KitKat, chocolate covered wafers from the UK, have gained legions of fans across the globe, and Japan is no exception. First introduced to Japan in 1973, it quickly became a best-seller.
Among the 350+ flavors of KitKat that Nestlé Japan has introduced are flavors that take you on a tour of Japan, However, out of all the flavors, matcha stands out from the rest.
The very first matcha KitKat, Uji Matcha, was released in 2004. At present there are currently 10 varieties of Matcha KitKat on the Japanese market -- and we’ve tried them all. See if you can try them all while you’re in Japan!
1. KitKat Minis Matcha Tea Leaf
From the moment you remove KitKat Matcha Tea Leaf from the package, the aroma of matcha envelops you. Note how the pale green of matcha is speckled with deep green flakes: The chocolate in this KitKat is blended with matcha paste and matcha leaves. As you take a bite, the bitterness of leaves greets you immediately, and as you chew, more matcha is released. If you think the matcha has been infused into the wafers, you’re pretty close - The cream between the wafers is a Uji matcha blend.
This version of matcha KitKat contains more polyphenols than other varieties, making it a great choice for those who are curious about its health benefits. Fans of matcha who crave something extreme will surely enjoy this treat. KitKat Minis Matcha Tea Leaf is available at supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
■Sales locations:
Supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
2. KiKat Minis Otona no Amasa Matcha
This is one of two versions of KitKat in the Otona no Amasa series, released in 2012. Otona no Amasa loosely translates to “sweetness for adults,” suggesting that the sugar content is more more subdued than other chocolates.
Using KitKat’s signature “crush and spread” method, finely crushed wafers are sandwiched throughout the KitKat. The bitterness of Uji matcha blends very well with white chocolate, yet the sweetness of the chocolate does not overpower the taste of matcha. Uji matcha cream is also sandwiched between the wafers, completing your matcha journey. It makes an ideal souvenir of your trip to Japan and can be enjoyed by matcha newcomers and those who are not fond of sweets. KiKat Minis Otona no Amasa Matcha is available at supermarkets and drugstore across Japan.
■Sales locations:
Supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
3. KiKat Minis Otona no Amasa Deep Matcha
The second product in the Otona no Amasa is “deep,” and was released in September 2017. The name suggests that you are in for a treat that is high in matcha and low in sweetness. In fact, this KitKat contains twice as much Uji matcha as the other Otona no Amasa flavor. As the name suggests, the taste of chocolate is much more subdued.
The second product in the Otona no Amasa is “deep,” and was released in September 2017. The name suggests that you are in for a treat that is high in matcha and low in sweetness. In fact, this KitKat contains twice as much Uji matcha as the other Otona no Amasa flavor. As the name suggests, the taste of chocolate is much more subdued.
The white chocolate coating contains matcha paste and is futhether blended with ground matcha tea leaves. These ground tea leaves are also infused into the wafers, resulting in a sensory matcha experience. KiKat Minis Otona no Amasa Deep Matcha is available at supermarkets and drugstore across Japan.
■Sales locations:
Supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
4. KitKat Luxury Every Day Matcha Double Berry and Almond
Brought to you by world famous patissiere Takagi Yasumasa, Luxury Every Day Matcha Double Berry and Almond KitKat are a KitKat Chocolatory creation that are to be enjoyed daily. While the color of this KitKat has the signature pale green hue of matcha, the aroma is of chocolate and is further complemented by fragrant almonds. The cream between the wafers contains Uji matcha and bittersweet raspberry powder. As a finishing touch each KitKat bar is beautifully topped with crushed almonds and dried berries.
■Sales locations:
Supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
KitKat normally come in pair, but these mini bars are individually wrapped. They are perfect for the health conscious consumer who wants to indulge daily without tipping the scales. KitKat Luxury Every Day Matcha Double Berry and Almond is available at supermarkets and drugstore across Japan.
■Sales locations:
Supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
5. KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Matcha
Released in September 2017, KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Matcha is a premium variety of KitKat which can only be found in Chocolatory locations across Japan. The packaging is understood but luxurious, a deep green completed by gold writing. You’ll immediately take notice of its hefty size as you open the box. The KitKat stick is roughly the length of two KitKat placed end to end.
KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Matcha features Couverture chocolate, a very high-quality chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter other varieties of chocolate. Woven into this rich chocolate is ground Gyokuro tea leaves, resulting in the heavier aroma of matcha and jade green color.
Although it appears to have more ground tea leaves infused in the chocolate, KitKat Minis Matcha Tea Leaf, are slightly sweeter, due to the type of chocolate used. Each bite is complemented by the wonderful aroma of matcha released from the ground tea leaves, resulting in a truly sublime treat! KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Matcha KitKat is available at KitKat Chocolatory.
■Sales locations:
Kit-Kat Chocolatory
6. KitKat Chocolatory Moleson Matcha
A premium delight that does not hold back on high quality ingredients and flavor, KitKat Chocolatory Moleson Matcha ups the ante on Chocolatory Sublime Matcha. It uses Gyokuro tea leaf infused white Couverture chocolate alongside matcha powder, Topped with azuki (red) beans, brown rice puffs and the peel of a citrus fruit called yuzu, this is a distinctly Japanese twist on a western treat. The texture of the beans lends to a nutty-like crunch that is topped off by a sharp matcha aftertaste. Purchase as a gift for that special someone, but do not forget to pick up one for yourself. KitKat Chocolatory Moleson Matcha is available at KitKat Chocolatory.
■Sales locations:
Kit-Kat Chocolatory
7. KitKat Chocolatory Special Matcha & Kinako
This elegant box, which simply features a cup of matcha and kinako, roasted soybean powder, does not fully capture the richness of KitKat Chocolatory Special Matcha & Kinako. Fans of kinako will rejoice when they immediately recognize its familiar sweet fragrance. Kinako is often used as a topping in Japanese sweets, but this time, it is paired with matcha, creating a blend of two traditional ingredients. The creamy texture of kinako provides a refreshing aftertaste to the bitterness of matcha. As with other KitKat Chocolatory creations, Chocolatory Special Matcha & Kinako also uses Gyokuro tea leaf infused white Couverture chocolate. If you’re looking for a way to introduce your friends to he world of traditional Japanese sweets, this is a great place to start! KitKat Chocolatory Special Matcha & Kinako is available at KitKat Chocolatory.
■Sales locations:
Kit-Kat Chocolatory
8. KitKat Uji Matcha KitKat
If you’re overwhelmed with all the varieties of matcha KitKat available in Japan, head straight for this one as it that kicked off the matcha craze. Since its release in 2004, KitKat Uji Matcha KitKat are still widely popular. After all, it’s the perfect blend of Western sweets and Japanese traditional ingredients.
The first bite leaves a sharp taste of matcha on your tongue, but this is rounded out by chocolate. Despite its sharp beginning, the sweetness of the chocolate invites you in for a second bite, and more, until you’ve finished your box! KitKat Uji Matcha KitKat is available at airport souvenir shops.
■Sales locations:
Airport souvenir shops.
9. KitKat Sakura Matcha
Released in 2010, Sakura Matcha KitKat are a must-buy, if only for its kawaii design that features Japan’s signature flower, the cherry blossom, and a relaxing cup of matcha. Despite the prominent use of cherry blossom in this creation, you may be disappointed that these KitKat Sakura Matcha are not an adorable pale pink.
Still, the taste and aroma of cherry blossoms make this a sensation that can be enjoyed year-round. Overall, there is a rich taste of cherry blossom, but it does not overpower the matcha, which finishes lightly. Together, cherry blossoms and matcha are a wonderful harmony of Japan's most famous ingredients. KitKat Sakura Matcha is available at airport souvenir shops.
■Sales locations:
Airport souvenir shops.
10. KitKat Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha 12 Pieces - 800 yen
Last on our list is KitKat Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha. In 2008, Nestlé collaborated with Itohkyuemon, a long-established traditional teahouse in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture to create this version of matcha KitKat.
It is richer and creamier than the Uji Matcha KitKat and has a strong aroma of chocolate. There are Uji tea leaves in the white chocolate that covers the wafers, and the chocolate perfectly showcases matcha’s signature bitterness. Still, this version of KitKat has a mild matcha taste and would be a excellent choice for showcasing the regional delights of Kyoto. KitKat Itohkyuemon Uji Matcha is available at souvenir shops in Kyoto and throughout the Kansai region.
■Sales locations:
Souvenir shops in Kyoto and throughout the Kansai region.
Bonus:
If all 10 versions of matcha KitKat are still not enough to satisfy your matcha craving, consider these matcha drinks by Nestlé. When you’re drinking matcha, you’re experiencing more than Japanese culture. Matcha is rich in vitamins and minerals, and one cup of matcha contains has twice as much as the the antioxidant polyphenol than a cup of regular green tea. That’s a lot of nutrition for one cup!
Nestlé has teamed up with Kyoto prefecture to bring you the Kyoto x Nestlé Matcha Project, an initiative to spread the love of Uji matcha across Japan and all over the world. Take a piece of Kyoto home with you and grab these drinks.
Nestle Rich Matcha and Nestle Rich Matcha Latte
Another “deep” product from Nestlé, these instant drinks were released in October 2017, just as temperatures dropped across Japan.
When you prepare a cup of Rich Matcha, let the taste transport you to a Kyoto tea house - it delivers a concentrated punch of matcha signature bitter taste as well as rich health benefits. The frothey jade green color is just as a tea master would prepare. You can enjoy this authentic flavored Matcha in a convenient way by just pouring hot water.
If you love the creaminess of matcha lattes, but want to avoid the high sugar content and artificial flavors, then Rich Matcha Latte is for you. At only 65 kcal per serving, you get the taste of high street coffee chains, but served with a generous side of polyphenol. You can enjoy this authentic flavored Matcha latte endorsed by silky creme with milk in a convenient way by just pouring hot water.
Rich Matcha and Rich Matcha Latte is available at supermarkets and drugstores across Japan.
Nescafé Dolce Gusto Deep Matcha
Exclusively for Nescafé owners is Dolce Gusto Rich Matcha. The Nescafé machine effortlessly prepares a fresh cup of matcha for you, just as a Japanese tea master would! Rich Matcha is available in convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan.
Bonus:
Behind the KitKat there is a space where you can write a message!
* All prices are manufacturer suggested retail prices (tax excluded).
-
KitKat Chocolatoryキットカット ショコラトリー
- Address 2F, 3-7-2, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
In Tokyo, also available at KitKat Chocolatory located in Shinjuku Takashimaya, Daimaru Tokyo, and Seibu Ikebukuro.
American by birth, Japanese by choice, and traveler at heart, Teni Wada is a Tokyo-based content creator who enjoys browsing combini shelves for limited edition drinks and snacks. Find out more about her Tokyo life and travels over at Instagram.
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Goods
Hanko Shop 21 Akihabara
Gift Shops
Akihabara
-
Goods
Japan Culture & Character Shop Guf Kyoto store
Gift Shops
Gion, Kawaramachi, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
-
Appealing
SANKI ZAKKA Laforet HARAJUKU Store
Gift Shops
Harajuku
-
Goods
Japan Culture & Character Shop Guf Osaka Nippombashi store
Gift Shops
Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi
-
Events
KOHGEN Ginza (incense store)
Gift Shops
Ginza
-
Goods
Hanko Shop 21 Asakusa
Gift Shops
Asakusa
-
Explore Japan for Free? Japan Airlines Offering Free Domestic Flights for International Travelers
-
Oiran Courtesan Parades & Fireworks: Join Edo Wonder Night 2024 at Nikko Edomura This October/November
-
Salon-Quality Beauty Care at Home! 4 Trending Microneedle Cosmetics You Can Try at Hands Shinjuku Store
-
Brand New Baths! Top 4 New Bathhouses in and Around Tokyo 2024
by: Cassandra Lord
-
8 Iconic Tokyo Locations That Will Make Your Instagram Shine
by: Himanshi Shah
-
Visiting Japan in October - Weather, Travel Advice, Best Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
by: James Davies
-
Unique, Trendy, and Strange Japanese T-Shirts in Traditional Asakusa
-
What to Pack for Japan: 8 Essential Things for a Hassle-Free Trip
-
3 Famous Ramen Shops in Yamagata - Japan's "Ramen Prefecture"!
-
Staff-Recommended! The 15 Must-Have Souvenirs of Tokyo Station
-
12 Perfect and Quirky Snack Souvenirs to Bring Back From Your Japan Trip!
by: Julie Gozali
-
Summer 2023 Buzz: Top 3 Trendy Collaboration Sweets Exclusive to Kansai
by: Shiro Tsuchida
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks