How Much Does Matcha Cost in Japan? What You Can Get With Just 5,000 Yen To Use And Where To Buy

Matcha is now a globally recognized superfood, originating from Japan.

It’s not only used for drinks, but also in sweets and even skincare products, with its popularity continuing to grow both in Japan and around the world.

Especially outside of Japan, matcha is gaining attention as a healthy Japanese ingredient, and it’s not uncommon to see it sold at more than double the price compared to Japan.

In Japan—the home of matcha—you can find it in many places, with a wide range of prices depending on the quality and purpose.

Where to buy matcha on a budget

Matcha comes in two main types: one for drinking and one for baking or cooking.

Though both are technically matcha, their taste and aroma are completely different.

Drinking matcha—intended to be whisked and served as tea—features a rich umami flavor and mellow bitterness.

So, where can you actually buy drinking-grade matcha? Surprisingly, it’s more accessible than you might think.

Everyday matcha at major supermarkets in Japan

In Japan, more and more supermarkets are regularly stocking matcha. Especially in larger chain stores, you can find matcha sold in tins or resealable pouches.

AEON: You may find matcha from well-known tea wholesalers, and their private-label brands are worth checking out too.

Ito Yokado: Drinking-grade matcha is sometimes found in the Japanese tea section.

Seiyu: In addition to teas from traditional wholesalers, you can also find matcha produced by domestic beverage companies—all at affordable prices.

Seijo Ishii: Occasionally offers small portions of high-quality matcha.

Matcha from these supermarkets generally ranges from 500 yen to 1,000 yen (approx. $3.50–$7 USD as of exchange rates at the time of writing), depending on the amount. It’s a great, accessible option for those who want to casually enjoy matcha at home.

For guaranteed quality: 4 recommended specialty matcha tea shops

While supermarket matcha is convenient, if you want guaranteed drinking-grade matcha—or if you’re particular about quality—a Japanese tea specialty store is the way to go.

Historic tea merchants and regional specialty stores from areas like Uji offer a wide variety of matcha types and grades, catering to everyone from beginners to experienced practitioners of the tea ceremony.

Asakusa: “Suzukien”

This specialty shop, run by a long-established tea wholesaler, blends seamlessly into the traditional streetscape of Asakusa. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of Japanese teas, including not only ceremonial-grade matcha but also hōjicha (roasted green tea) and sencha green tea

It’s a calm and welcoming space where you can select high-quality teas that are easy to incorporate into your everyday life.

Asakusa: “Kaminari Issa”

At “Kaminari Issa,” which has several locations in Asakusa, you’ll find a wide selection of matcha sweets made from first-harvest tea leaves packed with umami. From baked treats to lattes, their adorable and gift-worthy offerings are sure to lift your spirits.

Their Asakusa main store also carries several varieties of drinking matcha. The compact packaging makes it perfect for shopping during your travels.

Ginza: “Nakamura Tokichi Honten”

Experience the refined world of high-quality matcha from a historic Kyoto tea wholesaler at “Nakamura Tokichi Honten.”

Located inside the GINZA SIX shopping center, the Ginza branch of “Nakamura Tokichi” operates as a cafe under the name of “Nakamura Tokichi Honten”. It offers matcha-based dishes and sweets, as well as both casual and ceremonial-grade matcha for purchase.

This renowned shop is highly recommended for anyone who values top quality in their matcha experience.

Ginza: “ATELIER MATCHA”

About a 10-minute walk from GINZA SIX, you’ll find “ATELIER MATCHA,” a stylish matcha stand in partnership with Yamamasa Koyamaen, a long-established tea wholesaler based in Uji, Kyoto.

The shop uses authentic, premium matcha commonly used in tea ceremonies. While the instore drinks are the main attraction, several types of matcha are also available for purchase at the counter. Quantities may be limited, but the quality is guaranteed.

High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha powder you can buy in Japan on a budget

Available at Suzukien Asakusa Honte, these four popular matcha varieties — Mikagami no Tsuki, Shinryoku no Kaze, Tsuruhane no Oto, and Fujieda Matcha — are all sourced from Shizuoka Prefecture, one of Japan’s most renowned tea-producing regions.

With prices ranging from 650 yen to 1,800 yen (tax included) they’re very affordable for their quality. The store also sells traditional tea utensils.

One of the highly recommended matcha products at Kaminari Issa Asakusa Honten, also located in Asakusa, is the premium-grade “HŌKI KIWAMI GOLD MATCHA”.

Despite its relatively high price point—8 g (0.28 ounces) for 1,760 yen (tax included), 50 g (1.76 ounces) for 7,770 yen (tax included) and 100 g (3.53 ounces) for 14,300 yen (tax included)—it remains a popular favorite, with many customers enamored by its exceptional flavor.

At ATELIER MATCHA in Ginza, you’ll find three varieties of ceremonial-grade matcha from Yamamasa Koyamaen available for purchase: “Shofuku,” “Ogurayama,” and “Tennozan.”

One of the highlights is that you can actually taste all three in-store by ordering the “Matcha Shot Tasting Set,” making it easy to choose your favorite before buying.

Each variety is sold in 30 g (about 1.06 oz) tins, priced between 1,750 and 3,850 yen (tax included). Since these are made by a long-established tea wholesaler, the quality is assured.

Matcha can be purchased at both supermarkets and specialty shops, with a wide range of price points and qualities available. For casual enjoyment, supermarkets offer great convenience. But if you’re seeking authentic flavor, specialty shops are the way to go. Choose according to your needs and preferences—and find your perfect cup.

※Menu items, prices, and store details are accurate as of August 2025.