5 Must-buy Matcha Confectionaries from Kyoto

1. Okoicha Langue de Chat, Cha no Ka Confectionery (Malebranche)

This popular Western confectionery shop “Malebranche” set up their main branch in Kitayama, Kyoto and they produce the matcha langue-de-chat confectionery “Okoicha Langue de Chat, Cha no Ka”. Using uji matcha from Uji city in Kyoto, known for it’s matcha production, the flavor is a given but the color and aroma also make it a confectionary you can enjoy to the fullest. Apart from the company store, they can be purchased at the Isetan department store located directly from Kyoto station, Takashimaya in Shijo, Daimaru and other department stores. It’s only available in Kyoto so definitely buy it as a souvenir.A package of 5 costs 680 JPY (tax included)

2.Uji Matcha Nama Chocolate (Ito Kyuemon)

This well-established matcha shop has its main branch in Uji City in Kyoto. Ito Kyuemon makes the chocolate confectionery “Uji Matcha Nama Chocolate”. The appeal of this popular confection is its vivid green color and airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Ito Kyuemon main branch also established its own teahouse where you can savor treats like matcha parfaits and other sweets made from matcha so we also recommended visiting for a time at the cafe. There are shops around sightseeing spots in Uji City, near the Byodo-in temple and in front of Kyoto station.A package of 16 costs 1,080 JPY (tax included).

3. Luxurious, Freshly-ground Matcha Terrine (Chez Hagata)

“Chez Hagata” the highly popular sweet shop also has its main branch in Uji City, Kyoto. The owner couple make and sell a variety of sweets using Uji matcha and based off a specific original recipe. Among other things, the most popular product is the “Luxurious, Freshly-ground Matcha Terrine”. Only 6 ingredients are used; matcha, sugar, wheat flour, eggs, butter and white chocolate. This cake that is baked with matcha, made using a traditional method, has been on the menu for 12 years and counting. It’s an item you would want to buy for yourself and for others as a souvenir. Regular size, 4,205 JPY (tax included). Half size, 2,334 JPY (tax included).

4. Tsujiri no Sato (Gion Tsujiri)

With it’s main branch located in Gion, this Uji-cha (Uji tea) specialty shop “Gion Tsujiri” established 150 years ago, can boast of its long-standing history. Not only are the tea leaves high quality, the delicious sweets made from green tea are so popular that many people line up to buy. Gion Tsujiri sells “Tsujiri no Sato” which is a baked sweet that has matcha cream wrapped inside lightly fried dough. The appearance is high quality and lovely, the texture is crisp and the harmony of the rich matcha cream makes it a superb confectionery. Apart from the Gion main branch, there is also a shop in Kyoto station’s Hachijo exit. Why don’t you try buying some as a souvenir?A package of 8 costs 432 JPY (tax included)

5. Omekashibolo (Sweets Boutique Joie Joue)

Inside the Kyoto Century Hotel located in front of Kyoto Station is the main branch of this Western-style confectionery shop “Sweets Boutique Joie Joue”. This shop handles the Japanese style confectionery “Omekashibolo”. This cake-like “Bolo (A type of baked confectionary in Kyoto)” is made from baked wheat flour then infused with chocolate. Apart from chocolate flavored with matcha, the set also includes strawberry and salty flavors. The flavor is a given and the Japanese-style color scheme makes it a cute confectionery. This product has been garnering much attention and it seems like it will soon become a standard Kyoto souvenir. 1 box with 4 packages x 3 bags from 648 JPY (tax included).