A cafe produced by Kagiya Yoshinoya, located in Gion. Kagiya Yoshinoya is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1726, but this cafe is a modern establishment. - Wagashi (Japanese sweets) set with a drink (1500 yen) ☆4.3 On this day, it was made with lily root. It has a perfect moistness that is easy on the tongue, a high-quality sweet bean paste that brings out the richness of the lily root, and a subtle and elegant aroma of yuzu from the smooth sweet bean paste inside. It is moist but easy to eat, with just the right amount of stickiness. The balance is excellent, and it is a very delicate Japanese sweet. It was surprisingly delicious. - Kuzumochi (1000 yen) ☆4.0 It looks like it would be springy, but when you put it in your mouth, it melts smoothly and the flavor of kudzu flour spreads. It may seem springy, but it also has viscosity and can be called mochi. It has the same taste as the popular smooth kudzu jelly at Kagiya Yoshinoya, but the texture is completely different. It is undoubtedly delicious with black honey and kinako powder sprinkled on top, but I want you to try eating it as it is first. It is sweet enough as it is. - I chose sencha as my drink. It is a deep and flavorful green tea that makes you feel like you are in Kyoto. The service was polite and the staff explained things very kindly. The quiet atmosphere of the store allows for a spacious feeling, and the comfortable chairs make it easy to relax. In the cafes I have visited so far that are considered among the top 100 in Japan, the food was good but the noise was overwhelming, or the atmosphere was nice but the food was mediocre. However, this store excels in both aspects. This was my 31st visit to a cafe among the top 100 in Japan, and this was the best one so far. It must be easy for the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Kagiya Yoshinoya to create excellent Japanese sweets, but it takes courage to open such a wonderful cafe, and I am truly grateful for that challenge. Thank you for the meal. m(_ _)m

I visited after 2 days. I came back because the wagashi (Japanese sweets) were too delicious last time. I wanted to try the wagashi again, but I was also curious about the kuzumochi, so I ordered that. The kuzumochi had a simple sweetness and was delicious. This time, I sat at the counter, but I would like to come back and aim for a solo seat when I visit alone again.

On a Saturday afternoon, there was a wait of about 7 groups, but I was able to be seated after about 30 minutes as I was dining alone. I ordered the traditional Japanese confectionery with a drink set. The confectionery was incredibly delicious. It may vary depending on the season, but this time it was a mixture of kudzu mochi and sweet potato, baked together. When you bite into it, the mochi melts and the sweetness of the sweet potato spreads in your mouth, it was very delicious. I also really liked the atmosphere of the cafe, so I would like to visit again.

In Gion Shijo, Kyoto, a popular shop is Kuzukiri "Kagi Zenraku" which is well-known for its kuzumochi. I visited their cafe called "Zen Cafe" which offers kuzumochi as well. I tried their kuzumochi and wagashi (Japanese sweets) set, along with a hot hojicha tea. The kuzumochi was soft and chewy, almost melting in the mouth. It had a subtle sweetness on its own, but when topped with plenty of kinako (roasted soybean flour) and black syrup, it became a perfectly balanced and traditional Japanese sweet. The sweetness was not overpowering, giving off a sense of simplicity and tranquility. The wagashi, consisting of "sweet potato manju," "chrysanthemum wagashi," and "steamed yokan and floating island," were small in size but packed with rich sweetness and texture, pairing excellently with the hojicha tea.

"Hotel Sasarindou" leisurely left at 11 a.m. and headed to a shop about 10 meters away. Took a break at the hidden gem "ZEN Cafe" in Kyoto's Gion district. Established in 2012 by Kyoto's longstanding traditional Japanese confectionery shop "Kagi Zenryobo." It has been selected as one of the top 100 cafes on Tabelog for four consecutive years. Reservations are available online. Since I didn't make a reservation, I received a waiting ticket at the entrance. As it was early in the opening hours, I was quickly seated by the staff. The sophisticated interior caught my eye. Looking at the menu, there were special kuzukiri made from Yoshino kudzu, wagashi, and seasonal sweets. Although tempted by the highly praised "fruit sandwich," I ordered the "wagashi + drink set" for 1500 yen (tax included). A cup of hot sencha was poured into a Shino ware cup. The sweet potato wagashi wrapped in bamboo leaves looked beautiful. The staff explained, "During this season before chestnuts are in season, we offer sweet potato kuzuyaki. It's so delicious that we named it 'Imo Kuzuyaki Jusansato' (13 miles).” When I took a bite, it was warm and sticky, clinging to my mouth's mucous membrane. Oh, what a delightful sensation! It was sweet and delicious, a perfect match with the hot sencha. The hospitality was impeccable, and the atmosphere was cozy. Truly deserving of being one of the top 100 restaurants. Excellent experience! Pon!"

Kuzumochi/Drink Set ¥1,700 Located in a back alley of Gion Hanamikoji, this cafe is known for its kuzukiri. The kuzumochi is made from Yoshino-grown real kudzu mixed with sugar and water, then served with black honey and kinako on the side. It has a bouncy, chewy texture and melts in your mouth. You can choose from green tea, roasted green tea, coffee, or black tea for your drink, and I chose roasted green tea. Enjoying high-quality wagashi in a high-quality space was a truly luxurious experience.

On Saturday, I waited in line for about an hour to get into the store. The atmosphere of the store was very nice and relaxing. I ordered the kuzumochi, but I was disappointed because I was expecting something like warabimochi, but the texture was slimy and didn't suit my taste. It's a nice place, so it would have been better if the food was a bit more delicious.

A few minutes' walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station. Zen Cafe is a small, quiet cafe with light jazz playing in the background. Upon entering, you register at the reception and are soon called in for seating. I was guided to a counter seat where I could gaze at the glass-enclosed courtyard. Today, I chose the fig fruit sandwich. Not too sweet and very tasty! The iced tea was incredibly cold, with ice that didn't have a square shape (laughs). The sound of the glass hitting the glass was reminiscent of wind chimes, very refreshing. Even without the set drink, I was completely satisfied (laughs). Before I knew it, I had finished the last piece (laughs).

ZEN CAFE is located in a small alley east of Yamato Oji Street in Gion Shijo, Kyoto. This cafe has been selected as one of the top 100 cafes for two consecutive years, as well as one of the top 100 sweets shops for two years before that. The highlight of this place is their excellent hospitality. When I visited on a weekday around 1 pm, there was a line of customers waiting for a table. You receive a waiting number ticket through a touch panel, and they will call your number using a mobile phone registration system when your turn comes. After about 20 minutes, I was called back to place my order. I ordered a hot roasted green tea, which came with a traditional sugar candy called "Wambo." The tea had a calming and comforting taste, while the Wambo was small but melted in the mouth with a rich sweetness. The combination of the two wasn't outstanding, but it was still a pleasant experience. The cozy atmosphere and excellent customer service made my visit enjoyable. I highly recommend visiting ZEN CAFE, a top-rated cafe in Gion Shijo, Kyoto.

It was a calm cafe in Kyoto with a nice and quiet atmosphere, without feeling crowded by the Kyoto crowds. They specialize in Japanese sweets, so they served sets of Japanese sweets with coffee or tea. The fruit sandwich also looked delicious.

I received a gift of "jou-seika" sweets. It was different from the spiky wagashi mentioned in the reviews, but it was very delicious. The hojicha tea was also high quality and very good. However, 1,500 yen might be a little expensive haha.

Even though it was during the Obon holiday, we were seated right away when we went during the day. Unlike the main branch, this place is a hidden gem. We tried the kuzukiri noodles and they were very delicious! The atmosphere was modern and bright, unlike the main branch, and it was quite calming. It's a one-order system, so you have to order something, but I recommend ordering tea or coffee because they come with a sweet treat!

I visited the store and got a numbered ticket. I arrived around 1:00 PM and waited for about 5 minutes before being seated at a 4-person table by the window. The interior had a nice ambiance with stylish lighting, decorations, and flowers, making it a relaxing place to spend time. The complimentary snack was a delicious kuzumochi, with plum and sweet potato filling. The coffee glasses were lovely. You pay at your table, and when you're ready, you ring a bell to call a staff member. Separate payments are possible with Paypay.

Zencafe is a stylish cafe located near Gion Shijo Station in Kyoto. They specialize in traditional Japanese sweets like Kuzumochi and Kamishikashi, which are perfect to enjoy with their high-quality Sencha or Hojicha tea. The atmosphere of the cafe is like a beautiful art gallery, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a delicious fruit sandwich. Highly recommended!

The second cafe we visited in Kyoto is located in a quiet area of Gion. It's a stylish cafe that feels like a hotel or an art museum. During busy times, they use a registration system to call you when a table is ready. Luckily, we were able to get in without waiting on this day. The dimly lit interior has a counter, tables, two single-person spaces, and one private room in the back. We were seated in one of the single-person spaces and ordered the Wagashi set (1500 yen). For drinks, you can choose from coffee, green tea, or roasted green tea. The Wagashi was a large kudzu manju wrapped in a bamboo leaf. Inside the kudzu was pink nerikiri and white anko. The warm green tea used tea leaves from Ippodo. The atmosphere was so lovely that we couldn't help but relax and enjoy our time there. It wasn't rushed or crowded, allowing us to have a wonderful time.

Located in Gion Shijo, ZEN CAFE is a charming hidden gem café that exudes a traditional Japanese atmosphere. The interior is stylish and perfect for tourists. The ambiance of the café is simply wonderful, creating a luxurious and relaxing space. There is even a small library at the back, making it a great place for contemplation or for a quiet time with a few friends while enjoying a set of Japanese sweets and roasted green tea. The aroma of the roasted green tea is rich and delightful. It is recommended to try drinks like roasted green tea or sencha to experience the essence of Kyoto. The Japanese sweet "Amagari" made with sweet potatoes is a work of art, inspired by hydrangeas during the rainy season. It is almost too beautiful to eat, with a subtle sweetness similar to a refined sweet potato. The combination of roasted green tea and this sweet is perfect. The café has a modern Japanese atmosphere and excels in every aspect. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Located about a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station! The exterior atmosphere is like an art museum, and I was surprised by its stylishness haha. The interior is a bit dimly lit, creating a calm atmosphere! The staff kindly explain the menu. I ordered a set of wagashi (Japanese sweets) and a drink for ¥1,500- ○Ameagari (name of the wagashi) ○Iced coffee Today's wagashi was called "Ameagari," made with sweet potatoes! It's inspired by hydrangeas wet from the rain, with transparent jelly droplets on top. It was so beautiful, I could stare at it forever. Not only the appearance, but the taste was also delicious. Maybe because of the sweet potatoes, it had a flavor similar to not-too-sweet sweet potato. I chose coffee this time, but I personally regret not choosing tea as it would have been a better match with the wagashi haha. It's a highly recommended place for those who want to spend time in a lovely atmosphere. Thank you for the meal.

A perfect shop for taking a break around Shijo. The calm atmosphere is really nice, and the staff are polite, making it very comfortable. The combination of kuzumochi and hojicha is excellent. Kuzumochi is delicious on its own, but it's also amazing with black honey and kinako. By the way, when I visited Kyoto for the first time in 10 years, I was surprised to see that 90% of tourists were foreigners and school trip students. I also went on a school trip 10 years ago, so I wonder if it's always like that, haha.

Hello ♪ This is Ramen Walking! Today is cafe day~ I visited Zen Cafe in Gion Shijo and had the "Seasonal Confectionery & Green Tea Set". It was my second stop on my Kyoto expedition. Kyoto is known for its traditional Japanese cafes tucked away in narrow alleys, and Zen Cafe was no exception. The entrance was modest, blending in with the surroundings. I arrived at 11:50 and luckily found a table right away. [Order] Seasonal Confectionery & Green Tea Set - 1,500 yen - Seasonal Confectionery: I chose the "Seasonal Confectionery" over the recommended "Kuzumochi". It had a moist texture with a subtle sweetness, perfect as a tea accompaniment. - Green Tea (Iced): The tea had a clean and refreshing taste, and the sound of the ice clinking against the glass added to the atmosphere. The ambiance of the cafe was delightful. Kyoto cafes may share a similar concept, but the generous use of space in Zen Cafe was truly relaxing. I visited alone and enjoyed reading a book in a cozy corner, allowing myself to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Zen Cafe, thank you for the wonderful experience! Today's Step Count: 21,027 steps Calories Burned: 779 kcal

♡【ZEN CAFE】♡Perfect Fruit Sandwich‪‪‪‪❤︎‬‪♡Fruit Sandwich ¥1200♡I heard that Mr. KagiYoshi, famous for his kuzu kiri, has a cafe in the Gion area, so I went to visit. The stylish building stands out among the traditional Kyoto houses. It was a Saturday, so I waited in line for about an hour. The cafe reflects Mr. KagiYoshi's aesthetic sense, with beautiful decor and elegant staff. The dimly lit interior is chic and modern, with seasonal flowers adding a refined touch. I ordered the elegant Kyoto-style fruit sandwich. The fruit changes seasonally and is served in bite-sized pieces. In December, they had homemade rum raisin. The neatly arranged blocks of fruit are soft and satisfying. The cream, rich with rum, has a fragrant aroma. The rum flavor blends with the raisins, creating a luxurious cake-like experience. The rich sweetness of winter was irresistible. The sandwich was so delicious that I finished it quickly. It's clever to feature rum raisin in a seasonal fruit sandwich. I highly recommend this stylish cafe for adults. Thank you for the wonderful meal. Name: ZEN CAFE Reservations: Not available Access: 157m from Gion Shijo Station Hours: 11:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:30) Closed: Mondays (or the following day if it's a holiday)♡#ZENCAFE#FruitSandwich#GionCafe#KyotoCafe

Keizen Yoshikura's cafe is located a little off the Hanami Koji street in Gion, with an art museum run by the same management in front. The interior of the cafe has a calm atmosphere with a traditional Japanese restaurant style, and you can see a small garden through the glass. As it is Keizen Yoshikura's cafe, trying their "Kuzumochi" is a must. I ordered the "Nerikiri, Hojicha, and Iced Cafe au Lait" and enjoyed them slowly in the quiet shop. Thank you for the delicious meal, and thank you very much.