If you want to eat sweets in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, start here! 20 popular shops

Photograph:ジョルノ☆

Bel Amer Kyoto Bettei is a chocolatier set in a machiya (traditional townhouse) near Karasuma Oike Station, offering chocolates that make use of Japanese ingredients and techniques.

On the second floor, there is a cafe space with table seating. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by the sweet aroma of cacao.

Photograph:Tyler86

"Chocolat Noir" is a rich chocolate cake made generously with Bel Amer's carefully selected chocolate.

It layers deep bittersweet notes with mellow sweetness, leaving a long finish. It also pairs well with anglaise sauce and fruit, and eating them together brings out even more flavor.

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The afternoon tea set offers an all chocolate selection made with seasonal ingredients.

The menu changes with the season, and the autumn menu features sweets that combine chestnuts and chocolate. The savory items have a gentle flavor, and you can take your time enjoying them with tea.

Photograph:ぶーめい

The photo shows the “Seasonal Purin a la Mode.” This plate lets you enjoy a slightly firm purin (Japanese custard pudding), smooth basque cheesecake, and seasonal fruits.

The fresh figs and grapes add another layer of flavor and bring variety to the taste. Its cute look, topped off with a hedgehog cookie, is also popular.

Photograph:わいぐる

The seasonal parfait is also a popular menu item. The photo shows a satsumaimo (sweet potato) parfait.

The toasted Beniharuka cream adds a nice roasted aroma, while the satsumaimo tossed with rosemary gives it a fresh accent. It also comes with two kinds of ice cream, genmaicha (brown rice green tea) and vanilla, which balance the sweetness.

Photograph:まい20231225

Saryo Hassui is a 9-minute walk from Keifuku Dentetsu Arashiyama Station, standing right by the Hozugawa (Hozu River) in Kyoto.

Set in a calm space created from a renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house), it has about 40 seats in total, with table seating and terrace seating. Looking out over the waterside and the lush greenery, you can enjoy a relaxing time that helps you unwind.

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The photo shows a "Wa no Afternoon Tea (Japanese-style afternoon tea)." Based on the Chinese poem "Hasshokuken-shi," it is made up half of washoku (Japanese cuisine) and half of wagashi (Japanese sweets).

People say every item packed into the tiered jubako (stacked lacquered box) has a careful, refined taste, and among the sweets, the matcha canelé is especially popular. It is a 90-minute seating, and drinks are free-flow.

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The "Jo-namagashi (seasonal fresh wagashi) Sencha Set" lets you take your time enjoying jo-namagashi that expresses the season along with fragrant sencha (green tea).

The delicate sweetness gently spreads across the palate and leaves an elegant finish. It is a plate that lets you feel the spirit of Kyoto.

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A 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, MAISON TANUKI is a cafe with a calm atmosphere that makes use of a kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse).

On the first floor, you can see a tsuboniwa (small courtyard garden), while from the second floor you can look out on bright fresh greenery and autumn leaves, so you can enjoy the scenery of each season. The counter seats by the window facing the garden are especially recommended.

Photograph:アベタク1011

Many people say the seasonal fruit parfaits are excellent. The photo shows the "budou (grape) and ichijiku (fig) parfait," which is said to let you enjoy the fruit’s own fresh juiciness.

The tartness of the cassis mousse layers with the light feel of the white wine jelly, making it a parfait where you can enjoy a range of changing flavors.

Photograph:奈良の都の子

The seasonal afternoon tea lets you enjoy not only baked sweets but also lightly flavored desserts.

On the autumn menu, Mont Blanc and pumpkin pudding are popular, and some say the pudding’s firm texture leaves a strong impression. You can also ask the staff for advice when choosing tea leaves for your drink.

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Assemblages+ is about a 7-minute walk from Marutamachi Station. This restaurant offers gelato and creative dishes in a calm space with the warmth of wood.

On the second floor, you can stop by just for gelato. There is also a bar counter on the first floor, where you can enjoy drinks and sweets.

Photograph:Anote

The special gelato lets you enjoy creative flavors such as milk + Awaji shio (Awaji salt) and oba (shiso leaf) + ichigo (strawberry). It also comes with coffee cream and baked sweets.

It looks like a piece of art, and the layers of saltiness, sweetness, and aroma are said to spread pleasantly.

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The sweet in the photo is a seasonal limited menu item that layers the sweetness and aroma of figs over torokeru milk ice.

Partway through, lemon gelato appears and adds a light tartness, while custard brings extra richness. They say you can enjoy the changing flavors.

Photograph:鯖系女子

Saryo Kyoto Yoshitsugu is a matcha cafe set in a 150-year-old kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse), located a 3-minute walk from Shijo Station and also within walking distance of Nishiki Market.

Inside, there are counter seats and ozashiki (tatami seating), with a quiet and refined atmosphere. You can also enjoy a matcha experience around an irori (sunken hearth).

Photograph:Elle.

The photo shows the "hanaan cake." It uses hanaan (flower-shaped white bean paste) made by blending shiroan (white bean paste) with Hokkaido-grown Otebo-mame (large white kidney beans) to express seasonal motifs, and the masu (wooden square box) contains strawberry confiture and sponge cake.

It is said to have a soft, light texture and mild sweetness. This is a dish that lets you enjoy seasonal beauty, such as summer sunflowers.

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Tayu no Hon Warabi Mochi uses 100% hon-warabi-ko (bracken starch) from Southern Kyushu in the rare 100% style, and is said to have a warm, soft mouthfeel.

When paired with Tanba kuromame kinako (roasted soybean flour made from Tanba black soybeans) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) made with black sugar from Hateruma Island, it offers a toasty aroma and deep sweetness for an even more luxurious taste.

Photograph:美食めぐり子

Just a 4-minute walk from Kyoto Tower, this is a French toast specialty shop set in a renovated kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse). There are 26 seats in total.

Dry flowers hang from the ceiling beams, creating a warm and inviting space.

Photograph:妃生

The photo shows the “Kiwami” French Toast. This plate lets you enjoy three kinds at once: the classic, caramel brûlée, and baguette.

The egg mixture soaks in nicely, giving it a soft and creamy texture. Pairing it with toppings like whipped cream adds even more variety to the flavor.

Photograph:Tゆきち

The seasonal parfait is a popular menu item that lets you enjoy the best of the season.

The photo shows a gorgeous parfait with a white theme that evokes a snowy landscape. The aroma of yuzu citrus ice cream and the mellow richness of white chocolate come together, and the finish is refreshed with grapefruit.

MONO MONO CAFE is a cafe in Shijo Karasuma set in a renovated kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse), and it is known for its delicious crepes and galettes.

The ceiling beams and greenery inside the cafe add a nice touch and create a relaxing atmosphere. In addition to table and sofa seating, there is also terrace seating.

Photograph:花月 桃

A weekday-only set of galette and mini crepe.

The mini crepe is a simple dessert made with butter and sugar plus a light touch of cinnamon, and it is said to have a pleasantly chewy texture. Paired with the Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables) galette, you can enjoy a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Photograph:鯖系女子

For crepes with freely chosen toppings, you can also switch to galette dough and enjoy a more fragrant flavor.

The cinnamon galette in the photo goes perfectly with banana. Many people also add chocolate sauce or whipped cream to customize it. It is a dish you can mix and match to suit your mood.

Kakigori to Kunsei Gyuniku Zushi Entotsu KYOTO is a 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. While it serves kunsei gyuniku zushi (smoked beef sushi), it is also a place where you can enjoy kakigori (shaved ice) favored by maiko (apprentice geisha).

The interior has a retro pop feel, and it also has Private rooms for 2 or more people. Many reviews say the careful service and detailed explanations are part of its appeal.

Photograph:しまうまぐるぐる

The photo shows "matcha kakigori (shaved ice)". It is said to be a dish that wraps the deep flavor of 100% Kyoto-grown matcha in a light and airy espuma.

It looks generous in size, but the ice is soft and melts away the moment it hits your mouth. It is said to be mildly sweet with a refreshing finish.

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The “ichigo no kakigori (strawberry shaved ice)” is made with a rich milky taste, and the soft milk flavor is said to continue all the way through the ice.

The syrup made with organic ichigo has a gentle sweetness that makes the most of the fruit.

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B STORE 2nd is about a 3-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station and is a shop where you can enjoy baked sweets and crepes made with carefully selected Domestic ingredients. The first floor is for baked sweets sales, while the second floor is a spacious cafe area.

A space filled with the sweet aroma of desserts spreads out before you.

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The photo shows the ichigo no pie millefeuille crepe (strawberry pie mille-feuille crepe).

Made to order, it features a crisp yet chewy crepe wrapped with whipped cream, strawberries, flaky pie pastry, and pistachios. The balance of sweet-tart and nutty flavors is said to be very good.

Photograph:ぶたまさファミリー

The seasonal fruit parfait in the photo uses plenty of fruits in season, such as figs and Shine Muscat grapes.

The fig parfait is said to pair well with the rich sauce and fruit. The Shine Muscat parfait is said to be tied together nicely by the sweetness of the chiboust.

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Ralph’s Coffee Kyoto BAL in the Kawaramachi area. The high quality space, unified in a deep green color palette, lets you feel the world of American vintage.

The interior is spacious. This is a convenient spot for both a café visit and afternoon tea.

Photograph:mom822

The photo shows a seasonal afternoon tea served in a private room that is by reservation only. The theme changes with each season, and the lineup lets you enjoy a wide range of items from savory bites to sweets.

There are comments saying the balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness is good, and that the explanations of the dishes are also careful and detailed.

Photograph:イチごごん

“Ralph's Chocolate Cake” is a grown-up treat with a rich, bittersweet taste layered with a light flavor like Western liquor.

It is nicely sweet and satisfying, and many people come back for it. It also pairs well with a generous-sized coffee, making it a cake you will want to take your time with.

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Mi MITARASHI DANGO by kolme kyoto near Karasuma Oike Station is a Japanese sweets shop tucked into one corner of an eyeglasses store.

The room on the second floor has a soft atmosphere built around a white color scheme. Guests take off their shoes before going up, and reviews say it feels relaxing, almost like being at home.

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The photo shows a set of dango (Japanese rice dumplings) and matcha (powdered green tea). The matcha from Ryuoen is served in a style where you whisk it yourself, and they say using a smaller amount of hot water brings out the flavor.

The mitarashi dango has a small eyeglasses stamp hidden on it, and the sweet-salty sauce goes great with its chewy texture. You can also add kinako (roasted soybean flour) to enjoy a change in flavor.

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Kuromitsu kinako milk kintoki is a Japanese style kakigori (shaved ice) made with fluffy ice topped with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup), kinako (roasted soybean flour), and azuki (red beans). The mellow richness of the kuromitsu and the toasty aroma of the kinako come together, and some say its gentle sweetness is addictive.

Many people also enjoy it with mitarashi dango (sweet soy glazed rice dumplings).

Photograph:食いしん坊ちゃん0_0

Located about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, Kyocafe chacha is a relaxing cafe that blends the warmth of wood with a French retro antique style.

It also has a Private room with a kids' space, making it easy to use for a wide range of occasions.

Photograph:ぶーめい

The photo shows the limited-time "strawberry waffle." The Kyo Waffle (Kyoto-style waffle) is Homemade in-house with great care.

The cocoa waffle has a light bitter note that pairs well with the sweet-tart flavor of the strawberries. It is said to have just the right amount of sweetness, making it easy to keep eating.

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The "Matcha Waffle Plate" is a dessert built around a rich Uji matcha (green tea) sauce.

The waffle is baked until crisp on the outside with a chewy texture inside, bringing out the full aroma and gentle bitterness of the matcha. It is said to have a refined flavor with restrained sweetness.

Photograph:ぐるびっしゅ

Ja!reve DESSERT&WINE is a sweets cafe bar with counter seating only, located on the first floor of a hotel, a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station.

In the chic and calm interior, you can casually enjoy sweets made by a patissier and sommelier.

Photograph:みほりーぬ@mihodoll

The photo shows the “Kobore Melon Tart.” It is said to be a plate of house made tart topped generously with lightly sweetened cream, custard, and plenty of Crown Melon and white wine jelly.

They assemble it right in front of you, and you can also enjoy the process of breaking it apart and layering the flavors as you eat.

Photograph:伊東さおり

The bar-time-only “kisetsu no assiette dessert (seasonal plated dessert)” is an artful sweet made with ingredients in season.

The winter menu in the photo is a plate that pairs yuzu (Japanese citrus) flavored white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce and strawberry sorbet. They can also help you choose a wine pairing.

Photograph:ミラーカ

Just a 3-minute walk from Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, Kyoto no Cheese-ya-san Puchishare. This is a specialty shop that sells cheesecakes by weight and cheese dishes.

You can casually enjoy authentic cheese and wine. Both Takeout and eat-in are available.

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The photo shows a rich cheesecake. One thing that sets it apart is that the price is based on weight in grams rather than by the slice.

If you eat in, it comes with fruit on the side and a panda-shaped meringue decoration. It is said to have an exquisite, dense, deep flavor that brings out the true taste of the cheese.

Photograph:ぐーちぇす

There is also a wide variety of cheese dishes. The Yamada Bokujo (Yamada Farm) gouda has a fresh richness, and the brie has few distinctive notes, making it easy to enjoy.

The by-the-glass wine selection includes daily red and white options, and many people enjoy pairing wine with cheese or cheesecake.

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BLUE LEAF CAFE Kyoto is about a 1-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. Spread across a semi-basement floor, the interior has a bright, natural feel, with light wood tones and houseplants that stand out.

Free Wi-Fi and power outlets are available. You can relax and enjoy a wide range of sweets, including French toast.

Photograph:たかみん@神戸グルメ

The photo shows the "Ichigo to An Butter no French Toast." The surface is nicely browned, while the inside has a soft, custard-like chewy texture, and the strawberries pair well with the butter flavored anko (sweet red bean paste).

The aroma of cinnamon and the salty note of the butter seem to bring out the sweetness. You can also enjoy a change of flavor with maple syrup.

Photograph:とまっきい

The photo shows a waffle set starring raspberry sauce.

It is served in a style where you enjoy the fragrant waffle topped with whipped cream and vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and the tartness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the mild richness of the cream.

Brezhcafe Creperie Kyoto Ten is a galette and crepe specialty restaurant in a renovated machiya (traditional townhouse), tucked away just off Tetsugaku no Michi (Philosopher's Path), the walking path that runs from Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) to Nanzenji Temple.

The space includes a small inner courtyard, an engawa (veranda), and a Japanese-style room with Sunken kotatsu seating, creating a relaxed place where you can unwind.

Photograph:halopkotio

The photo shows the crepe Suzette. The fragrant notes of caramelized orange on the surface are layered with the flavors of yuzu butter and flambé, letting you enjoy both sweet tartness and a light bitterness.

Paired with vanilla ice cream, it seems to become even richer in flavor.

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The "galette chocolat caramel" is said to be a rich sweet made with a fragrant crust, where chopped chocolate and caramel beurre salé blend together.

The lightly salty caramel pairs well with the chocolate, and the ice cream gently brings the whole dessert together.

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WAKASA & Co. LOUNGE has a cafe on the first floor of a multiuse building themed around blueberries. It also has good access, just a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station.

At the cafe, you can enjoy a full lineup of blueberry sweets. At the lounge on the second floor of the building, they serve afternoon tea during the day and a bar menu at night.

Photograph:小麦だいすき

The photo shows the "afternoon tea," which changes its concept with the seasons. In autumn, they serve items such as tigre cakes made with marron paste and komeko (rice flour) scones.

The savory dishes made with blueberry sauce and dressing also have a refined taste, and it seems you can enjoy each carefully prepared plate.

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The smoothie in the photo is said to be a popular drink that lets you enjoy the sweet and tart taste of blueberries directly.

There are many variations, including yogurt-style and tea-based options, and they pair perfectly with rich cheesecake and baked sweets.

Photograph:スイカキチ

Kyomachiya Izumo Hanano Ka is about a 12-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The interior, renovated from a kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse), features decorations throughout that give a sense of history.

Surrounded by a taikobashi (arched bridge) that shows the craftsmen’s playful spirit and polished furnishings, you can take your time enjoying matcha and sweets here.

Photograph:すいぐる

The photo shows the “Special Kyo-machiya (Kyoto townhouse) Matcha Sweets Set.” Centered around matcha that you whisk yourself, you can enjoy a full lineup of matcha sweets including kuzumochi (arrowroot cake), gateau chocolate, and tiramisu.

You can also enjoy the different flavors, from the moist and rich gateau chocolate to the fragrant warabi-mochi (bracken starch jelly).

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The "Kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) Strawberry Parfait" is a highly satisfying menu item packed with plenty of seasonal strawberries.

With its bright, flower decorated presentation, it lets you enjoy rich cream and the sweet tartness of fresh fruit. This parfait brings together Kyoto style Japanese sweets and Western elements in perfect balance.

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TOYOUKE STAND is a sweets shop themed around Kyoto-style Japanese culture, with good access from Kawaramachi Station. You can casually enjoy crepes and kakigori (shaved ice).

The refined space also has plenty of photo spots. They also have small bench seats available.

Photograph:まゆcafe

The photo shows the Kaiun Crepe "kuromitsu kinako hon-warabi mochi (brown sugar syrup, roasted soybean flour, and real warabi mochi crepe)." This Japanese style item wraps kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup), amanatto (sweet simmered beans), and hon-warabi mochi (real bracken starch mochi), and it looks gorgeous too.

When you take a bite, the chewy texture and the gentle sweetness of the kuromitsu spread across your palate. The included omikuji (fortune slip) is another fun touch.

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The “Fukamushi Ryokucha Royal Milk Tea” is a luxurious drink made using only first flush tea leaves grown in the chagusaba (traditional tea-grass farming fields) of Kakegawa, Shizuoka.

It contains hon-warabi mochi (bracken starch dumpling), and its gentle Japanese aroma is said to spread softly. At pickup, it is served on a stand, and it also comes with a Special experience in which they offer a good luck prayer with kagura suzu (sacred Shinto bells).