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I just came back from Japan during the peak hype of matcha summer. The hype and craze around the matcha shortage definitely led to me queuing up and hunting down matcha tins throughout Tokyo. Read this guide to figure out where and how to ensure success in finding the matcha powder what you want from matcha shops, stores that have matcha, and cafes that sell matcha powder.
The popular brands I was hunting for:
- Ippodo: I was specifically hunting their ummon matcha, which is known for its deeply rich and umami taste. Especially since it’s always first to sell out online, and goes for $32 for a 20g tin and almost $80 resale!
- Yamamasa Koyamaen: This one I wasn’t too picky on which blend, I just haven’t had much luck getting it in the U.S. (they don’t have their own website) so I really wanted to try anything they had.
- Marukyu Koyamaen: Probably the most beloved on TikTok and social media, I also wasn’t too picky on which one I got, I just wanted to see that light green tin lid in person.
And yes, while I know it’s Japan and that there are probably several high-grade and yummy matches, there was some fun in trying to find these prized brands and varieties, especially since they are so much more expensive ordering from the U.S. stores.
How to get matcha tins of Ippodo
So I believe there are 4 stores, or at least stands, of Ippodo in Tokyo proper. I decided to make it hard for myself and try to go to the most crowded one in Ginza. Here’s my summary of the Google reviews: Go early before opening. Queue in entrance A11 of Ginza station (underground near the 7-Eleven, outside the turnstiles). The entrance is for the food court. If you don’t do this, you will not get to the Ippodo stand first and you will not get the matcha you want.
So here’s how I did it: I took the subway from my hotel in Shinjuku and arrived at Ginza station around 9:15 am. Don’t make the same mistake I did and exit to above ground. Stay underground and ask the attendants or follow the signs for A11. If you see a 7-Eleven (which would be a great place to snag breakfast to eat while you’re in line), you’re headed the right direction. I don’t remember seeing an actual sign for A11 and rather looking for the entrance to Mitsukoshi Mall or Ginza Food Garden. You’re looking for something like this:
By the time I grabbed my breakfast and found the mall entrance it was 9:30 am and there was only one other person waiting for Ippodo. I knew I was in the right place since there was a sign on the door by Ippodo to use this entrance. While I was only 2nd in line at 9:30, by the time it was 9:40 there was a line wrapped around the corner. If you’re going during peak season, I recommend going even earlier than I did if you really want the matcha you want (more on that later).
By the time it was 9:55 am, the line was even longer and it was clear there were going to be some unlucky people today. By now, the security guard begins to unlock the doors and everyone is anxious to get inside. At 10 AM on the dot, the mall music chimes and the security guard gestures for everyone to come in. I was nervous, were people going to run once inside? It was a mall after all.
It was the opposite. As soon as you get to the food court there is an Ippodo rep guiding the line towards the booth. (Unfortunately, I don’t have many pictures of this process as they did not want me filming this. Likely they didn’t want me to show the large crowd and chaos this process was).
I suggest you’re ready with what exact tea you want (with backup plans). The below pictures are from two different days, and the availability between two of those days is different.
The stand has 3 attendants ready to help you (with perfect English), so you can ask questions. The line moves fast and they’ll inform you only one matcha product per person. Both days I decided to go for the ummon-no-mukashi, as I’ve heard about it so much from my matcha-loving friends.
However, it is worth noting, that as I checked out and walked away from the register, I already saw one of the employees was updating the sign with a ‘SOLD OUT’ sticker. It was for the ummon, and I was happy I snagged it. Pro tip: I noticed that the summon for the day ran out after the first 5 or so people. If you really want your pick of the matcha, I suggest aiming to be first in line.
After an hour of buying an insane amount of pastries, Japanese candies, and other food-related goods (like Japanese acacia honey), I came back and couldn’t believe my eyes.
It’s already sold out!!! TLDR: if you’re not queuing up, you’re not going to get Ippodo that day.
When I went home and made the matcha from Ippodo, I was amazed. Not an ounce of bitter. Not an ounce of astringency. Deeply rich and almost a taste I couldn’t believe was matcha. I am now an Ippodo fan and now spoiled for life.
Was it worth using two of my Tokyo mornings? That’s up for you to decide. But if you have no early morning plans on the itinerary, I recommend leaning into the Tokyo queuing experience and getting this highly praised matcha powder along with everyone else who tries.
