Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Main Store)
Kyoto
Nakamura Tokichi Honten is a historic Uji teahouse famous for its signature Maruto matcha parfait and jellies served inside traditional bamboo cups. Visitors rave about the scenic Japanese courtyard garden and retail shop featuring premium green tea powders, accessories, and snacks. Notably, unlike many neighboring tea shops, this flagship store allows unlimited matcha tin purchases and accepts both cash and card.
Commenters view the flagship as an iconic Kyoto destination, validating Uji's matcha scene while frequently discussing logistics like stock availability and purchase limits. However, opinions are split on dine-in visits due to grueling wait times of up to two hours, which some feel makes the experience stressful and average. Many advise snagging a queue ticket early and spending the wait time shopping for tins and souvenirs.
- Order the signature Maruto matcha parfait served in an authentic bamboo tube.
- Take a cafe waitlist ticket early in the morning to beat waits that can reach two hours.
- Head straight to the retail shop if you only want matcha tins, as it has no line or tin limits.
- Both cash and credit card payments are accepted at the shop.
- Browse the courtyard garden and traditional black pine while waiting for your table.
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