Kyoto is not only famous for its historic temples and beautiful scenery but also for its exquisite traditional Japanese sweets called wagashi. These sweets are carefully crafted by hand, reflecting seasonal ingredients and aesthetics.
If you want to experience authentic Kyoto wagashi, here are four highly recommended shops where you can enjoy or buy classic sweets that have been loved for generations.
1.Saryo Housen – A Tea House with a Beautiful Japanese Garden
Located in Shimogamo, Saryo Housen is operated by Housendo, a wagashi maker founded in 1952. This tea house offers a peaceful atmosphere with a traditional sukiya-style room and a stunning Japanese garden where you can enjoy the changing seasons.
Their signature warabi mochi is served only in the café and made fresh upon order, offering a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The zenzai (sweet red bean soup) is also popular, featuring perfectly grilled mochi.
Hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM with last orders at 4:30 PM. The shop is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Reservations are not accepted. It is about a three-minute walk from Shimogamo Higashi-honmachi bus stop.
2.Kawabata Dōki – Over 500 Years ofy
Located near Kitayama Station, Kawabata Dōki is a historic wagashi shop with more than 500 years of tradition and 15 generations of artisans. This shop was once entrusted with delivering breakfast to the Japanese imperial family.
Their specialty is Dōki Chimaki, a type of sweet wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves. There are two varieties: the Yōkan Chimaki containing red bean paste, which is subtly sweet, and the Suisen Chimaki, made simply with kudzu and sugar.
This shop requires a reservation to visit. It is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and closed on Wednesdays. It is a two-minute walk from Kitayama Station.
3.Demachi Futaba – Famous for Fresh Bean Mochi in Demachiyanagi
Demachi Futaba, located in the Demachiyanagi area, is one of Kyoto’s most popular wagashi shops, known for long lines from both tourists and locals. Their signature product is the Nadai Mame Mochi, a soft freshly made mochi mixed with whole soybeans, which is a classic Kyoto souvenir.
They also offer a variety of seasonal sweets such as chestnut mochi, daifuku, and sakura mochi. Due to high demand, many items sell out quickly, so pre-ordering is recommended.
The shop is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Tuesdays and the fourth Wednesday of each month. It is conveniently located near the Aoi-bashi bus stop.
4. Honke Gekkeiya Naomasa – Traditional Sweets along Takase River
Located near Sanjo Station, Honke Gekkeiya Naomasa is a historic wagashi shop popular among tourists and locals alike. Their warabi mochi with sweet red bean paste is a signature item, wrapped in soft mochi with rich but not overpowering sweetness.
Many of their sweets, including steamed and dried types, showcase the skills of their artisans and have a warm, nostalgic flavor. The warabi mochi often sells out by midday, so visiting early is recommended.
Hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The shop is closed on Thursdays and irregular Wednesdays (confirm by phone).
Kyoto’s wagashi shops blend centuries-old tradition with seasonal beauty, making them an essential part of your visit to the city. Whether you enjoy them in a serene tea house or take them home as souvenirs, these wagashi represent the heart of Kyoto’s culinary culture.