Planning to buy matcha or hojicha before leaving Kyoto?
Kyoto Station has several Japanese tea shops where you can find traditional green tea, roasted hojicha, and souvenirs. But the station is large, and choosing the wrong exit can waste time, especially when you have luggage or a Shinkansen to catch.
Fortunately, you don’t need to travel all the way to Gion or Uji to shop for Japanese tea.
In this guide, you’ll discover where to buy matcha and hojicha at Kyoto Station, which shops are close to the Shinkansen, and where to look for affordable latte mixes.
- 1. Gion Tsujiri — Matcha Near the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit
- 2. HOHO HOJICHA — Roasted Tea at Kyoto Station
- 3. Fukujuen Matchatei — Uji Matcha at ASTY ROAD
- 4. Nakamura Tokichi — Japanese Tea Near the JR West Exit
- 5. Nakamura Tokichi — JR Kyoto Isetan Basement
- 6. Where to Buy Affordable Matcha and Hojicha Latte Mixes
- 7. Which Side of Kyoto Station Should You Visit?
- 8. What Should You Buy at Kyoto Station?
- 9. Useful Japanese Phrases for Buying Tea
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
- 11. Explore More Matcha and Hojicha Shops in Kyoto
- Final Thoughts
1. Gion Tsujiri — Matcha Near the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit
Gion Tsujiri is a well-known Kyoto tea brand specializing in Uji tea.
Its Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi store is particularly convenient for travelers departing by Shinkansen.
The shop is located in ASTY ROAD, a shopping area on the south side of Kyoto Station.
Location: ASTY ROAD, 1F, Kyoto Station Hachijo side
Nearest landmark: Shinkansen Hachijo Exit ticket gate
How to find it:
From the first-floor Shinkansen Hachijo Exit ticket gate, the shop is two storefronts to the right, according to the official store directions.
What to look for:
- Matcha products
- Japanese green tea
- Kyoto tea souvenirs
- Matcha sweets and gifts
Opening hours: 8:30 AM–9:00 PM
Regular closing days: No fixed holidays
Official website:
https://www.giontsujiri.co.jp/en/store/hachijo-guchi/
Shopping tip: This is a convenient option if you want to buy Kyoto tea without leaving the station area before boarding the Shinkansen.
2. HOHO HOJICHA — Roasted Tea at Kyoto Station
If you’re specifically looking for hojicha, consider HOHO HOJICHA.
The brand specializes in roasted Japanese tea, which has a distinctive toasted aroma.
HOHO HOJICHA has two different locations around Kyoto Station, but they serve different purposes.
Kyoto Station Shop — Packaged Tea and Souvenirs
Location: Kyoto Station Building, 1F, Omiyage Koji Kyokomachi
Access: From JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, head left toward Omiyage Koji Kyokomachi.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
Store type: Retail-only
This is the location to consider when you want to shop for packaged hojicha products to take home.
Look for roasted tea and tea-related gifts.
If you specifically need hojicha powder for making lattes, confirm that the product is available.
Kyoto Station Hachijo Shop — Takeaway Drinks
Location: Miyakomichi shopping area, Hachijo side
Opening hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
Store type: Takeaway-only
This location is intended for takeaway drinks rather than regular packaged-tea shopping.
The official information states that customers enter from the exterior-facing entrance.
Important: Don’t confuse the retail shop near the Central Exit with the takeaway shop on the Hachijo side.
Official website:
https://www.hohohojicha.com/
3. Fukujuen Matchatei — Uji Matcha at ASTY ROAD
Fukujuen is a historic Japanese tea company founded in 1790.
Its Kyo Machiya Chaya Matchatei shop is located in ASTY ROAD on the Hachijo side of Kyoto Station.
The store offers Uji tea products and matcha drinks.
Location: ASTY ROAD, 1F East Area
Nearest station area: Kyoto Station Hachijo side
What to look for:
- Traditional Uji matcha
- Japanese green tea
- Tea souvenirs
- Matcha drinks
The shop’s official product information includes several varieties of matcha sold in small tins.
These may be useful if you want to buy pure matcha rather than a sweetened drink mix.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Drink last order: 7:30 PM
Official store information:
https://www.asty-kyoto.co.jp/asty_kyoto/store/157/
Shopping tip: Check the package size and product description before buying. Traditional matcha and sweetened matcha latte mixes are different products.
4. Nakamura Tokichi — Japanese Tea Near the JR West Exit
Nakamura Tokichi is a Japanese tea company originating in Uji.
Its Kyoto Station store is directly connected to JR Kyoto Isetan and includes both tea sales and a café.
The location is convenient for travelers using the JR West Exit area.
Location: JR Kyoto Isetan, Eat Paradise, 3F
Nearest landmark: JR West Exit ticket gate
How to find it:
Follow the North-South Passage inside Kyoto Station toward the JR West Exit area.
Look for Eat Paradise on the third floor, near the JR West Exit ticket gate.
What to look for:
- Japanese tea
- Tea souvenirs
- Matcha-related products
- Tea gifts
Tea shop hours: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Café hours: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Café last order: 9:00 PM
Official website:
https://tokichi.jp/en/pages/stores
Shopping tip: You can browse tea products without using the café. This is helpful if you are short on time.
5. Nakamura Tokichi — JR Kyoto Isetan Basement
There is another Nakamura Tokichi sales counter at Kyoto Station.
This location is inside the basement food department of JR Kyoto Isetan.
Unlike the third-floor location, it is a tea retail shop without a full-service café.
Location: JR Kyoto Isetan, B1 Food Floor
Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station
What to look for:
- Packaged Japanese tea
- Traditional tea gifts
- Matcha-related products
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Closing days: Follow JR Kyoto Isetan’s schedule.
Official website:
https://tokichi.jp/en/pages/stores
Shopping tip: This is a practical option if you’re already browsing the department store’s basement food floor.
6. Where to Buy Affordable Matcha and Hojicha Latte Mixes
Traditional tea shops aren’t your only option.
If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-prepare drink, MUJI may be worth checking.
MUJI Kyoto Porta — Near the Central Exit
MUJI has a store in Kyoto Porta, a shopping complex connected to the station area.
Location: Kyoto Porta
Access: Approximately 3 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station Central Exit
Opening hours: 11:00 AM–8:30 PM
The store carries food products, although the availability of individual drink mixes may vary.
Official store information:
https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/shop/detail/045346
MUJI AEON Mall KYOTO — Near the Hachijo Exit
Another option is MUJI at AEON Mall KYOTO.
Location: AEON Mall KYOTO, 2F
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Official store information:
https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/shop/detail/045457
What Kind of Latte Mixes Does MUJI Sell?
Examples listed on MUJI’s official website include:
Uji Matcha Latte
A sweetened instant drink mix made with Japanese matcha and milk ingredients.
Official product:
https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550723679398
Hojicha Latte
An instant drink mix made with Japanese roasted tea and milk ingredients.
Official product:
https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/store/cmdty/detail/4550723706360
These are convenient for preparing sweet drinks at home.
However, they are not the same as pure matcha or unsweetened hojicha powder.
Availability varies by location, and the products may sell out.
7. Which Side of Kyoto Station Should You Visit?
Kyoto Station has two main sides.
Knowing which side your shop is on can save time.
Hachijo Side — South Side
This is the side associated with the Shinkansen Hachijo Exit.
Useful tea-shopping locations include:
- Gion Tsujiri — ASTY ROAD
- Fukujuen Matchatei — ASTY ROAD
- HOHO HOJICHA Hachijo — takeaway drinks only
AEON Mall KYOTO is also approximately five minutes away on foot.
Central Exit and Isetan Area
On the Kyoto Tower side and around the North-South Passage, you’ll find:
- HOHO HOJICHA — Omiyage Koji Kyokomachi
- Nakamura Tokichi — JR Kyoto Isetan 3F
- Nakamura Tokichi — JR Kyoto Isetan B1
- MUJI — Kyoto Porta
These stores are located in public shopping areas or connected commercial facilities. You do not need a train ticket to visit them.
If you’re already inside a train ticket gate, you may need to exit the paid area to reach these shops.
Always check which gate you are using before planning your shopping.
8. What Should You Buy at Kyoto Station?
The best choice depends on what you want to do with your tea.
| Your Purpose | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Traditional matcha | Pure matcha powder |
| Homemade matcha latte | Unsweetened matcha powder |
| Homemade hojicha latte | Hojicha powder suitable for mixing with milk |
| Traditional roasted tea | Hojicha leaves |
| Quick sweet latte | Instant matcha or hojicha latte mix |
| Kyoto souvenir | Packaged Japanese tea or matcha sweets |
Matcha for Lattes
You don’t always need expensive matcha to make a good latte.
Milk changes the taste, so a reasonably priced matcha with a stronger tea flavor may work well.
If you want to control the sweetness, look for pure matcha without added sugar.
Hojicha for Lattes
Hojicha is roasted tea with a warm, toasted flavor.
You can prepare a hojicha latte using brewed tea or powdered hojicha.
Powder is usually more convenient if you want to mix the tea directly into milk.
However, not every hojicha product is a powder. Always check the package.
Tea as a Souvenir
Small tins and sealed tea packages can be practical souvenirs.
Look at the package size, ingredient list, best-before date, and storage instructions.
Tea products can vary considerably in price depending on the type and quality.
9. Useful Japanese Phrases for Buying Tea
Here are some simple Japanese phrases you can use when shopping at Kyoto Station.
抹茶パウダーはありますか？
Matcha paudā wa arimasu ka?
“Do you have matcha powder?”
ほうじ茶パウダーはありますか？
Hōjicha paudā wa arimasu ka?
“Do you have hojicha powder?”
砂糖は入っていますか？
Satō wa haitte imasu ka?
“Does it contain sugar?”
ラテ用に使えますか？
Rate-yō ni tsukaemasu ka?
“Can I use it for lattes?”
お土産用です。
Omiyage-yō desu.
“It’s for a souvenir.”
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy matcha at Kyoto Station?
Yes. Gion Tsujiri, Fukujuen, and Nakamura Tokichi are useful places to look for Japanese tea and matcha-related products.
Where can I buy hojicha at Kyoto Station?
HOHO HOJICHA has a retail shop at Omiyage Koji Kyokomachi on the first floor of Kyoto Station Building.
Other tea stores may also carry hojicha.
Can I buy tea before boarding the Shinkansen?
Yes. Gion Tsujiri and Fukujuen Matchatei are located on the Hachijo side of Kyoto Station.
Allow enough time to shop and return to your departure gate.
Where can I find affordable matcha latte mixes?
MUJI is one option.
You can visit MUJI Kyoto Porta near the Central Exit or MUJI at AEON Mall KYOTO near the Hachijo Exit.
Check availability before visiting if you need a specific product.
Is hojicha powder available at every Japanese tea shop?
No.
Some stores primarily sell hojicha leaves, while others may offer powders or instant drink mixes.
Ask the staff if you’re looking for something suitable for making lattes.
Are tea shops at Kyoto Station expensive?
Prices vary.
Traditional tea specialists offer products at different price points, while general retailers may carry more affordable instant drink mixes.
Compare package sizes and ingredients before choosing.
11. Explore More Matcha and Hojicha Shops in Kyoto
If you have more time to explore Kyoto, you can also visit traditional tea shops in Gion, Shijo, and Uji.
Read our complete Kyoto tea-shopping guide:
Where to Buy Matcha and Hojicha in Kyoto — Shops & Powders
Final Thoughts
Kyoto Station is a convenient place to buy matcha, hojicha, and traditional Japanese tea souvenirs.
For shopping near the Shinkansen, consider Gion Tsujiri or Fukujuen Matchatei. For roasted tea, visit HOHO HOJICHA. Nakamura Tokichi is another option for tea gifts.
If you prefer affordable latte mixes, check MUJI near Kyoto Station.
Important Notice and Disclaimer
Store locations, opening hours, product availability, prices, and access routes may change without notice. Always check the retailer’s official website before visiting.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Japan Life Steps is an independent website and is not affiliated with the businesses mentioned.
