Written by Jane Pipkin
Matcha is a hot topic right now, but not for the reasons you might expect. Its rise in popularity, fueled by social media, has led to a widespread matcha shortage. With that in mind, here are some other popular drinks in Japan which are — in our opinion — just as good as that powdered green tea.
You might be thinking — what is this list? Not all of the alternatives listed here are teas or even caffeine-based … However, they have been included for one of the following reasons:
- Similar taste profiles to matcha
- Health benefits
- Being quintessentially Japanese
How many have you tried?
1. Sencha
You may be wondering: isn’t green tea the same as matcha? Although they’re often mixed up, green tea and matcha differ in both their cultivation and processing methods — even though they come from the same plant.
Generally, green tea doesn’t take as long to cultivate since it’s grown in the sun. It’s also easier to prepare than matcha, as you simply steep the loose leaves in hot water.
The most common type of green tea is sencha, known for its refreshing, umami-rich, and slightly sweet flavor. Sencha is made by steaming leaves that have been grown in full sunlight. Similar to matcha, sencha is thought to offer a range of health benefits, from boosting metabolism to supporting heart health.
Where to try sencha tea in Tokyo
There are many places in Tokyo where you can explore the versatility of sencha and other green teas. One standout is Tokyo Saryo in Setagaya, known as the world’s first hand-drip (pour-over) green-tea shop. This minimalist and contemporary tea shop offers an intentional tea-drinking experience similar to that of matcha — making it the perfect alternative.
2. Gyokuro tea
Gyokuro is another type of green tea that is often compared to matcha. It is popular for its rich flavor and natural sweetness. Gyokuro differs from sencha, as the leaves are grown in the shade rather than in the sun. Because it requires more labor to cultivate, gyokuro tends to be more expensive than other green teas like sencha. Even in Japan, it’s considered a rarity.
Notably, gyokuro has a higher caffeine content compared to other teas — making it a great pick-me-up. Thanks to its high antioxidant and vitamin C content, you will likely get just as many health benefits from gyokuro as you would drinking matcha.
Where to try gyokuro tea in Tokyo
This dark tea is not always easy to find. However, tucked away in Kitazawa is a hidden gem: Chikusui, an underrated tea house.
Offering tasting courses ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500, tea lovers can sample a variety of teas — including a standout gyokuro and sake pairing course. This fusion of traditional tea and alcohol offers not only a one-in-a-kind experience, but one that is culturally rich and memorable.
3. Hojicha
Hojicha is another popular type of green tea, distinct for its earthy and nutty taste. This flavor is created by roasting green leaves over charcoal, which also gives it the characteristic reddish-brown color.
A cup of hojicha is a great option for those who want to drink something with lower caffeine content.
Where to try hojicha tea in Tokyo
Most cafés that offer matcha also tend to serve hojicha, so it’s relatively easy to find. However, for a teahouse that truly specializes in this dark roasted tea, Morinoen is our top pick. Offering hojicha tea, desserts, and loose leaves to take home, it’s a one-stop café and shop for experiencing the best of hojicha.
4. Yuzu drinks
Known for its versatility, yuzu is one of Japan’s most popular citrus fruits. Used in everything from cooking to bath salts, it’s no surprise that it also makes for a popular drink.
Drinking yuzu, whether hot or cold, as tea, or infused in soda, is said to offer various health benefits, including supporting your immune system and helping you to relax.
Where to try yuzu drinks in Tokyo
Yuzu-flavored beverages can be found year-round in convenience stores, supermarkets, and even pharmacies. Some coffee-shop chains, such as St. Marc Café, offer hot yuzu tea for ¥490.
If you’re looking to combine the refreshing taste of yuzu with the sencha, you can do so at Hachiya in Kita-Sando. This modern tea shop aims to reinvent the way individuals enjoy Japanese tea.
5. Aojiru
It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it definitely has the same healthy vibe that matcha does. Aojiru is a type of green juice which is packed with tons of nutrients. This health drink contains a mix of leafy vegetables, including kale and young barley grass.
Many people consider it to be health in a bottle, as after drinking it, you feel as though you’ve had a refreshing boost of energy. In terms of taste, it’s actually comparable to matcha — with its vegetal flavor and subtle sweetness. Controversial opinion? Maybe.
Where to try aojiru in Tokyo
You can buy Aojiru at most drug stores, or find it tucked away on a shelf in the supermarket. Although sachets can be quite pricey, you can easily find a bottled version for just over ¥100.
If you want to experience Aojiru in a more creative way, head to 33 Aojiru Tokyo — the only café of its kind. Here, you can try a variety of creations, including Aojiru lattes and lemonades. Drinks start at ¥350 for a classic Aojiru drink, and go up to ¥680 for the Aojiru Acai Smoothie.
6. Amazake
Amazake is one of Japan’s oldest and most traditional drinks — a creamy, naturally sweet beverage made from fermented rice. While usually non-alcoholic, some types may contain a small amount of alcohol. As a result of its fermentation process, amazake is believed to aid digestion and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Where to try amazake in Tokyo
For an authentic taste of traditional amazake, visit Amanoya, a tea house near Suehirocho Station. Serving customers since 1846, this place has a cozy lounge where you can enjoy a warm or chilled cup of amazake — together with classic Japanese sweets. It’s a cultural experience similar to enjoying matcha.
7. Yakult
Yakult is a probiotic drink with a sweet but tangy taste. It was invented by Dr Minoru Shirota in the 1930s, as part of his effort to promote preventive medicine. Over the years, the drink became a staple in Japanese homes. It is available in 40 countries today.
Where to try Yakult in Tokyo
Yakult comes in several variations, with the original type priced at under ¥100 in convenience stores and supermarkets. The only downside to Yakult is that you drink it like a shot, so there’s barely any time to savor the taste. Occasionally, you might find a larger bottle at places like Don Quijote, but those are pretty rare.
If you really want to indulge your love for this probiotic drink, consider visiting the Yakult factory in Ibaraki. Much like Kewpie Mayo Terrace, it offers a chance to learn about Yakult’s history and of course, sample plenty of it.
8. Melon Soda
Though a fizzy drink, with not many (or any) health benefits, melon soda is arguably one of the most quintessential Japanese drinks out there.
Strongly associated with the Showa era, this vibrant green drink was created as a result of blending American soda with Japanese tastes. It soon became a staple in kissaten (traditional-style cafés) and a comforting favorite for both children and adults alike.
Even today, you’ll still find it on the menu at most kissaten. Typically, it is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cherry on top.
Where to try melon soda in Tokyo
There are several places in Tokyo that you can try melon soda — you can even just buy it in a bottle from the convenience store. However, our personal recommendations are Dagashi Bar in Shinjuku, and 1/2 (Nibun no Ichi) in Ginza. At the latter, you can try unique types of melon soda including a spiced or herb variety.
9. Ramune
Another soda-based drink, ramune is a nostalgic favorite in the summer. You’ll often see it at matsuri (Japanese summer festivals). It’s not exactly healthy, but it is refreshing. Part of the fun is trying to pop the marble into the bottle — it takes a bit of technique!
Where to try ramune in Tokyo
You won’t typically find ramune in vending machines or many convenience stores. You’re more likely to spot it in larger supermarkets, or from street vendors in big public parks.
The best part? Ramune is relatively cheap, usually costing around ¥100. Notably, it also comes in different fruity flavors, but we personally recommend the classic ramune — it tastes like pure soda, with a hint of lime and lemon.
FAQs
What Japanese tea is similar to matcha?
The green teas most similar to matcha in flavor are gyokuro and sencha. While they differ in texture, being whole-leaf teas, they still share the earthy and umami notes that people like in matcha.
Why is Japanese matcha so expensive?
High-quality matcha is expensive because it requires a lot of labor to produce, and can only be grown in limited regions of Japan. Additionally, increasing demand for matcha means that supply is limited.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. None of the above should be considered as health advice.
