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I've Had 100+ Matcha Desserts In Kyoto And Here Are My Top 3 Picks

  • Writer: AS
    AS
  • May 5, 2020
  • 3 min read

Kyoto is undeniably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, but did you know it's got one of the best matcha desserts in the world? Kyoto prides itself on Uji matcha, a decadent and flavourful green tea widely popular in Japan, which is why you get to experience a wide variety of world-renown matcha sweets and delicacies all around the city.


In this post, I will be introducing you to my top 3 - that is, top 3 out of 100+ matcha desserts I've had in my life so far - all of which I think would be worth your time, money, and travel.


So without further ado, here is my list, ranked from 3rd to 1st.



Itoh Kyuemon's Ice Cream Bar

If this is not instagram worthy, I don't know what is. This super cute ice cream bar is sold exclusively at Itoh Kyuemon, a famous tea house from Uji, Kyoto. (However, there are many locations around the city, the most convenient one located near Kyoto Station)


The concept is that you get a "parfait on a stick". And mark my words, they do capture this concept perfectly. Just look at how aesthetically pleasing they are!



There are five different flavours to choose from (strawberry, matcha, sakura, tropical, and marron), each one of them decorated with different fruit toppings and sweets.


I have tried them all and personally love the strawberry flavour the most; you get real frozen berries on the ice cream bar and they go so well with matcha.


If you do not have time to sit in and enjoy the matcha sweets in Kyoto, this is a perfect little treat to experience even a glimpse of it. 100% recommended.


<INFO>

Address (Kyoto Station): 579 Higashi-shiokouji Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto

Phone Number: 075-748-1320

Hours: 10:00-18:30


Shaved Ice at Shimizu Ippoen

Located near Sanju-Sangen-do in Higashiyama, Kyoto, is a small teahouse that attracts tourists from all around the world. Although they have got one of the best matcha desserts period, their shaved ice (pictured bottom-right) is on a whole new level. I have probably tried over 30+ matcha shaved ice in my life, and this one just tops it all. It's that delicious.


The matcha cream on top seems a little invasive and heavy, but oh boy will you be surprised. The flavour explodes in your mouth as if you are eating matcha tea, but it's so light it's almost as if you are eating air.


It will be 100% worth the wait and travel time, I assure you!


<INFO>

Address: 665 Hongawara-machi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Phone Number: 075-202-7964

Hours: 11:00-16:00 (closed on Mondays)


Parfait at Nakamura Tokichi

...And here it is. My all-time favourite parfait & no. 1 recommendation hands down. Located conveniently inside Kyoto Station, Nakamura Tokichi offers a wide variety of matcha desserts and food menus.


But their parfaits, though, are something else. I explicitly remember taking my first bite and experiencing a jumble of sensations - smooth, crunchy, salty, sweet, creamy - which left me almost paralyzed. And don't get me started on their matcha jellies. They are just a perfect combination of jiggly and smooth, which makes you want to eat a whole tub of them.


They even offer an explanation card in English so you know exactly what you get (granted, their English really isn't the best...).


Although wait times can be crazy here (may take up to 1.5 hours...), I think this place is all worth the wait. After all, people do not wait long hours for nothing. Even locals probably think they've got the best parfaits in town!


<INFO>

Address: Higashi-Shiokoji Shiokoji-Sagaru Karasuma St. Shimogyou-ku, Kyoto

Phone Number: 075-352-1111 (*they do not accept reservations)

Hours: 11:00-22:00


And here it is. A list of some of my absolutely favourite matcha desserts in Kyoto. Even if you do not get to visit all three places, at least try going to one. It will all be worth your time, money, and travel, I guarantee you!














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