This is a great opportunity to learn about different types of Japanese tea and decide what you might want to purchase later. The shop also offers a pleasant atmosphere to browse their selection of tea leaves and related products.
Once seated, take your time to enjoy the food and the relaxing atmosphere. Many reviewers highlight the scenic views of the river from the garden seating area, which adds to the overall charm. Don't forget that spending in the cafe can earn you coupons for the tea shop, making your visit even more rewarding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit