Where to Drink Bubble Tea in Kansai

Dec 25, 2024

Where to Drink Bubble Tea in Kansai

Like in much of the rest of the world, bubble tea has become hugely popular in Japan. Although it first appeared in the country in the 90s, it took until the 2010s to become a lasting trend. Some in-person bubble tea shops went out of business during the pandemic but plenty did survive. Plus, many of them have started offering more takeout options (including drive-throughs) and deliveries, meaning it’s still easy to get your bubble tea fix.

Let’s look at some of the top choices around Kansai.

Gong Cha

One of the biggest international bubble tea chains is Gong Cha — a franchise from Taiwan. It has a major presence throughout Japan, including in several cities in Kansai. Most popular are the milk teas, but there are also straight teas, brown sugar tea (for extra sweetness), almond milk teas (for a dairy-free alternative to the classic options), and fruit teas.

Where: Various locations in Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, and Wakayama
Web site: https://www.gongcha.co.jp/

Pearl Lady

A much smaller chain is Pearl Lady. Although a couple of the shops in Kansai have closed down, there are still three remaining: in Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. A big advantage of going to Pearl Lady is you can customize your drink, including the sweetness and how much ice you want. Plus, the menu is also more extensive than at some other places, with many flavors to choose from. If you’re also hungry, accompany your drink with a crepe.

Web site: http://chabar.jp/menu.html

Cha En: Daikokucho Shop

There are also a number of independent bubble tea shops around Kansai, one being Cha En: Daikokucho Shop. The drinks here are all brown sugar bubble teas, meaning you’ll enjoy them most if you have a sweet tooth. They also come with a generous serving of tapioca.

Where: 3-11-22 Daikoku, Naniwa Ward, Osaka (map link)

Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day

Tapioca Ding Tea Dotonbori

Just a small tea shop, Tapioca Ding Tea Dotonbori is a hidden secret in Osaka — but loved by those who know of its existence. Beverages range from fruity options to classic teas like oolong and jasmine. You can choose the sweetness, toppings, and amount of ice to create a tea that perfectly matches your preferences. Plus, the shop sometimes serves banh mi sandwiches with pork and veggies, making this an ideal spot for lunch.

Where: 1-6-14 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka (map link)
Open Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day
Web site: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/shops/176

BonCha Himeji

If you live in Himeji, you’ll want to frequent BonCha Himeji. Not only are the drinks delicious, you’ll collect points every time you visit and receive a free beverage after you’ve purchased 15. The drinks are quite sweet, but they come with plenty of ice — just wait for some of it to melt if you want to decrease the sweetness. In addition to tapioca, there are several other toppings to choose from.

Where: Kamiharada 673, Hanadacho, Himeji, Hyogo (map link)

Wherever you find yourself in Kansai, there should be a spot not too far from you where you can enjoy a delicious bubble tea!

takuma mori, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons