When one hears about Kyoto, the rich history and culture of the Japanese Empire come to mind. Another thing Kyoto is famous for is its Japanese confectionery shops and cafes, with matcha or green tea being the most popular choices. This article lists some of the best Cake Shops and Cafe Kyoto has to offer!

Saryo Tsujiri Gion

Saryo Tsujiri Gion is probably one of the most popular green tea houses in Kyoto. Tsujiri is best known for its Japanese tea and matcha desserts. This 155-year-old Japanese tea brand was founded by Riemon Tsuji in 1860 in Uji, Kyoto. Since then, they have strived to serve authentic and high-quality matcha.

Gion Kinana

Gion Kinana is the name of the shop, but the official name of the brand is Kyo Kinana. Located along Shijo Street, it is one of the most popular and most recommended places to visit in Kyoto. They serve ice cream made with kinako or roasted soy flour. The recommended menu is Kinana Sanshumori, a dish with three different flavors of ice cream, perfect for people who want to taste several flavors at once.

Nishiki Ichiha

Located in Nishiki Market, Nishiki Ichiha is a cafe serving matcha dishes and desserts. The cafe’s signature dish is their Nishiki Ichiha Fondue, which is served in a three-tiered box. The drawer is filled with desserts that you can dip in matcha fondue on top of the box. Apart from their fondue, they also serve other matcha desserts and even matcha noodles.

Osakaya Kouji

The third recommendation of Cake Shops and Cafe in Kyoto is Osakaya Kouji. Osakaya is an amazake maker who founded a cafe in Kyoto that serves amazake-flavored dishes. Amazake is the Japanese word for “sweet sake” a sweet drink with little or no alcohol content and usually enjoyed on New Year’s Day. This cafe is one of the few places where you can try amazake desserts and drinks.

Nakamura Tokichi Uji Honten

The last recommendation is Nakamura Tokichi. Nakamura Tokichi first opened in 1854 as a teahouse. This is a very famous traditional matcha restaurant in Uji. Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to visit early as there is a long line in front of the restaurant even before the restaurant officially opens. The cafe offers a “Hiki-cha and Tea Ceremony Experience” where diners can grind matcha tea leaves and use the powder to make tea and eat other matcha confections.