Itohkyuemon Uji Honten

This traditional tea shop in historic Uji offers a delicious introduction to Japanese green tea culture through their famous matcha ice cream, which kids love for its creamy sweetness while parents appreciate the authentic local flavor. The shop also serves soba noodles and traditional Japanese sweets, making it a perfect rest stop while exploring the temples and tea fields of Uji.

• ✓Rich, creamy Uji matcha (green tea) ice cream in distinctive bright green color
• ✓Authentic Japanese tea house atmosphere in the heart of tea-growing country
• ✓Opportunity to try traditional soba noodles and Japanese sweets
• ✓Affordable treat that introduces kids to Japanese flavors in a familiar format
• ✓Located in historic Uji, surrounded by temples and tea fields for exploring

1. 1.Visit during off-peak hours (2-4pm on weekdays) to avoid crowds, as this popular spot fills up quickly with tour groups
2. 2.If your kids are hesitant about matcha, start with the ice cream which is sweeter and creamier than the tea itself
3. 3.The shop has limited seating, so be prepared to enjoy your ice cream standing or find a nearby spot along the river
4. 4.Download a translation app beforehand as English signage is limited, though staff are friendly and used to international visitors
5. 5.Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Byodoin Temple (5 minutes away), where kids can see the building featured on the 10 yen coin

Visit on weekday afternoons between 2-4pm to avoid tour bus crowds. Spring (cherry blossom season) and fall (autumn leaves) are beautiful but busiest. Early morning right after opening offers the shortest wait times.

Very budget-friendly with ice cream costing just a few dollars. Cash is preferred (many Japanese establishments don't accept cards). Limited English spoken, but picture menus make ordering easy for families.

Open year-round. Spring and fall bring the most tourists due to cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Hot ice cream is especially refreshing during humid summer months (June-August).

Nakamura Tokichi Honten (a 5-minute walk) offers kid-friendly udon noodles and matcha desserts in a historic building with English menus. For picky eaters, there are several casual restaurants near Uji Station serving familiar options like katsu and tempura.