Our Story

Our Beginning

From Kyoto to New York

Maiko Matcha Cafe was born from a deep, abiding passion for authentic Japanese matcha culture. Our founders spent years traveling through the tea-growing regions of Japan, studying under master tea artisans, and immersing themselves in the centuries-old traditions that make matcha far more than just a beverage -- it is an art form, a philosophy, and a way of life.

The dream was simple yet ambitious: to bring the genuine taste and spirit of Kyoto's finest matcha to the bustling streets of New York City. After years of searching for the perfect partner, we forged an exclusive relationship with Harima Garden, a historic and revered tea estate nestled in the rolling hills of Uji, Kyoto. Operating continuously since 1858, Harima Garden represents over 160 years of tea-making mastery passed down through generations.

"We don't just serve matcha -- we bring an entire tradition across the Pacific. Every cup at Maiko is a bridge between Japan's timeless tea heritage and the vibrant energy of New York City."

Premium Quality

The Finest Matcha from Uji

Uji, Kyoto is universally recognized as the premier matcha-producing region in the world. Nestled between the Uji River and surrounding mountains, this area benefits from a unique microclimate where misty mornings and cool mountain air create ideal conditions for cultivating exceptional tea. The natural fog that blankets the hills acts as a gentle protector, shielding the delicate tea plants from harsh frost and intense sunlight, allowing the leaves to develop a richer concentration of amino acids and chlorophyll.

Harima Garden has been cultivating tea on this hallowed ground since 1858, refining their craft through six generations of tea masters. Their dedication to traditional methods is unwavering -- from the careful shading of tea plants weeks before harvest to enhance flavor and color, to the meticulous hand-picking of only the youngest, most tender leaves at the peak of spring.

Once harvested, the leaves are steamed to preserve their brilliant emerald hue, gently dried, and then stone-ground using traditional granite mills that turn at a deliberate, unhurried pace. This slow grinding process -- producing just 30 grams per hour per mill -- ensures the matcha retains its vibrant green color, delicate aroma, and the rich umami flavor that distinguishes truly premium matcha from ordinary alternatives.

Our Values

Our Philosophy

Three guiding principles shape everything we do at Maiko Matcha Cafe, from sourcing our ingredients to serving our guests.

Tradition Meets Innovation

We hold deep respect for centuries-old Japanese tea culture while embracing the creativity to craft modern, inventive matcha experiences. Our menu honors traditional preparation methods -- the bamboo whisk, the careful water temperature, the meditative ritual -- while introducing contemporary flavors and presentations that delight and surprise. It is this balance between old and new that defines the Maiko experience.

Quality Without Compromise

Every ingredient that enters our kitchen is carefully selected to meet the highest standards. Our matcha is ceremonial-grade, sourced directly from Harima Garden. Our milk is organic, our sweeteners are natural, and our desserts are made entirely in-house each morning. We believe that exceptional quality is not a luxury but a commitment we make to every guest with every cup and every plate.

Authentic Experience

From the way we source our matcha to the precise method by which it is whisked and served, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. Our baristas are trained in the principles of Japanese tea preparation. Our cafe interiors are inspired by the serene aesthetics of Kyoto tea houses. Every detail is intentional, creating an atmosphere where guests can truly feel the spirit of Japan in the heart of New York.

Handcrafted

Made with Passion Daily

At Maiko Matcha Cafe, nothing comes from a package and nothing sits on a shelf. Every morning, our team arrives hours before the doors open to begin the day's preparations. Waffle cones are baked fresh in-house until they achieve the perfect golden crispness and delicate sweetness. Pastries and desserts are handcrafted from scratch using recipes we have developed and refined over years of experimentation.

Our matcha drinks are prepared using the traditional chasen -- a bamboo whisk -- to create the signature frothy, velvety texture that machine-mixed matcha simply cannot replicate. Each cup begins with carefully measured, freshly sifted matcha powder, whisked with water heated to precisely 175 degrees Fahrenheit to unlock the tea's full depth of flavor without any bitterness.

Whether you order a classic Uji Matcha Latte, a signature Matcha Soft Serve in a freshly baked cone, or one of our seasonal specialty creations, every item is made to order with the same meticulous care and genuine passion. We believe that when you can taste the difference, the effort is always worth it.