🍧 July Only! Kyoto’s Seasonal Sweets & Souvenirs Special 🌿
- Jun 26, 2025
- 2 min read
In Kyoto, as full summer arrives in July, you’ll find refreshing and beautiful limited-time sweets, as well as special souvenirs inspired by the Gion Festival. Here are some must-try treats when taking a break from sightseeing!
1. Gion Festival Limited “Chimaki” | Yasaka Shrine & Long‑Established Wagashi Shops
During the Gion Festival, many wagashi shops across Kyoto sell chimaki, which are charms hung at entrances to ward off evil—not for eating.
📍 Where: Yasaka Shrine, established wagashi stores (e.g., Kameya Yoshinaga, Tsuruyayoshinobu)
🗓 Period: July 1 through the Gion Festival
🎁 Tip: Perfect commemorative souvenir or gift for the Gion Festival
2. Kagizen Yoshifusa – “Kuzu-manju”
A classic summer sweet, this kuzu-manju is available in July with seasonal fillings (plum, ume, etc.). Enjoy its jiggly texture and cool, refreshing look!
📍 Address: Gion‑machi Kita‑gawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
🕒 Hours: 10 am–6 pm (last order 5:30 pm)
🎁 Tip: Enjoy in shop to feel the cool ambiance
3. Demachi Futaba – Tanabata Limited “Mame-mochi” (with star‑shaped noshi)
The popular bean mochi returns in a special Tanabata package adorned with star-shaped noshi paper and a tanzaku-style message card.
📍 Address: 236 Seiryucho, Demachi‑dori Imadegawa, Kamigyo‑ku, Kyoto
🕒 Hours: 8:30 am–5:30 pm (or until sold out)
🗓 Period: Early July through around July 7
4. Kanshundo – “Kohakutō (Gion Festival)”
Seven-colored kohakutō (jelly sugar candies) are presented in a beautiful glass jar. Adorable and refreshing—perfect as a summer gift.
📍 Address: Kawabata-dōri, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
🕒 Hours: 9 am–5 pm
🎁 Tip: Long shelf life makes it ideal for souvenirs
5. Saryo Tsujiri – “Uji‑Kintoki Parfait (Gion limited ver.)”
A luxurious summer parfait layered with matcha, shiratama, kanten jelly, sweet beans, and more. In July, it comes decorated with a fan and a festival float motif.
📍 Address: Gion‑machi Minami‑gawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
🕒 Hours: 10 am–6 pm (last order 5 pm)
🗓 Period: July 1–31
🎒 Enjoy Sweets Shopping Without Luggage!
For a more comfortable café and sweets tour, drop off your luggage with the Hands‑Free Travel Service before heading out!
📅 All content is based on information current as of late June 2025. Product availability and details are subject to change—please check each store’s official website before visiting.
