FamilyMart, one of Japan’s leading convenience stores (known locally as “Konbini”), will host its “Uji Matcha Fair” at stores nationwide starting March 31, 2026. The highlight of the event is the return of the legendary “Strawberry Chocolate Uji Matcha,” which ranked number one in sweets sales during the same fair in 2025. The lineup features four carefully crafted sweets that maximize the appeal of “Uji Matcha,” an iconic symbol of Japanese culture.
Last Year’s Top Seller Returns! “Strawberry Chocolate Uji Matcha” Back for a Limited Time
The massive hit “Strawberry Chocolate Uji Matcha,” which dominated sales at the 2025 Matcha Fair, is returning this year in response to overwhelming fan demand.
This treat consists of whole freeze-dried strawberries coated in rich Uji Matcha chocolate. The vibrant tartness of the strawberries and the deep bitterness unique to matcha create a perfect harmony. This snack is a prime example of the high quality found in Japanese Konbini sweets, offering a high-impact flavor profile.
- Product Name: Strawberry Chocolate Uji Matcha
- Price: 350 yen (378 yen tax incl. / approx. $2.52 USD, $2.72 USD tax incl.)
- Release Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Sales Region: Nationwide Japan
- Features: A combination of freeze-dried strawberries and Uji Matcha chocolate (Limited Quantity)
Given its overwhelming popularity last year, these are expected to sell out quickly at stores across Japan. We recommend purchasing them as soon as you spot them.
Rich Aroma! Authentic Melt-in-Your-Mouth “Fragrant Uji Matcha Cookies”
A new addition to the lineup, “Fragrant Uji Matcha Cookies” are authentic cookies designed to pursue the mellow aroma of green tea.
Uji Matcha powder is generously kneaded into the dough, releasing a refreshing scent the moment you open the bag. These carefully baked cookies feature a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. The finish allows you to truly experience the “Umami” characteristic of high-quality matcha.
- Product Name: Fragrant Uji Matcha Cookies
- Price: 276 yen (298 yen tax incl. / approx. $1.99 USD, $2.15 USD tax incl.)
- Release Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Sales Region: Nationwide Japan
- Features: Authentic cookies with a rich aroma and delicate texture (Limited Quantity)
Enjoying these with a cup of warm Japanese tea or coffee will further enhance the deep aroma of the matcha.
Taste Traditional Japan! “Matcha Dorayaki” and “Matcha Cream Daifuku”
This fair also introduces two items that put a modern twist on traditional Japanese sweets (Wagashi). These are luxurious treats that allow you to enjoy the charm of Uji Matcha in your daily life.
Matcha Dorayaki
“Dorayaki” is a traditional Japanese sweet consisting of two pancake-like patties wrapping a filling of sweet bean paste (Anko). This version is a true matcha-lover’s delight, using Uji Matcha in both the batter and the filling.
With one bite, the fragrance of the cake and the rich flavor of the matcha bean paste unite, providing ultimate satisfaction for matcha enthusiasts.
- Product Name: Matcha Dorayaki
- Price: 195 yen (210 yen tax incl. / approx. $1.40 USD, $1.51 USD tax incl.)
- Release Date: March 31, 2026 (Already pre-released in West Japan areas)
- Sales Region: Nationwide Japan
- Features: Luxuriously uses Uji Matcha in both the dough and the filling
Matcha Cream Daifuku
“Daifuku” is a Japanese sweet where soft rice cake (Mochi) wraps a filling. In this product, Uji Matcha bean paste and smooth cream are gently enveloped in soft mochi.
The pleasant bitterness of the matcha and the gentle sweetness of the cream blend in perfect balance, all brought together by the soft texture of the mochi.
- Product Name: Matcha Cream Daifuku
- Price: 165 yen (178 yen tax incl. / approx. $1.19 USD, $1.28 USD tax incl.)
- Release Date: March 31, 2026 (Already pre-released in West Japan areas)
- Sales Region: Nationwide Japan
- Features: A modern combination of matcha bean paste and cream
The Tradition of Uji, Kyoto in the Palm of Your Hand: Premium Ingredients
The “Uji Matcha” used by FamilyMart is steeped in a commitment to traditional Japanese production methods.
The tea leaves used are strictly limited to those from Kyoto and four neighboring prefectures. These are processed into a fine powder using traditional techniques passed down in the Uji region. Particularly important is the “Oi-shita” (shade-grown) cultivation method, where the tea plants are shielded from sunlight before harvest. This process reduces astringency and increases “Theanine,” an umami component, resulting in a deep, mellow aroma.
Furthermore, because matcha involves consuming the entire tea leaf in powder form, it is an efficient way to intake healthy components such as vitamins, dietary fiber, and catechins—one of the reasons it is gaining attention worldwide.
Enjoy the Japanese Spring with FamilyMart’s Matcha Sweets
These special matcha sweets arrive alongside the blooming of spring in Japan. Their charm lies in the ability to enjoy the authentic taste of historic Uji Matcha at the affordable prices unique to a Konbini.
Many of these items are available in limited quantities, so if you are visiting Japan during this time, be sure to check your local FamilyMart. It is a perfect way to experience a luxurious moment filled with the scent of Kyoto and Uji in your everyday life.
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