Seasonal Recommendations: 8 Must-Try Exquisite Japanese & Western Sweets in Kyoto!

Kyoto is renowned not only for the delicious sweets but also for their beautiful presentation. Many hidden gems await discovery.
Here, we've handpicked 8 recommended shops offering sweets that capture the essence of each season in Kyoto.

When talking about spring, sakura mochi comes to mind!
It’s famous for having two main types: the "Chomeiji" from the Kanto region and the "Domyoji" from the Kansai region. The leaves wrapped around sakura mochi are salted, giving them a unique fragrance.
In the Edo period, it was believed that sakura leaves had the power to purify water and prevent decay, which is why they started being used to wrap sakura mochi.

For over 60 years, this white sakura mochi wrapped in two salted leaves has been a favorite gift from high-end restaurants.
The soft domyoji rice retains its natural color and texture, paired with smooth, subtly sweet koshi-an (strained sweet bean paste).
The flavor is enhanced by the salted sakura leaves, filling your mouth with a delightful fragrance.

【Tsuruya Kotobuki】
　Address: 30 Kuramichi-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City
　 Phone: 075-862-0860
　 京都嵐山 御菓子司 鶴屋寿【店舗紹介】 (sakuramochi.jp)

While strawberries are often thought of as a winter fruit, they can be enjoyed from March to May in spring.
SENJU-DO, a traditional Japanese sweets shop in Shichiku, Kita-ku, has been beloved for over 30 years.
Their strawberry daifuku, with its perfect balance of cream, slightly tangy strawberry, and anko (sweet red bean paste), is so good you'll crave more!
They offer various flavors such as coarse anko, smooth anko, white anko, and cream cheese, and the selection changes with the seasons, including other items like tangerine daifuku and sakura mochi.

【SENJU-DO】
　Address: 22-2 Kamimidoricho, Shichiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-491-3068

Produced by the renowned Kyoto restaurant Kikunoi, Mugesanbo is located near the Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Shop.
Inside, you'll find a serene view of a traditional Japanese garden.
The freshly made warabi mochi, served warm, is presented with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) on a lacquered tray, offering a true taste of elegance.
Dip the soft mochi into kinako, drizzle with kuromitsu, and experience the delightful sweetness that fills your mouth.

【Kikunoi Muge-sanbo】
　Address: 524 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
　 Phone: 075-561-0015
無碍山房 | 菊乃井 (kikunoi.jp)

Minazuki is a traditional Kyoto sweet, eaten on June 30 during the "Nagoshi no Harae" ceremony to pray for good health for the rest of the year.

This delicately soft, triangle-shaped sweet is made of uiro (sweet rice jelly) and is topped with red beans, offering a chewy texture and perfectly balanced sweetness.
Narumi Mochi Kyoto is also famous for its delicious sekihan (red rice), which is so addictive that you'll want it over and over!

【Narumi Mochi Kyoto　Main Shop】
　Address: 283 Nishihashizume-cho, Shimodachiuri-dori Horikawa Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-841-3080
明治八年創業　鳴海餅本店-公式サイト (narumi-mochi.jp)

Autumn in Kyoto brings a variety of sweets, but one must-try is the “Tanba chestnut" specialty!

Made-to-order and topped with ultra-fine strands of Mont Blanc cream, this dessert uses luxurious Tanba region chestnuts.
It's built on a meringue base that takes 24 hours to bake, with layers of sponge, chestnut cream, and fresh cream beneath.
With 1mm thin chestnut strands, this delicacy melts in your mouth and is not overly sweet, making it an easy treat to enjoy.

【Waguri Senmon Saori】　
　Address: 170-1 Izumiya-cho, Kiyamachi Takatsuji Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-365-5559
【公式】京都　モンブラン専門店 紗織 さをり (wagurisenmon-saori.com)

A popular Kyoto souvenir, this cake is made using Japanese ingredients like chestnuts and black beans.
Only those that pass strict size, shape, and sweetness standards are selected.
The sweet chestnuts are paired with rum and a hint of yuzu for a perfectly balanced flavor.
The rich, heavy texture and flavor make it a perfect gift or indulgence.
The marriage of Japanese ingredients with pound cake is a signature offering at Jouvencelle.

【Jouvencelle　Gion Shop sweets＆cafe】
　Address: 2F, 482 Kiyoi-cho, Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-551-1511
祇園店 スイーツカフェ | 京洋菓子司ジュヴァンセル (jouvencelle.jp)

This hot zenzai, featuring plump azuki beans and two grilled mochi, is one of the most popular winter menu.
The mochi, freshly pounded every day, is soft, chewy, and perfectly complemented by the slightly charred fragrance.
Nakamura-ken only uses carefully selected Japanese ingredients, ensuring a truly satisfying and warming experience.

【Nakamura-ken】
　Address: 61 Katsura Asahara-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-381-2650
京都 桂 和菓子の中村軒（なかむらけん） (nakamuraken.co.jp)

Available from 2 PM daily and served until they sell out, this seasonal favorite is a must-try!
The taiyaki is filled with homemade sweet potato paste and creamy, salty cream cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
The crispy edges of the taiyaki are especially delightful.
If you top it with butter and a scoop of ice cream, you'll enjoy an incredible mix of hot and cold sensations.
This takeaway treat is perfect for a walking tour of Kyoto!

【Maruni Café】
　Address: 2F, 25 Nishikasaya-cho, Gojo-dori Shinmachi Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
　Phone: 075-344-0155
つくるビル (tsukuru-bldg.com)


We hope you enjoyed these recommendations for seasonal Japanese and Western sweets in Kyoto! Make sure to try them during your next trip while exploring the city in a kimono.
Enjoy the exquisite taste and beauty of Kyoto’s finest sweets!

【Author of this article】
Rental Kimono Okamoto Gion Store
Address: 523 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Phone: 075-531-7890
Website: https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/
Instagram: rentalkimonookamoto