Kyoto has a lot of food–but don’t miss out on trying some of it’s unique sweets! Here’s a list of five of Kyoto’s best places to eat sweets. Make sure you try some traditional Japanese sweets as well as modern ones popular with the cool kids today!
Parfait: Kisshokaryo Kyoto
This sleek, modern café serves some of the best parfaits in Kyoto. Japanese people are obsessed with parfaits, and none of Kisshokaryo’s will disappoint. They change seasonally, always serving a kinako (roasted soybean, kind of peanut-y) parfait, and rotating between green tea, strawberry, and a few other parfaits. I recommend the kinako parfait (1350 yen, $10), which is a taste unique to Japan and which, since my first bite, can’t get enough of. It includes a soymilk jelly, hojicha jelly, vanilla ice cream, crunchy meringue, and delicious soybean flour.
306 Ishibashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0066
Open everyday, 11am-6pm
Dango: Kamo Mitarashi Chaya
This small shop near Shimogamo Shrine is actually the birthplace of mitarashi dango, a type of soft mochi covered in a sweet soy sauce. 650 yen ($5) will get you five sticks of the dango, and they have a few other sweets you can choose to enjoy with them. I recommend the warabimochi or the assorted set of various different traditional sweets. You might notice that the five mitarashi dango have a small space between the fourth and fifth one. The story goes that the dumplings were made in the shape of a human, with four arms and legs, then presented to the gods and taken home to eat over a fire with soy sauce to ward off bad luck.
〒606-0816 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Matsunokicho, 53 加茂みたらし茶屋
Closed Wednesday, 9:30am-6:30pm
Wagashi: Tsuruya Yoshinobu Main Branch
This shop specializes in traditional Japanese sweets, and even allows you to watch the chef delicately prepare them in front of you. For this interesting experience, head upstairs and wait in line to join (no reservations, but the line usually isn’t too long). It’s 1210 yen ($9) for the experience plus a choice of one of two types of sweets and a cup of matcha. I also recommend checking out the store for a variety of unique or seasonal sweets.
〒602-8434 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Nishifunahashicho, 340-1 1階
Closed Wednesday, 9am-6pm
Shaved Ice: Tsurara
Shaved ice, known in Japan as kakigori, is a popular summer treat. Tsurara, located near Nijo Castle, has a unique menu of kakigori that will leave everyone satisfied. From strawberry, hoji-cha, matcha, coconut, tiramisu, and more, depending on the season, everything on the menu is delicious and very Instagrammable, and prices range from 800-1600 yen each ($6-$12). The menu is in Japanese but has drawings of each option to help you choose. Reservations aren’t required, but are recommended and can be made here.
〒604-8417 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishinokyo Uchihatacho, ２２
Closed Tuesday, 11am-7pm
Cake Shop: Qu’il Fait Bon
Japanese people have a special fascination with French cuisine, and one great example of this is Qu’il Fait Bon. This cake shop chain, which began in Shizuoka, has a bit of a Ritz-y French cottage vibe, and some of the best darn cakes and tartes I’ve eaten inside and outside of the real France. I recommend sitting inside, and expect a short line, but choose your desserts and coffee/tea while you wait. Whether you love fruit or chocolate, this place will have something you’ll love.
〒604-8005 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Ebisucho, 534-18, Stellam, 1F
Open everyday, 11am-7pm