Situated just a short walk from Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, “ATELIER MATCHA” is a unique destination that offers a completely new kind of matcha experience built around the concept of the “Third Wave of Matcha.”
If the First Wave of matcha refers to the formal enjoyment of matcha while seated in a traditional tea room, and the Second Wave to the casual consumption of matcha in sweets or lattes, then what ATELIER MATCHA is creating is the Third Wave—a new generation of matcha culture.
This next wave invites people to enjoy matcha more freely and casually—making it part of everyday life without losing its refined essence.
A matcha drink at ATELIER MATCHA
ATELIER MATCHA’s bold concept is supported by a collaboration with Yamamasa Koyamaen, a long-established tea wholesaler based in Uji, Kyoto. They use premium ceremonial-grade matcha from this esteemed tea house to create a menu that draws out the tea’s full fragrance and deep umami.
Matcha vs. green tea: what’s the difference?
When people hear the word “matcha,” many associate it with the world of Japanese tea ceremony and see it as a somewhat special or formal drink.
On the other hand, the type of tea most commonly enjoyed in daily life is green tea, which is brewed in a teapot or conveniently sold in teabag form.
In fact, both matcha and green tea come from the same tea leaves—the difference lies in how they are grown and processed.
Matcha is made by steaming tea leaves that have been grown in the shade, drying them without rolling, creating what’s known as tencha, and then carefully grinding it into a fine powder using a stone mill.
By whisking it with hot water, you can enjoy the full flavor and aroma of the tea leaves themselves.
Matcha used at “ATELIER MATCHA,”
Green tea is characterized by steaming the tea leaves, then rolling them into a slender shape before drying them to finish.
The most common way to enjoy it is brewed in a teapot, offering a refreshing astringency and a pleasant aroma.
Matcha sweets at ATELIER MATCHA
The difference in flavor profiles between matcha and green tea becomes even more apparent in sweets.
While matcha-based desserts are quite common, those made with green tea are rare. Green tea has a delicate aroma that can easily be overpowered by ingredients like milk or eggs. Matcha, with its bold flavor and aroma, is much better suited for use in sweets where it retains a clear presence.
Sweets or drinks? Fresh matcha trends to watch for
The menu at ATELIER MATCHA, where you can really dive into the charm of matcha, is rich in individuality. Especially notable is their extensive drink menu, offering uniquely innovative drinks that stand out.
First up to introduce is the “Matcha Peach Melba.” It’s a luxurious treat filled with juicy peach chunks and plenty of vanilla ice cream, allowing you to enjoy delightful texture contrasts.
“MATCHAピーチメルバ,” Matcha Peach Melba 950 JPY (tax included)
The thick “Matcha Sauce” that you pour yourself perfectly balances the overall sweetness with matcha’s slight bitterness, leaving a surprisingly clean aftertaste.
With its festive, indulgent appearance and the exquisite harmony of the peach’s sweetness and matcha’s bitterness, it offers a truly unique flavor experience.
Next up is the “Matcha Affogato.” It’s also finished by gently pouring the condensed, flavorful Matcha Sauce over cold vanilla ice cream and matcha gelato.
“MATCHAアフォガート,” Matcha Affogato 850 JPY (tax included)
The matcha gelato used is ATELIER MATCHA’s original creation. When combined with vanilla ice cream and the Matcha Sauce, it creates a rich and deep finish.
A subtle hint of rock salt adds a delightful accent, allowing the flavor and aroma of the matcha to stand out simply and directly.
A delicious matcha flight: what sets these three matcha powder types apart?
If you want to fully experience the richness of matcha, be sure to try the “Matcha Shot Tasting Set.”
This irresistible set for matcha lovers lets you enjoy three completely different premium ceremonial matcha brands from Yamamasa Koyamaen — “Ogurayama,” “Tennouzan,” and “Matsukaze” — all at once.
“MATCHA Shot ３種飲み比べ,” Matcha Shot Tasting Set 1,500 JPY (tax included)
Matsukaze is known for its mild bitterness and refreshing finish — a light and crisp flavor that makes it perfect after a meal.
Ogurayama is a premium variety with a mellow and refined taste. Its gentle texture and delicate umami that softly expands across the palate create a truly soothing experience.
Tennouzan stands out for its bold umami and clean aftertaste — each sip reveals a harmonious balance of matcha’s depth and subtlety.
Each of these matcha varieties owes its unique character not only to how the tea plants are cultivated, but also to a process called gōgumi, the art of selecting and blending tea leaves.
Just as the taste of wine is shaped by its region and vintner, matcha takes on distinct flavors based on the expertise and aesthetic sense of the tea purveyor.
(left) Matsukaze, (center) Ogurayama, (right) Tennouzan
This tasting set offers a rare chance to sample premium matcha varieties that are usually hard to come by all at once.
If you discover a favorite, you can purchase it right at the store — making it easy to bring the experience home and recreate your own matcha moments anytime.
(left) Matsukaze 30 g (1.06 oz) tin 1,750 JPY (tax included) (center) Ogurayama 30g (1.06 oz) tin 2,360 JPY (tax included) (right) Tennouzan 30g (1.06 oz) tin 3,850 JPY (tax included)
Matcha sweets and drinks that pair perfectly
In addition to drinks that showcase the depth of matcha’s flavor, the store also offers a lineup of sweets that enhance its lingering richness.
The Matcha Gateau is a rich, indulgent dessert packed with the luxurious sweetness and aroma of matcha, delivering a deeply satisfying experience in every bite.
“MATCHAガトー,” Matcha Gateau 890 JPY (tax included)
The texture is dense and velvety, with a smooth melt-in-your-mouth quality. Each bite delivers rich sweetness, balanced by the gentle spread of matcha flavor that leaves a refreshing aftertaste.
The slight bitterness of the matcha rounds out the sweetness, preventing the dessert from feeling too heavy. Pairing it with a matcha latte or affogato enhances the depth of flavor even more.
ATELIER MATCHA’s offerings seamlessly blend tradition with modern taste, creating a welcoming space where anyone can enjoy the depth of matcha in a fresh and personal way.
From drinks to desserts, every item is a one-of-a-kind creation found only at ATELIER MATCHA. From the heart of Ginza, a new way to enjoy matcha is spreading across Japan.
Exterior of ATELIER MATCHA
Information
| Store name | ATELIER MATCHA |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-18-4 Ginza, Chūō-k, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Tsukijishijō Station 2-minute walk from Exit A3
Higashi-ginza Station/b> 8-minute walk from Exit 66
Ginza Station 10-minute walk from Exit A3
|
| Phone number | 03-5801-5991 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Hours | 9:00-18:00（last order 17:45） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 24 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://ateliermatcha.com/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of July 2025.
