Another famous shop in Uji is the long-established Itohkyuemon, which is as renowned as Nakamura Tokichi. For matcha lovers, it's a must-visit pilgrimage spot in Uji.
Unlike most tea shops that mainly serve sweets, this place thoughtfully offers a wide variety of savory dishes. The classic choice is the matcha soba. The noodles are springy with a subtle tea aroma, and they're very refreshing with the special dipping sauce. You can even choose them in a hot broth, perfect for anyone who wants a proper meal.
After filling up, the main event has to be their famous signature matcha parfait. A tall glass is layered with rich, bittersweet matcha ice cream, chewy shiratama, handmade tea jelly, and sweet red beans. It offers plenty of different textures without being overly sweet, and seasonal flavors like cherry blossom and chestnut are also available. Starting with a bowl of refreshing savory tea noodles and finishing with an elaborate parfait is the ultimate Uji experience, with both savory and sweet delights!
