MATCHA TIMES, a renowned matcha drink specialty store, proudly announces the opening of its newest location, "MATCHA TIMES Asakusa", on December 16, 2025. Nestled just five minutes away from the iconic Senso-ji Temple in a peaceful residential area, this hidden gem offers visitors a chance to revive their spirits while immersing themselves in an authentic matcha experience.
Upon entering the second floor of the establishment, guests will immediately feel the hustle and bustle of the city fade into the background. The air becomes infused with the rich aroma of freshly prepared matcha, creating a sensory retreat from the lively streets of Asakusa. The interior design beautifully blends traditional Japanese elements with a modern twist, featuring warm wooden accents, calming tones, and a spacious layout that allows the delicate flavors and aromas of matcha to resonate throughout the space. This design fosters a serene environment for enjoying a relaxing break amidst the busy tourist scene.
Guests at MATCHA TIMES Asakusa will have the unique opportunity to select matcha sourced directly from five long-established factories that have been in operation for over a century. Each matcha variety showcases different characteristics that vary significantly depending on its origin, production methods, and conditions. The Asakusa location ensures that customers can experience the full depth of matcha by focusing on the blends that highlight its most delightful flavors, allowing for a comparative tasting journey.
One of the signature features of MATCHA TIMES is the creation of a tailored matcha beverage experience that encourages customers to engage with their preferences in a fun and interactive way, shifting from merely "drinking" matcha to "selecting and creating" it according to individual tastes. Customers are invited to circle their choices from a selection of matcha grades, sweetness levels, and add-ins such as milk or various flavors and toppings to craft their personalized matcha drink.
For matcha aficionados who appreciate a traditional approach, they can choose to savor the pure essence of the selected premium matcha simply prepared with hot water or cold water, allowing the true taste to stand out. Alternatively, those seeking a more playful experience can explore the delightful options available, which include various toppings and flavors to create their unique matcha beverages. This interactive aspect not only generates conversations among friends about their choices but also turns the tasting experience into a captivating activity.
Examples of customizable options include:
- - Matcha grades: Classic, Signature, Reserve, etc.
- - Strength and sweetness: Adjusting the matcha quantity and sweetness according to preference.
- - Flavors: Options such as Matcha Ginger, Matcha Strawberry, Matcha Coconut, and Matcha Yuzu.
- - Milk choices: Regular milk, oat milk, and soda.
- - Toppings: Such as warabi mochi, sweet red bean paste, and cream.
- - Beverages available both hot and iced (certain items may only be offered hot).
For example, the Matcha Yuzu Soda starts at 600 yen and offers a refreshing twist on the traditional drink, while the Matcha Ginger Soda and other specialty lattes are priced from 580 yen. These flavors add a unique Japanese flair that aligns perfectly with the Asakusa experience.
In addition to the matcha offerings, the Asakusa store delights customers with its handmade "Damekin Taiyaki", a miniature custard-filled pastry that pairs excellently with the matcha drinks, enhancing the drinking experience with both flavor and culinary tradition. Each taiyaki is freshly prepared on-site, providing a warm and flavorful companion to the matcha beverage with a delightful harmony of tastes and textures.
Moreover, MATCHA TIMES focuses on affordability, ensuring that genuine matcha experiences are accessible to everyone. Matcha drinks start at just 450 yen (tax included), allowing customers to enjoy high-quality matcha without breaking the bank. One of the best-selling drinks is the Matcha Latte, which can be served either hot or iced, ensuring variety and satisfaction for all tastes.
Additionally, MATCHA TIMES has opened a collaboration store with the popular canelé shop BOB in Harajuku, launched on December 10, 2025. This unique venue features matcha-infused canèles, garnering attention and long lines from eager weekend visitors, further broadening the appeal of MATCHA TIMES's offerings.
Looking to the future, MATCHA TIMES is expanding internationally, planning to launch in five countries by 2026. This initiative aims to spread the joy of the customizable matcha experience globally, inviting people from around the world to discover and appreciate this delightful beverage unique to Japanese culture. Visitors can look forward to a new take on matcha that transcends borders.
MATCHA TIMES Location Details
- - Shop Name: MATCHA TIMES Asakusa
- - Address: 9-2 Kaminarimon, Taito, Tokyo, Japan, 2nd Floor
- - Access: Just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station and a 2-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station
- - Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- - Closed: Open every day
- - Official Instagram: @matchatimes.jp
- - Google Maps: Find Us Here
New experiences await at MATCHA TIMES Asakusa, where the rich heritage of matcha meets modern customization, giving every visitor a chance to enjoy this beloved beverage in a tranquil setting.