a 25 minute train ride from Kyoto, the Nara line stops at Uji, the true matcha capital. Ideal for a day trip to explore, buy and indulge yourself in sweets, drinks and everything matcha you can imagine. I suggest you arrive early in the morning when the shops open if you absolutely must get your hands on the popular branded matches. However, the best I purchased in Uji came from random, unknown tea houses we randomly stumbled across. I suggest you follow your intuition and get to experience the same. Make sure you end your day by taking a stroll along the nearby river for an excellent view of Uji.

Fun fact: You can get plenty of matcha-soy milk to go in the supermarkets which are sooo yummy.