Nakamura Tokichi Main Store

Restaurant Details

Once a niche choice for the coffee-averse, matcha lattes, teas and desserts have become a global trend, seemingly infesting every menu with no sense of purpose besides following a fad.

While new venues scramble to join the trend, Nakamura Tokichi Main Store has been a long-time mainstay in the matcha scene, becoming one of the first matcha specialist in Kyoto and, by extension, the world. Aptly, its flagship store is located in Uji, the center of Japanes green tea production, operating since 1819 — first as a tea factory, and now as the brand’s brick-and-mortar shop and cafe.

Tradition remains deeply embedded in every corner of this venue. Sturdy wooden beams hold the structure together, while tatami mats line several sections of the space, earthen walls add warmth and sliding doors compartmentalize one room from the other.

Further inside lies a dining area dedicated to Nakamura Tokichi’s renowned matcha offerings. The cafe serves an impressive range of gree teas, including the premium Bessei Hatsumukashi matcha, alongside an array of green tea-infused sweets and light meals. The matcha Maruto Parfait, the one sweet that looks good on the picture but is legitimately delicious, features a concentrated stack of matcha tea jelly, lemon jam, matcha ice cream, chunks of chiffon cake and whipped cream.

Get the matcha-themed drinks, like the au lait or cappuccino, or, if you’re feeling more peckish, order the matcha-infused soba.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Access Info

• Nakamura Tokichi Main Store is a 2-minute walk from Uji Station or a 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Phone Number

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Business Days

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Address

Ichiban-10, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021