One of Gion's most beautiful tea shops, Mamecha sells premium grade matcha, hojicha, and specialty teas alongside an exceptional range of matcha confections. The second-floor tea room serves elaborate matcha set with seasonal wagashi sweets in a serene setting overlooking the Gion streets. An essential Kyoto matcha experience.
Gion Mamecha is one of the most beautifully appointed tea shops and matcha cafés in Kyoto, occupying a traditional building on Gionmachi Minamigawa in the heart of Higashiyama Ward — one of the city's most photogenic historic streets. The ground floor operates as a specialty tea boutique selling premium grade matcha, hojicha (roasted green tea), and seasonal loose-leaf teas alongside a carefully curated selection of matcha confections including melon pan with matcha cream, matcha chocolates, and seasonal sweets. The second-floor tea room is where Mamecha's most distinguished experience unfolds: an elaborate matcha set served with seasonal handcrafted wagashi sweets in a serene interior overlooking the Gion street scene below. The matcha itself is ground from premium-grade leaves sourced from Uji, Kyoto's premier tea-growing district, and whisked to a vivid emerald froth at the table. The hojicha pudding — a trembling caramel-colored custard with intense roasted tea flavor — has become something of a signature dessert. Seasonal matcha parfaits, combining soft-serve matcha ice cream, red bean paste, kuzu jelly, and mochi, are available throughout the year but change in detail by season. A visit to Gion Mamecha is an essential component of any Kyoto itinerary centered on tea culture and wagashi traditions. Located in Higashiyama Ward, central Gion, Kyoto, Japan.
Signature dishes
- Matcha parfait
- Matcha and wagashi set (¥1,200)
- Hojicha pudding
- Seasonal matcha sweets
Good to know
- Hours
- 10AM-6PM daily
Location
Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
35.0036, 135.7763 View on map
Highlights
- Premium matcha set with handcrafted seasonal wagashi on the second-floor tearoom overlooking Gion
- Matcha sourced from Uji — Kyoto's historic premier tea-growing district
- Hojicha pudding is a signature dessert: intense, trembling roasted tea custard
- Ground-floor shop sells premium matcha, hojicha, and seasonal confections as gifts
- Located on one of Gion's most beautiful historic streets in Higashiyama Ward
Tips for visiting
- The matcha and wagashi set (around ¥1,200) is the definitive experience; order it over lighter menu items
- Visit mid-morning before the Gion crowds build to secure a window seat upstairs
- The seasonal matcha parfait is excellent in summer when additional fruit garnishes appear
- The tea boutique downstairs makes exceptional gift purchases — seasonal matcha sets are well packaged
- No reservations are taken for the tea room; waits are typical on weekends
Accessibility
The tea room is located on the upper floor of a traditional building, accessible only via a steep wooden staircase. The ground-floor shop is accessible at street level. Guests who cannot manage stairs can purchase products from the boutique but cannot access the tea room seating.
Frequently asked questions
What matcha grade does Gion Mamecha use?
Mamecha sources premium ceremonial-grade matcha from Uji, the historic tea-growing region south of Kyoto known for producing Japan's finest green tea. The matcha for the tea room sets is among the highest grade available in a café context.
Does Gion Mamecha take reservations for the tea room?
No. The upstairs tea room is walk-in only. On weekends and during peak tourist seasons (April cherry blossom, November autumn), waits of 20–45 minutes are common.
Can products be purchased to take away?
Yes. The ground-floor boutique sells premium matcha, hojicha, and a range of packaged confections designed for gifting. Seasonal matcha chocolates and wrapped wagashi are popular take-away options.
Is the café suitable for those unfamiliar with matcha?
Yes. Staff are welcoming to newcomers and happy to explain the differences between grades and preparations. The matcha and wagashi set is an ideal starting point.