How To Embrace Matcha Fever In Tokyo
For All Those Slightly Obsessed Green Tea Product Lovers
Step 1: Fill your basket with matcha snacks. Step 2: Indulge in all the matcha treats. Step 3: Pamper yourself with matcha-scented beauty products.
Spring in Tokyo means it’s strawberry and cherry blossom (sakura) season. But what’s that one other sweet trend you’ll find right alongside it? Love it or hate it, it’s matcha (powdered green tea)!
While I appreciate that it’s not to everybody’s taste, with some even arguing (i.e. my father) that it’s like eating grass, I cannot stress it enough:
I. Love. All. Things. Matcha.
And it will forever remain a popular choice for sweet lovers in Japan due to its distinct taste and sweet aroma that fills the room. This spring, they’re once again here to delight everybody’s taste buds!
Here, you’ll find a selection of new matcha treats, the best matcha cafe spots, and matcha-scented beauty products found in Tokyo. If you’re not already a fan of matcha, my guesses are that you will be after this! Not enough? Try our matcha macarons recipe!
All New matcha treats for you
Matcha treats are everywhere nowadays, from your local convenience store to larger supermarket, these are some of the best new matcha snacks and sweets definitely worth trying. Too good, you won’t want to share!
1. Whip Ghana Matcha
Lotte really knows how to step it up a notch to keep their customers satisfied as they have now introduced new Ghana chocolates filled with whipped matcha chocolate. Using Kyoto Uji matcha tea, enjoy the taste of these chocolates as you let it melt away in your mouth.
2. Dark Uji Matcha Pocky
I’m sure you’ve tried green tea kit kat before, but have you tried matcha pocky? One of the most popular and well-known snacks in Japan, you can really taste the deep, bittersweet Uji matcha flavor with every bite.
3. Matcha Latte Mini Pie
Another item to throw right away into your shopping basket is the Morinaga matcha latte mini pie. This matcha latte cookie has a soft marshmallow filling and the biscuit is coated with chocolate. Makes for a perfect mid-afternoon snack!
Matcha cafe spots in Tokyo—and elsewhere
For all the serious matcha lovers out there, you’ll really enjoy paying a visit to these cafes. The endless selection of matcha desserts and drinks on the menu will leave you absolutely spoilt for choice. As for now, it’s time to #StayAtHome but fill your bucket list with these must-visit cafes in Tokyo, offering the best matcha treats!
1. Alfred Tea Room
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The Mango Banana Yogurt and Berry Yogurt are the new limited drink editions at Alfred Tea Room. Carefully combining matcha powder and yogurt, these drinks are highly recommended this season. Which one will you go for?
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The Deets
Address: 1F 2F Jingumae 5-51-8, Shibuya, 150-0001, Tokyo (Aoyama Flagship Store)
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2. nana’s green tea
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If you’re a matcha enthusiast, you’ll love nana’s green tea. At this modern Japanese tea house, you will find a wide selection of unique and traditional matcha drinks and desserts. From indulgent cakes to creamy parfaits, making a decision on what to get may take you some time…
The Deets
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 4F, Oshiage 1-1-2, Sumida 131-0045, Tokyo Prefecture (Tokyo Sky Tree branch)
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: nana’s green tea
3. cafe & pancake gram
Not just your ordinary pancakes, gram offers the fluffiest souffle pancakes that are sure to put a smile on your face. The recommendation this spring is the limited edition ‘matcha lover’ pancakes. The rich combination of white chocolate, matcha, and sweet cream most definitely makes this pancake taste premium.
The Deets
Address: Daikanyamacho 17-6, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0034
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Last Order 7 p.m.)
Website: Cafe gram cafe & pancake
Matcha beauty products
Not only does matcha taste good and provide us with amazing health benefits, but it is also a very popular ingredient used in beauty products.
Why? Well, matcha has remarkable properties that can help treat inflammation, improve your complexion, and reduce signs of aging. Talk about matcha being an all-rounder…
1. Matcha & Sakura Scrub
Making its way into 2020, the Matcha & Sakura Scrub by Sass. is the new body exfoliator that’s worth all the hype. Made with matcha powder and cherry blossom extract, this exfoliator will leave your skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
Matcha & Sakura Scrub, ¥2,200
Where to buy: Some branches at Loft, Tokyu Hands, and their online store
2. Pure Smile Essence Mask Matcha
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It’s hard not to add a face mask to this beauty list. And for ¥100 per sheet, this Pure Smile Essence Matcha Mask will help rejuvenate and leave a luxurious feel to the skin. Time to stock up!
Pure Smile Essence Mask, Macha, ¥110
Where to buy: Online, some drugstores and cosmetic stores
3. Matcha Melty Lip Cream (Mentholatum)
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Yes, the color of this lip balm is bright green, but don’t let that put you off! Leaving a colorless shine to the lips, it has a UV cut (SPF25/PA+++), so you can enjoy the matcha scent of this lip balm whilst it protects your lips.
Matcha Melty Lip Cream (Mentholatum), ¥450
Where to buy: Don Quijote, drugstores, Loft, and other online cosmetic stores
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