We introduce various desserts and satisfying places that we found during our trip to Kyoto after 3 years. From places that are still great to newly opened places. Meet Kyoto cafes that are full of various charms :)
WEEKENDERS COFFEE ROASTERY
The emotion only a café in Kyoto can possess. If I had to choose the best among the cafes I visited in Kyoto, it would undoubtedly be Weekenders Coffee. Among them, this place operates only on weekends, and it's Weekenders' roastery. As you pass the seemingly unremarkable café entrance and enter inside, a splendid garden unfolds. Being a coffee shop with a small store, there are only coffee menus available. The simple menu and large roasting machines instill trust in the coffee flavor. When you take a seat, they personally deliver the menu to you. Each latte art is so well done, it's admirable, and I end up taking a few photos. After the rich aroma of coffee, there is a sweet milk taste that feels strangely clean, to the point where you don't even feel like rinsing your mouth with water.
Ichikawaya Coffee
A sandwich cafe located in a 200-year-old wooden building famous for its fruit sandwiches near Kiyomizudera. The history of this space is evident in the heavy-colored wooden pillars and tables. It's truly precious to have a cup of coffee in such a wonderful space. It might be considered a luxury only available in Kyoto. The egg sandwich and the seasonal fruit sandwich are the most famous. I chose the fruit sandwich. Strawberries, peaches, oranges, and other seasonal fruits combined with whipped cream make the sandwich. Currently, there's a sandwich with grapes and Shine Muscat. The non-sweet cream retains its flavor, while the fruit's sweetness is well-preserved. The hidden pear inside is a kick point! The drip coffee offered is also an art. I don't understand why every coffee I have on this trip is so satisfying. The beans are roasted on-site, and three types of beans are prepared. Since there's a set menu with sandwiches and coffee, there's no burden. Although an early visit is essential, it's still a place worth visiting!
Waguri Senmon Saori
No matter how much the cafe and dessert scene in Korea has improved... it seems different from Japan. It's been a while since I had a dessert that made me unconsciously exclaim, 'Wow, this is crazy...' especially since I'm not particularly fond of Mont Blanc. But this Mont Blanc was something else! It's worth the visit even if it's hard to get in without a reservation. The dessert menu is full of chestnut-based treats. Among them, the main highlight is Mont Blanc. There are two versions: [Saori], made with regular chestnuts, and [Saori 'Sha'], made with premium Tanba chestnuts, with a price difference of 800 yen. Although they look the same, the type of chestnut varies. Of course, I went for the [Saori 'Sha'] made with Tanba chestnuts! Each menu item comes with a drink, and I chose roasted green tea.
The large dessert of Mont Blanc using Tanba chestnuts [Saori] does not specifically require coffee or tea. It was rich and beautiful on its own. It wasn't at all bland, greasy, too sweet, or any negative element. It's filled only with the delicate taste of the ingredients themselves, minimizing the sweetness of sugar. From the chestnut cream on the outside to the fluffy chestnut meringue inside, it's a menu full of joy from start to finish. It provides satisfaction worth the price.
Chestnut and Seasonal Fruit Tart: The menu ordered by my companion was a seasonal fruit dessert with chestnuts. The current dessert features Japanese pears. The chestnut cream was impeccable, and the pears that came with it matched perfectly, providing the right balance of sweetness and sourness. The delicate flavors still seem to linger in my mouth, making a strong impression on my taste buds.
In addition to these two menu items, there are parfait and rice cake options available. Plus, there are takeout options available for those who couldn't make a reservation, so it might be nice to experience the class of Kyoto Mont Blanc in this way too.
(THISIS)SHIZEN
I visited this place after being captivated by the visual of the bud ice cream I saw on Instagram. It's a space filled with numerous plants, resembling both a florist and a cafe.
📍SHIZEN is located in Shinfukan. With the entry of Ace Hotel last year, it opened again as a newly refurbished cultural complex. There are about 20 stores and commercial facilities, making it fun to look around.
The space itself is very attractive, with the cafe interior also being wonderful. Various plants and artworks make it feel like you've stepped into an art gallery. In addition to the bouquet ice cream topped with buds, there's a wide selection of other menus.
The signature menu used to be a set of five dango types served omakase-style with various sauces. Now, the sales of ice cream seem overwhelmingly high. The ice bouquet consists of vanilla ice cream topped with a bud made of bean paste. It tasted better than expected, although the price was higher than expected.
Even if not specifically this cafe, the cultural space is worth visiting, so it would be good to stop by Shinfukan if you are in Kyoto.
🧾 Ice bouquet 850-1700, Omakase dango 5pcs 750
🕙 Daily 11:00 - 21:00
📍Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Banocho, 586-2 Shinfukan 1st floor
Salon de thé François
Feeling Classic Kyoto in a Cafe Opened in 1934
A salon started by students from Kyoto University and Italian exchange students in the 1930s. It has been operated by generations since then. Artists who were considered insiders at the time all gathered at this cafe... A history professor speculated that the poet Jeong Ji-yong also frequented this cafe. There are stories that it was a mecca for the anti-war movement.
The interior is truly classical. The cafe building has even been designated as a cultural property. The ceiling lights and antique furniture are so stylish. Unlike the hard, uncomfortable, and impersonal hot spots in Seoul, it is brimming with soft and warm curves. Classic!!
✔️Rare Cheesecake
The cafe is open late, but in the evening, their signature rare cheesecake often sells out. It's said to contain rich cream from Daisen milk and cheese from Denmark. The fragrant cheesecake with a fresh sweet blueberry compote is a must-not-miss, so it's best to visit as soon as possible.
🧾Cheese cake set 1350, coffee 700
🕙 Daily 10:00 - 22:00
⭐️Google review 4.1 / 1100+
📍Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Sendocho, 184 四条下ル, 西木屋町通
KUMONOCHA Kiyomizu Sannenzaka
A cafe captivating with its cloud-shaped mousse cakes suitable for the name 'Tea of the Clouds'. Aside from the Sanneizaka branch I visited, there are a total of four branches. Seats are available across two floors. Quite popular, there was a constant wait. The menu's main attraction is the cloud-shaped mousse and drink set. I ordered the limited-edition 'demon cloud mousse,' which is a sweet pumpkin mousse with a rich, bitter chocolate mousse hidden inside. For drinks, I had soda, but ordering a latte would provide beautiful cloud-shaped latte art. Wishing I had ordered the latte instead.. Each season seems to bring a variety of flavors for both the cloud mousse and parfaits. Especially the parfaits, which are not only well-composed but also visually attractive. If I have a chance to visit again, I would like to try a parfait! Cloud mousse set 1180, Parfait 980. Open daily 11:00 - 18:00 (weekends until 18:30). Location: Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 産寧坂松原上る入清水3丁目317番
AMUCA
A quiet neighborhood cafe with delicious donuts located near the accommodation. Entranced by the cute arch-shaped windows, I stepped in. A cafe that offers cute homemade donuts, as well as coffee, tea, and a few types of alcohol, with music from an LP player and a view of bicycles passing by the large window making me truly feel like I was in Japan. The place was popular for its homemade donuts, offering about six varieties along with set menus that included a drink or a parfait with a drink. Since I was in Japan, I decided to try the parfait. I ordered a set that came with a donut, a drink, and a mini parfait. I chose the orange walnut donut. The tanginess of the orange, the sweetness of the sugar glaze, and the richness of the walnuts embedded within blended beautifully. The parfait consisted of a brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, with the occasional tangy kick from freeze-dried strawberries inside. It’s surprising how delicious Japanese parfaits are! I thought I should eat as many parfaits as possible, only to shockingly find out that it was my last one. If you’re staying in the northern area near Kyoto Gyoen, this cafe is definitely worth a visit. It perfectly retains the unique sensibility of Kyoto's neighborhood cafes, making all your worries seem trivial for a while.
Minatoya Yurei Kosodateame Honpo
A legendary candy store that has been around for over 500 years. A woman bought candy and gave a coin, which turned into a leaf the next day. This kept happening until the owner secretly followed the woman and discovered a crying child and its deceased mother under the ground. Since raising the child, the woman no longer appeared. The current, 22nd-generation owner sells a candy called Ureykosodateame, also known as ghost candy, made with the same recipe from 500 years ago. The candy, made with malt sugar and sugar in a 9:1 ratio, is not overly sweet. Although not extremely flavorful, it has a simple charm and warmth. Minatoya, the candy shop from this Japanese legend, is one of the few places in Kyoto with a history spanning nearly 500 years. It is a must-visit for fans of old stores, along with Ichimonjiya, which sells grilled mochi. Sampling is available, and the owner's kindness leaves a warm feeling.