Why I Always Make Time for Matcha in Japan

By Aleigh Mckelvey | Business Development Intern, Tokyo Family Stays

One of the first things I do whenever I return to Japan is find a good matcha cafe.

Some people look forward to sushi, ramen, or convenience store snacks. For me, it's matcha.

I drink matcha at least twice a week at home, usually whisking it myself or making an iced latte. Every trip to Japan also means stocking up on high-quality matcha powder to take back with me. It's become a tradition, and my suitcase always seems to leave Japan a little greener than when it arrived.

What I love most about matcha is its versatility. One day I might want a simple hot latte while reading in a quiet cafe, and the next I'm craving an iced strawberry matcha or a rich matcha dessert after spending the afternoon exploring Tokyo. The earthy flavor pairs surprisingly well with so many different ingredients while still being delicious on its own.

Learning to Appreciate Matcha

Although I've enjoyed matcha for years, one of my favorite memories happened completely by accident.

During a previous trip to Japan, I stumbled across a traditional tea ceremony. I hadn't planned for it at all, but I ended up learning how matcha is properly prepared, from whisking the tea to appreciating the small details that make the ceremony so meaningful.

Now, every time I make matcha at home, I think back to that experience. While my morning routine is much quicker than a traditional tea ceremony, it's a nice reminder of where this drink comes from and why it's been such an important part of Japanese culture for centuries.

Is Matcha Only Popular Because of Tourists?

With social media full of bright green lattes and viral cafes, it's easy to wonder whether matcha is mostly a tourist trend.

The answer is both yes and no.

Matcha has deep roots in Japanese culture and is still enjoyed by locals, particularly in traditional tea ceremonies, desserts, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and specialty tea shops. At the same time, many of the elaborate matcha lattes, oversized desserts, and cafés that have become famous on Instagram are especially popular with international visitors.

While walking around Tokyo, I definitely noticed tourists lining up outside well-known matcha cafés. Locals certainly enjoy matcha too, but for everyday tea, many are just as likely to drink sencha, hojicha, bottled green tea, or coffee. That doesn't make matcha any less authentic, it simply means that Japan offers an incredible variety of teas beyond the one that's become famous around the world.

My Favorite Matcha Experiences This Trip

One thing I've learned is that you don't need to visit the most famous café to enjoy great matcha.

I've tried everything from beautifully crafted café lattes to convenience store desserts, and honestly, they've all offered something different.

Here are a few of my favorites from this trip:

Even If You Think You Don't Like Matcha...

One thing I always tell people is not to give up on matcha after trying it just once.

Many people outside Japan are introduced to matcha through drinks that are loaded with sugar or made using lower-quality powder. If that's your only experience, it's easy to assume matcha simply isn't for you.

Japan offers so many different styles that it's worth giving it another chance.

Try an iced latte if you prefer something refreshing. Visit a specialty café if you want to experience high-quality matcha. If you're feeling adventurous, order a traditional bowl of matcha and appreciate it for what it is rather than expecting it to taste like a sweet coffee drink.

You might be surprised by how different each experience can be.

My Tips for Matcha Lovers Visiting Japan

• Visit at least one specialty matcha cafe during your trip.

• Don't be afraid to skip the longest lines. Some of my favorite matcha drinks have come from smaller neighborhood cafés.

• Try more than just lattes. Soft serve, cakes, cookies, and traditional sweets all showcase matcha differently.

• Bring home good-quality matcha powder if you enjoy making it yourself. It's one of my favorite souvenirs because I get to relive my trip long after I've returned home.

Final Thoughts

Every trip to Japan introduces me to another cafe, another dessert, or another way to enjoy matcha.

Even after multiple visits, I still find myself searching for new places to try and new flavors to bring home. For me, matcha has become part of the experience of visiting Japan just as much as exploring new neighborhoods or riding the trains.

If you're visiting Japan and have even the slightest curiosity about matcha, make time for it. Whether it's your first cup or your hundredth, there's a good chance you'll discover a new favorite.