A Guide to Kyoto’s Historic Wagashi (Japanese Confectionery) Shops

Walking through Kyoto, you’ll find traditional wagashi shops steeped in history at every turn. Polished over centuries, these confections are a delightful stop during sightseeing. Here’s a guide to some beloved long-standing shops, cherished by both locals and visitors!

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🍡 Demachi Futaba

Founded in 1899, this shop is renowned for its signature mame-mochi (bean mochi). Freshly made every morning, the chewy mochi, subtly salty red peas, and lightly sweet filling create a perfect harmony. Expect lines, but it's absolutely worth it!

📍 Access: A short walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station

🕒 Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm (closes when sold out)

💡 Recommended: Mame-mochi, seasonal wagashi

🍵 Kagizen Yoshifusa

A historic wagashi shop dating back to the Edo period, offering exquisite traditional Kyoto sweets. Their famous kuzu-kiri is served tableside with black syrup—pure indulgence. The shop also features a café where you can enjoy seasonal sweets in a refined setting.

📍 Access: 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station

🕒 Hours: 10 am–6 pm (last order 5:30 pm)

💡 Recommended: Kuzu-kiri, dried sweets, seasonal namagashi

🍡 Kameya Yoshinaga

Founded in 1803, this venerable store balances preserving tradition with innovation. Their elegant Ub atama and Tsukikage, along with beautifully crafted nerikiri, make perfect souvenirs.

📍 Access: 5-minute walk from Shijo Station

🕒 Hours: 9 am–6 pm

💡 Recommended: Ub atama, seasonal nerikiri, wasanbon sugar sweets

🍵 Sasaya Iori

Established in 1716, this shop boasts over 300 years of wagashi-making. Their signature dorayaki, said to be the original style, is wrapped in bamboo bark—moist cake with subtly sweet filling, simply outstanding.

📍 Access: 8-minute walk from Shichijo Station

🕒 Hours: 9 am–5 pm

💡 Recommended: Dorayaki, yokan, seasonal wagashi

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🏯 Summary

Kyoto’s historic wagashi shops are places where history and tradition come to life. Take a relaxing break from sightseeing with handmade sweets and tea—perfect for souvenirs too. With the Hands‑Free Travel Service, you can shop without burden, leaving your luggage behind and strolling light!

🔗 Hands‑Free Travel Service details & booking here