Uji Kyoto
Experience the heart of Japan's matcha culture with exquisite desserts and authentic tea at Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Uji Kyoto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of Japan's matcha culture with exquisite desserts and authentic tea at Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten.
"The desserts are very nice. We particularly loved the green tea ice cream and the sweet red beans."
Cashless Payments Only
Be prepared to pay with IC cards or credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted. :credit_card:
Matcha Mont Blanc Lines
The popular Mont Blanc soft-serve can have a queue, but it's worth the wait! :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matcha Mont Blanc Soft-Serve
Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten
A visually stunning and delicious blend of matcha ice cream topped with sweet chestnut paste.
Authentic Matcha Latte
Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten
Experience the rich, earthy flavor of high-quality Uji matcha prepared traditionally.
Hojicha Cheesecake
Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten
A delightful pairing of roasted green tea flavor with creamy cheesecake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Matcha Magic
Navigating Shinsaibashi
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cashless Payments Only
Be prepared to pay with IC cards or credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted. :credit_card:
Matcha Mont Blanc Lines
The popular Mont Blanc soft-serve can have a queue, but it's worth the wait! :ice_cream:
Rich Matcha Flavor
Expect an intense, authentic matcha taste in their desserts and drinks. :tea:
Watch the Making
Enjoy watching the skilled preparation of your matcha treats. :chef_knife:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cashless Payments Only
Be prepared to pay with IC cards or credit/debit cards; cash is not accepted. :credit_card:
Matcha Mont Blanc Lines
The popular Mont Blanc soft-serve can have a queue, but it's worth the wait! :ice_cream:
Rich Matcha Flavor
Expect an intense, authentic matcha taste in their desserts and drinks. :tea:
Watch the Making
Enjoy watching the skilled preparation of your matcha treats. :chef_knife:
Explore Shinsaibashi
Combine your visit with exploring the vibrant Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten is highly praised for its authentic and rich matcha desserts, particularly the visually appealing Matcha Mont Blanc soft-serve. Visitors appreciate the quality of ingredients and the traditional yet welcoming ambiance. Some note that popular items can lead to queues, and cash payments are not accepted.
"We came in right before closing time so only the matcha soft serve available. Its matcha flavour is quite rich but not excellent. They seem to sell various kinds of matcha powder and tea leaf. Paying by cash is not acceptable, you can use ic cards or debit/credit cards."
Tue Linh Nguyen Le
"Very high level of effort to put in the food and drinks.
Parfait of different layering provides a good experience of Japanese matcha dessert.
The houjicha cheesecake pairs well with the in-house houjicha."
James Tong
"I Matcha so Much ¥900 🍵🌿
The moment I saw it, I knew I had to get it!
It was pretty fun watching the Mont Blanc topping which is made of sweet chestnut paste being piped onto the matcha ice cream.
Though the chestnut part wasn’t really my thing, I truly enjoyed the rich, earthy matcha ice cream underneath. 💚"
S.Y
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uji Kyoto is accessible via the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, taking about 20-30 minutes. For Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten, it's located in Osaka's Shinsaibashi district, easily reachable by subway. Take the Midosuji Line to Shinsaibashi Station. +1
The main attractions in Uji, like Byodo-in Temple and the tea shops, are within walking distance of each other. However, Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten is in Osaka, a separate city from Uji.
The most convenient way is by train. You can take the JR Nara Line from Uji to Kyoto Station, then transfer to a JR or private railway line towards Osaka. The journey can take around 45-60 minutes.
Parking in the Shinsaibashi area can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten.
Yes, the JR Nara Line to Uji is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, making it a cost-effective option if you have one.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten is a tea shop and cafe, so there's no admission fee to enter. You pay for the food and drinks you order. +1
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open from late morning to early evening. It's best to check their latest hours before visiting, especially if you're going near closing time.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit Byodo-in Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fee is modest and grants access to the temple grounds and museum.
Reservations are generally not taken for the cafe section of Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
While there aren't specific 'Uji attraction passes,' consider a Kansai Thru Pass if you plan on extensive travel within the region, as it covers many local trains and buses.
🎫 🍵 Matcha & Desserts
Uji Kyoto is world-renowned for its high-quality matcha green tea. It's considered one of Japan's premier tea-producing regions. +1
The Matcha Mont Blanc soft-serve is a huge hit, as is their classic Matcha soft-serve ice cream. The Hojicha cheesecake is also highly recommended. +2
Yes, Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten sells various types of high-quality matcha powder and tea leaves, perfect for souvenirs or enjoying at home. +1
Matcha is made from finely ground green tea leaves, offering a vibrant green color and a rich, slightly bitter taste. Hojicha is roasted green tea, giving it a reddish-brown hue and a milder, nutty flavor.
At Ujien, they often prepare matcha lattes by whisking the matcha powder with hot water and then adding milk. You can also enjoy it as a traditional tea. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Byodo-in Temple, especially its Phoenix Hall reflected in the pond, is iconic. The Uji River banks and the traditional tea houses also offer beautiful photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos of your food and the cafe's ambiance. However, be mindful of other patrons and avoid intrusive photography.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for Byodo-in Temple and the river. Midday can be harsh but still good for capturing the vibrant green of matcha.
Photography is generally allowed on the temple grounds, but there might be restrictions inside certain buildings or for commercial purposes. Always check for signage.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of Byodo-in Temple. For food shots, a prime lens with a wide aperture is ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the Shinsaibashi area can be crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is essential. The cafe itself is not overly large, so during peak times, it might feel a bit cramped. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience. Remember that cash is not accepted, so ensure you have an IC card or credit card for payment.
🍵 Matcha Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to try their signature Matcha Soft Serve and the innovative Matcha Mont Blanc. If you're interested in brewing your own, purchasing high-grade Uji matcha powder to take home is a must. The experience at Ujien is about savoring the nuanced flavors and understanding the rich history behind every cup and dessert.
🛍️ Shoppers in Shinsaibashi
It's an ideal spot to experience a taste of traditional Japanese flavors amidst the modern retail buzz. Remember to bring your IC card or credit card, as cash is not accepted. This cashless policy is common in many modern establishments in Japan, so be prepared.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Uji Matcha
At Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten, this heritage is celebrated. While located in Osaka, the shop prides itself on sourcing authentic Uji matcha. You can witness the meticulous preparation of matcha lattes and other beverages, understanding the care that goes into each serving. The shop also offers various grades of matcha powder, allowing visitors to take a piece of Uji's tea culture home with them.
Beyond the tea itself, Uji's matcha culture extends to its desserts. The famous Matcha Mont Blanc soft-serve is a testament to this innovation, blending the traditional earthy notes of matcha with the sweet, creamy texture of chestnut paste. This fusion showcases how Uji's matcha can be enjoyed in diverse and delightful ways, appealing to both purists and adventurous palates.
Experiencing Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten
The menu is a celebration of matcha, featuring a range of delightful treats. The Matcha Soft Serve Ice Cream is a standout, lauded for its intense and authentic matcha flavor. For those seeking something more elaborate, the Mont Blanc Soft Serve offers a visually appealing and delicious combination of matcha and sweet chestnut paste. The cafe also caters to those who prefer roasted green tea with its Hojicha Offerings, such as the Hojicha cheesecake, which pairs wonderfully with their in-house hojicha.
Visitors often praise the high level of effort put into the food and drinks, noting the rich flavors and quality ingredients. While the experience is largely positive, some reviews mention that popular items like the Mont Blanc can involve a wait. It's also important to note that Ujien Shinsaibashi Honten operates on a cashless basis, accepting only IC cards or credit/debit cards.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit