Uji Matcha — Green Tea Capital of Japan

Uji (宇治) has produced Japan's finest green tea for over 800 years, and Uji matcha (抹茶) is considered the gold standard for tea ceremony. The region's climate (morning mist, river valleys) and soil create ideal growing conditions. Uji tea shops and cafes serve matcha in every form: traditional tea ceremony, matcha parfaits, matcha soba noodles, and soft-serve ice cream.

The most famous tea house is Tsuen Tea (通圓茶屋), established in 1160 — possibly the world's oldest continuously operating tea shop. The family has served matcha for 24 generations on the same site beside Uji Bridge.