Home　/　Food　/　Best Matcha Desserts in Japan

Best Matcha Desserts in Japan

Oct. 10. 2025

Once introduced to Japan as a medicinal drink, matcha has long stood at the heart of Japanese tea culture, offering a calming, shared experience that connects people through tradition and taste. Today, matcha is experiencing a global boom, with demand for high-quality Japanese matcha far exceeding supply.

As its popularity continues to rise, so have the creative ways to enjoy it–especially in Japan. From parfaits to mont blanc, matcha now stars in some of the country’s most exquisite desserts. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best matcha desserts in Japan and where you can try them.

Tokyo

Hatoya Shibuya

Hatoya Ryoyousha is a Japanese tea stand from Kyoto, founded by Yoshihiro Maruyama, a former barista turned tea master. After a life-changing encounter with a single cup of tea, he immersed himself into Japan’s tea world and eventually launched his own brand, Hatoya Ryoyousha, opening several locations, including his latest branch near Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.

Every year, Maruyama-san visits tea farms in Kyoto to hand-select the finest leaves during harvest. The drinks and desserts at Hatoya reflect the pure, refined qualities of premium matcha. Enjoy them at the standing counter or relax at the veranda-style seating that opens onto the street. Pictured below is their Hatoya Monaka (exclusive to the Shibuya location) and the shop’s signature matcha latte.

PC: Tomoki Uesaka

📍 3−8 AISK Building 1F, Kamiyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0047 Hatoya Shibuya

Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbe

With roots tracing back to 1753 in Kanazawa, Kyo Hayashiya has long pioneered Japanese tea innovation. In 1969, it created what’s believed to be Japan’s first matcha parfait. You can taste this decadent 13-layer matcha parfait at Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbe–a true celebration of matcha’s versatility and depth.

PC: Tomoki Uesaka

📍 1−1−2 2F, Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006 Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbe

Kagurazaka Saryo Honten

Tucked away in the charming back alleys of Kagurazaka, Kagurazaka Saryo helped pioneer the wa-café (Japanese-style café) movement. The flagship store draws visitors from around the world with its serene atmosphere and refined sweets. Their signature matcha mont blanc is a must-try, featuring delicate, silk-thin strands of Uji matcha and chestnut cream, available only at this location.

Note: No reservations are accepted, so arrive early to beat the crowd.

PC: Tomoki Uesaka

📍 3-1, Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0825 Kagurazaka Saryo Honten

ocha room ashita ITOEN

ITOEN, the pioneering brand behind the world’s first bottled green tea, continues to lead in sharing Japanese tea culture with the world. At its wa-café, ocha room ashita ITOEN, tradition and innovation merge in every sip and bite. Located in Shibuya Scramble Square, this elegant space fuses contemporary design with refined Japanese aesthetics, presenting tea as both a cultural legacy and a modern lifestyle experience. Featured here is their matcha warabi mochi–warm, freshly kneaded mochi topped with refreshing shaved ice. It’s a treat to enjoy in every season.

PC: Saori Fushimi

📍 2−24−12 Scramble Square 10F, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002 ocha room ashita ITOEN

IPPUKU&MATCHA

IPPUKU&MATCHA is a matcha specialty shop featuring a hidden counter-style tearoom, with only four seats. This serene space invites guests to savor premium Uji matcha paired with desserts. Every bowl of matcha on the tearoom’s exclusive menu is single origin and whisked right before your eyes. Shown below, the “Matcha Pudding Tart,” a tearoom-exclusive creation featuring rich pudding infused with Uji matcha, topped with matcha ice cream, and finished with matcha sauce.

PC: Saori Fushimi

📍 2−1−1 Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower 1F, Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022 IPPUKU&MATCHA

Kyoto

ASSEMBLAGES KAKIMOTO

Helmed by internationally acclaimed pastry chef Akihiro Kakimoto, ASSEMBLAGES KAKIMOTO is known for its stunning, art-like desserts. One standout, Thé Vert (“green tea” in French), is a matcha parfait inspired by a moss garden. Crafted with premium matcha from Okawa Farm in Ujitawara, Kyoto, this parfait layers matcha espuma, ganache, meringue, pistachio cream, tonka bean ice cream, and mochi. The flavors evolve as you eat, with matcha harmonizing with notes of yuzu and chocolate.

Note: Reservations are essential for dine-in, but take-out options are available if you don’t manage to get a reservation.

PC: Sadaho Naito

📍 587-5 Matsumotocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-0982 ASSEMBLAGES KAKIMOTO

Sabo Moto-an

At Marukyu Koyamaen’s Nishinotoin branch, you’ll find Sabo Moto-an, a teahouse where tradition meets indulgence. Their exclusive Matcha Roll Cake uses the house’s prized Yugen matcha, known for its balance of aroma, taste, and vibrant hue.

PC: Sadaho Naito

📍 561 Nishigawa, Sanbonishitoincho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8277 Sabo Moto-an

Hiroshima

SOKO Café

Located within the grounds of Hiroshima Castle, SOKO Café is guided by Soko Ueda, the designated successor of the Ueda Soko School, which has preserved samurai tea culture in Hiroshima for more than 400 years. Their standout dessert is the matcha soft-serve ice cream, made with additive-free milk from Gin no Kogen Dairy and matcha sourced from Ujien Seicha. Enjoy your treat while taking in panoramic views of the castle’s Omote Gate and moat, a setting rich with history.

PC: Naoki Matsukuma

📍 2 -21-7 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011 SOKO Café

So, there you have it, Japan’s finest matcha desserts, handpicked to help you skip the mediocre and head straight to the best. Life is too short for average sweets, especially when you’re traveling all the way to Japan! We’ve also shared this guide on our Instagram, be sure to save it for your next matcha adventure!