Few experiences capture the spirit of Kyoto better than enjoying a bowl of matcha within the peaceful grounds of a temple or shrine. Surrounded by historic buildings, tranquil gardens, or sacred forests, you can take a break from sightseeing and experience a moment of Japanese tradition and hospitality.
Many temples and shrines in Kyoto have tea rooms or rest areas where visitors can enjoy freshly prepared matcha, often served with traditional Japanese sweets. Each location offers its own unique atmosphere, from quiet Zen temples to centuries-old shrines with beautiful seasonal scenery.
In this guide, you’ll discover Kyoto temples and shrines where you can enjoy matcha, relax in a peaceful setting, and experience authentic Japanese culture.
Kyoto Temples and Shrines Where You Can Enjoy Matcha
Kinkakuji temple
It is a temple famous for the Golden Pavilion, which is covered in genuine gold leaf.
Near the exit of the temple grounds, there is a place where you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets. It’s very cheap at 500 yen for the set. The Japanese sweets is an original creation of Kinkakuji and is topped with gold leaf.
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Kinkakuji temple (Kyoto) : The Golden Pavilion and 7 Highlights
Its official name is Rokuonji, but it is known as Kinkakuji because of the Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion) located on its grounds. The Golden Pavilion is a three-story structure; it is unique in that its upper two stories are covered with genuine gold leaf. There are various other highlights within the temple grounds as well.
Tojiin temple
Tojiin Temple was founded in 1341 and serves as the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns. The strolling pond garden is said to have been created by the renowned garden designer Muso Kokushi.
You can enjoy matcha and sweets while looking out at this garden. Matcha is 600 yen. Other options include plum-kelp tea (500 yen) and bancha (400 yen).
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Tojiin temple (Kyoto) : A beautiful Japanese garden and matcha
Tojiin Temple was founded in 1341 and serves as the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns. The strolling pond garden is said to have been created by the renowned garden designer Muso Kokushi. It feels very pleasant to walk slowly through this garden. I recommend enjoying some matcha while gazing at the garden.
Taizoin temple
Taizoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1404. It features a main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property, as well as a dry landscape garden and a strolling pond garden.
You can enjoy matcha and sweets within the temple grounds. The price is 900 yen.
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Taizoin temple (Kyoto) : Japanese garden and Zen editation
Taizoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1404. After paying the admission fee and entering the temple grounds, you will find the main hall, an important cultural property. If you go further, you will come across a dry landscape garden and a strolling pond garden.
Jonangu Shrine
Jonangu Shrine was built in 794 when the city of Kyoto was founded. The name means a shrine located on the south side of the castle.
There was a tea house within the Japanese garden on the shrine grounds. A shrine maiden prepared some matcha for me.
This is available for a limited time only, such as during events.
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Jonangu shrine (Kyoto) : Shrine Maiden Dance
Jonangu Shrine was built in 794 when the city of Kyoto was founded. Shrine maiden dances are performed regularly. I went there in March, and the shrine maidens were wearing plum blossoms in their crowns and dancing while holding branches. After the shrine maiden dance, worshippers were given amulets.
Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine, located in the north of Kyoto, is a sacred site situated in an area where pure water has welled up since ancient times. This shrine is divided into three areas, and the Okumiya (Inner) Shrine is located at the very back.
You can enjoy matcha prepared with sacred water, accompanied by a Japanese confection. The price is 1,000 yen.
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Kifune shrine (Kyoto) : Access , entrance fee , highlights
Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the deity of water. The exact date of its founding is unknown, but it is said to have originated from a shrine built around 1600 years ago on a site where clear spring water gushed forth. Water still springs from the grounds of the shrine, and you can drink it for free.
Shorenin-Monzeki temple
A “Monzeki” is a temple where members of the imperial family or other high-ranking monks serve as abbots. Shorenin is listed as one of the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect.
At this temple, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while gazing at the garden.
The tea room is specially opened to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 1 to May 5 (excluding April 21) and from November 1 to 30, allowing visitors to enjoy matcha served according to formal etiquette. Even beginners can try it out. The participation fee is 1,800 yen.
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Shorenin-Monzeki temple (Kyoto) : History , Highlights , Access
It is said that this temple originated as a dwelling for monks built in the mountains when Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei was founded in the early 9th century. In the 12th century, Emperor Toba constructed a palace on the present site and renamed it Shorenin. You can visit various temple halls and gardens.
