Mizuba Tea Co's Guide to Japan – Tokyo, Kyoto, and Uji!

Mizuba Tea's Guide to Japan: Our Ultimate List of Must-Visit Spots in Kyoto, Uji, and Tokyo. 

Japan is a dream destination for many, but especially for tea lovers, coffee aficionados, and those who appreciate refined craftsmanship and culture. Our guide highlights the Mizuba team's favorite spots in Kyoto, Uji, and Tokyo – spots we've personally enjoyed over the years and where we return to every trip. 

Kyoto: 

Our favorite city. Kyoto is full of delightful surprises, and the best way to experience it is simply walking everywhere! You never know what hidden gems you may stumble across.

Tea

1. 7T+ - a sweet stall near Nishiki Market. Speciality drinks (we had an incredible white tea latte there) and delicious loose leaf teas to bring home. 
2. Yugen - a refined tasting experience with can't-miss wagashi pairings. Gorgeous ceramics are showcased. 
   
3. COMFY - a modern, minimalist shop that's great for matcha and hojicha lattes. 
4. Ippodo Tea – A Kyoto institution for over 300 years, known for its exceptional selection of Japanese green teas.
5. Saryo Tsujiri Kyoto – A matcha lover’s paradise with parfaits, lattes, and shaved ice! If you're hunting for dessert, go for the unmistakable parfaits. 
   

Coffee

1. Weekenders Coffee – Hidden in a parking lot, this specialty coffee shop is one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets and our team's favorite place to visit. Their roastery's courtyard is a perfect place to take a break. 
2. % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama – A minimalist specialty coffee shop with stunning views of Yasaka Pagoda.
3. Kissa Master – A charming kissaten (old-style café) where you can experience nostalgic Japanese coffee culture.
4. OGAWA Coffee – Kyoto-based roastery known for its expertly brewed coffee and Kyoto-exclusive blends.

Boutiques

8. HOSOO FLAGSHIP STORE – A luxury textile boutique showcasing Kyoto’s rich tradition of kimono weaving.
9. SOU SOU – A modern take on traditional Japanese clothing, footwear, and textiles, perfect for unique Kyoto souvenirs.
10. Fujii Daimaru – A department store featuring stylish Japanese and international brands, ideal for fashion lovers.
11. Kagizen Yoshifusa – A wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop that has been serving Kyoto-style confections for centuries.
12. Odashi no Uneno – our ultimate pick for quality dashi! If you love cooking, stock up.

Walks and Parks

13. Philosopher’s Path – A scenic canal-side walk lined with cherry trees, best visited in spring or autumn.
14. Maruyama Park – Kyoto’s most famous park, perfect for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and a peaceful stroll.
15. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A mesmerizing walk through towering bamboo, offering a uniquely tranquil experience.
16. Kiyomizu-dera - There are temples galore, but we love walking this one. 

Uji!

Tea

1. Nakamura Tokichi – A historic tea house in Uji, famous for its matcha and tea-infused desserts. Their matcha warabi mochi is a must-try.
2. Tsujiri Uji Honten – One of the oldest matcha purveyors in Japan, offering an authentic matcha experience in its birthplace.

Shopping

3. Uji Wamuu - a sweet boutique with many tea-themed gifts! 
   

Walks and Parks

4. Byodo-in Temple Gardens – A UNESCO-listed temple with a stunning pond garden, embodying Japan’s classical beauty.
5. Uji River Walk – A peaceful riverside walk lined with historic tea houses, offering scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere.
6. Ujigami Shrine – The oldest Shinto shrine in Japan, nestled in the tea-growing region of Uji.

Tokyo: 

Tea

1. Hario Café & Lampwork Factory – A haven for coffee and tea lovers, featuring high-quality glassware and siphon brewing experiences.
2. Cha Ginza - a lovely selection of ceramics and teas. 
3. Higashiya Ginza - A refined wagashi and matcha destination in Tokyo's elegant Ginza district, celebrated for its thoughtfully crafted Japanese sweets and premium matcha offerings that embody Kyoto's traditional tea culture. The menu is delightful! 
4. Kominka Cafe in Kosoan (Jiyugaoka) – A tranquil tea house set in a traditional Japanese home, perfect for a quiet retreat.

Coffee

2. Acid - a small specialty coffee shop and roasting lab in Shibuya, Tokyo that is famous for fruit-forward coffees. Low-key, probably our favorite coffee shop in the world. 
3. Glitch Coffee & Roasters – A must-visit for light-roasted, single-origin coffee in Tokyo’s Jimbocho neighborhood.
4. Fuglen Tokyo – A Norwegian-Japanese fusion coffee shop with a retro aesthetic and an incredible espresso menu.
5. Leaves Coffee Roasters – A tiny but mighty roastery in Tokyo serving meticulously crafted pour-overs.
6. Koffee Mameya – A specialty coffee shop offering an educational experience on different coffee beans and brewing techniques. Come here to learn a lot! 
7. Little Nap Coffee Stand – A small but stylish coffee shop near Yoyogi Park, perfect for a relaxing break.
8. Coffee Swamp - You'll wait in line, but once you're inside, enjoy the easy listening of whatever is spinning on vinyl. Love the coffee, too! 

Boutiques / Shopping

7. Nuunu Art Store – A hidden gem for art lovers, featuring unique prints, ceramics, and stationery.
8. STANDARD PRODUCTS (Tobu Department Store, Ikebukuro Station) – A Japanese take on elevated everyday essentials at affordable prices.
9. 3COINS+ near Tokyo Station – A treasure trove of stylish and practical household goods, great for budget-friendly finds.
10. Tokyo Kimono Shoes – A boutique blending traditional kimono craftsmanship with modern footwear design.
11. Tokyo Kimono Reborn – A sustainable fashion brand that repurposes vintage kimono fabrics into contemporary clothing.
12. Kappabashi Street – Tokyo’s famed kitchenware street, where you can find high-quality Japanese knives and teaware.
13. Beams Japan – A multi-floor lifestyle store showcasing curated Japanese fashion, home goods, and souvenirs.
14. Muji!! - No comments needed. 

Walks and Parks

16. Shinjuku Gyoen – A vast and beautifully landscaped park blending Japanese, French, and English garden styles.
17. Yoyogi Park – A lively green space perfect for picnics and people-watching near Harajuku.
18. Rikugien Garden – A stunning Edo-period strolling garden known for its seasonal beauty and tea houses.
19. teamLab Borderless – Technically a "museum," it's a digital art installation offering an immersive, ever-changing experience of light and color.

How to Be a Great Guest in Japan

• Respect Personal Space, Be Aware, Be Kind – Japan values politeness and personal space. Keep conversations at a moderate volume, especially in public transport.
• Cash is King – While Japan is modern, many smaller shops and restaurants prefer cash over credit cards.
• Remove Your Shoes – In traditional establishments, ryokan, and temples, always take off your shoes before entering.
• Follow Chopstick Etiquette – Never stick chopsticks upright in rice, and avoid passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another.
• Queue Properly – Whether waiting for the train or ordering food, always stand in line and follow the flow of foot traffic.
• Be Mindful of Trash – Public trash bins are rare. Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it properly later.
• Attend a Tea Ceremony Properly  - read our guide here. 

With this guide, we hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey through Japan’s vibrant tea, coffee, and design culture. Whether you're sipping matcha in Uji, discovering hidden coffee gems in Tokyo, or shopping for beautiful Japanese crafts, let each moment be a celebration of the country’s deep-rooted traditions and innovation.