Japan's NANAYA Serves World's Strongest Matcha Ice Cream

If you’ve tasted countless matcha desserts and still felt something was off—too sweet, too weak, or just not ‘real’ matcha—then a small coffee shop in Fujieda, Japan might have your answer. Run by a husband-and-wife duo obsessed with authentic matcha, NANAYA serves matcha ice cream in seven distinct concentrations, letting customers choose their perfect strength. The question isn’t whether it’s good—it’s which intensity you can handle.

The answer? Their ‘No. 7’ is widely called the world’s strongest matcha ice cream. Even the mildest option, No. 1, beats most commercial versions in intensity. Most visitors start around No. 4 or 5, but serious matcha fans head straight for No. 7.

How NANAYA Created Its World-Famous Matcha Ice Cream

The idea came from years of taste-testing. Owners Suzuki Naruhiko and his wife Miwa have sampled nearly 20 different matcha ice creams from around the world, and close to 50 varieties in Japan alone. Their palates became the ultimate benchmark. Frustrated by the lack of truly strong, high-quality matcha desserts, they set out to craft one that truly highlights the depth and bitterness of high-grade matcha.

The motivation was simple: they wanted to share the unique qualities of Fujieda matcha with the world. But achieving extreme matcha concentration wasn’t easy. In their quest for intensity, they even broke machines multiple times during production. That dedication paid off—not only did their ice cream gain a cult following, but NANAYA also won the 2014 Japanese Italian-style Ice Cream Award.

What Makes the Matcha Intensities Different?

NANAYA’s matcha ice cream is offered in seven numbered concentrations, from 1 (lightest) to 7 (most intense). Every number reflects a different ratio of matcha powder to base, with higher numbers containing significantly more matcha. Even No. 1 is reported to have a stronger, purer matcha taste than most store-bought versions. No. 7, meanwhile, is an intense experience—thick, bitter, and deeply aromatic, often described as an acquired taste. Most customers recommend starting with No. 4 or 5, then working your way up.

What Do Visitors Say About NANAYA’s Matcha Ice Cream?

Reviewer Aidalee called it “the best matcha dessert” they’d ever had, saying past versions were “not authentic.” Another visitor, evergreen804, praised No. 6 as “very good,” noting that Kyoto’s matcha ice creams didn’t compare. User siuchouw insisted “No. 7 is a must,” though they admitted other flavors were also excellent—including the matcha daifuku and matcha pie. Reviewer satosi3104 favored No. 4 but enjoyed Nos. 2 and 3 too. Traveler き2013 said the line is only about 10 minutes and the flavor “not sweet, very great.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is NANAYA located?

NANAYA is located in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It’s a small, family-run coffee shop known for its signature matcha ice cream.

How many matcha ice cream concentrations does NANAYA offer?

NANAYA offers seven different matcha ice cream concentrations, numbered from 1 to 7. The higher the number, the more concentrated and intense the matcha flavor.

Which matcha concentration is the strongest?

No. 7 is considered the strongest and is widely referred to as the 'world’s strongest matcha ice cream.' It has an extremely intense and bitter matcha flavor.

Is the No. 1 concentration very mild?

Even No. 1 is reported to be stronger and more flavorful than most commercial matcha ice creams. Reviewers say it’s a good entry point but still delivers a rich matcha taste.

What other desserts does NANAYA serve besides ice cream?

In addition to matcha ice cream, NANAYA serves popular items such as matcha daifuku (sticky rice sweets) and matcha pie, which have also received praise from visitors.

Do you need to book ahead or wait in line?

No booking is required, but visitors should expect a short wait—typically around 10 minutes. The line moves quickly, and the experience is highly recommended.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Matcha Pairing

When enjoying intense matcha desserts like those at NANAYA, try pairing them with FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for a smooth, well-rounded espresso with velvety crema that balances the tea’s bitterness. For something richer, the Specialty Blend combines Brazilian and Colombian beans for a familiar yet nuanced flavor. Both are excellent for lattes or milk drinks alongside matcha desserts. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.