Matcha is a finely crafted green tea powder that represents elegance and a deep appreciation for nature in Japanese tea ceremony culture. This tea flavor is widely used in many types of Japanese sweets and snacks, including Tsujiri no Sato. Let’s take a closer look at what this special treat really is and where it comes from!
What is Tsujiri no Sato?
Gion Tsujiri, a famous tea maker in Kyoto, created Tsujiri no Sato—a lovely Japanese sweet that unites crispy rice crackers and creamy green tea filling in one elegant bite. To make this snack, artisans bake thin, rolled senbei with great care until they turn crisp and delicate. They then fill the rolls with smooth matcha cream made from stone-ground Uji matcha mixed with gentle, sweet ingredients such as milk and sugar.
The makers carefully adjust heat and ingredients during production so the matcha keeps its natural green color and fresh taste. They don’t add artificial coloring or preservatives, which helps keep the sweet pure and closer to the real flavor of tea leaves.
When you take a bite, you first notice the gentle crunch of the thin rice roll. After that, the matcha cream slowly melts, adding a light, pleasant sweetness. The crispy cracker and the smooth cream work well together, creating a pleasant texture.
The special charm of Tsujiri no Sato is how it is presented and shared. Each piece is wrapped neatly, which makes it easy to give to friends or family. The packaging often features traditional Kyoto patterns combined with a fresh, bright style, creating a look that is both classic and cheerful.
About Gion Tsujiri
This famous tea brand shares the beauty and flavor of Japanese tea worldwide. Its name comes from founder Tsuji Riemon and Gion, the traditional Kyoto district where the brand built its main home. The story began in 1860 in Uji, a region renowned for excellent green tea. At first, the shop sold high-quality Uji tea. Over time, it became a beloved symbol of tea culture.
The brand grew little by little while preserving its traditions. After expanding overseas, it later returned to Kyoto and reopened in Gion near Yasaka Shrine. Known for its tea houses and classic arts, Gion became the perfect place to welcome visitors and share tea. Across generations, the brand has created tea products that bring comfort and joy while honoring Japanese customs and healthy living. Today, Gion Tsujiri offers high-quality tea leaves, matcha desserts, drinks, and seasonal treats.
Its main Gion store greets guests with a ground-floor shop filled with teas and sweets. Upstairs, the café—under the Saryo Tsujiri name—invites visitors to relax with parfaits, soba noodles, and fresh tea drinks. The brand also operates stores and cafés in Tokyo, allowing travelers to enjoy its famous flavors beyond Kyoto.
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What makes Gion Tsujiri’s matcha flavor so special?
The secret behind Gion Tsujiri’s beautiful matcha flavor begins long before the tea reaches your cup. The tea plants are grown in fields that are gently covered to protect them from strong sunlight. This careful step helps the young leaves grow softer and sweeter. After the leaves are picked, they are steamed and dried without rolling, which creates a tea called tencha. Later, this tencha is slowly ground into fine powder to become matcha, keeping its bright green color and fresh tea aroma.
Another reason comes from the traditional production method. The tea leaves are ground using stone mills that move slowly and gently. Even though this process produces only a small amount of matcha per hour, it helps protect the tea’s natural scent, smooth taste, and beautiful color. Because of this careful work, the matcha becomes rich yet gentle, with a soft sweetness that feels balanced and comforting. This high-quality matcha is especially noticeable in sweets like Tsujiri no Sato.
Where can I get Tsujiri no Sato in Kyoto?
If you are wondering where to buy, one easy choice is visiting the main store of Gion Tsujiri, which is located near Gion Shijo Station. In addition to this famous main store, the old capital also has two other branches where you can easily find this beloved matcha snack. These shops are easy to visit during sightseeing and shopping.
At Saryo Tsujiri Kyoto Isetan Store, visitors can shop and relax at the same time. This cafe and shop sit on the sixth floor of Kyoto Station Building. The shop offers a warm atmosphere, and its bright display of tea products makes it pleasant to look around. Here, guests can enjoy tea, desserts, drinks, and sweets while taking a short rest during their journey.
Another place to visit is Gion Tsujiri Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi Store. This branch is located inside the south exit area of Kyoto Station, which makes it a very easy stop after traveling. The store focuses on souvenirs and beautifully packaged tea sweets, so it’s an excellent place to pick gifts for friends and family.
Why should I try this matcha snack?
Trying Tsujiri no Sato is a lovely way to enjoy a small piece of Japanese tea culture while tasting something gentle and relaxing. The snack offers a fun balance of sweetness and texture, and the careful use of matcha gives it a calm and pleasant flavor that many people can enjoy.
Besides being a nice treat for yourself, Tsujiri no Sato also makes a thoughtful gift or souvenir. Its neat wrapping and charming design make it easy to carry and share with family and friends. Do you know any other unique matcha-flavored snacks that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments!
