After leaving Asano Sake Brewery KYOTO, I headed to Tsukigase Sakaimachi store. I couldn't forget the taste of the zenzai I had here last time, so I was determined to revisit. Unfortunately, it was their regular holiday. It felt like "again?" but I wasn't too disappointed because right in front of me was another restaurant. Known as "Muranowakuden Sakaimachi store," this is a famous sweets specialty store affiliated with the renowned restaurant Wakuden. I love their "hojicha sorbet" in the summer and have visited many times just for that. Although I've been neglecting this place lately, when I visited Kyoto in February, I decided to have their shiruko, but the café section was closed, so I had to give up. That's when I ended up at Tsukigase across the street, so this time it's the opposite pattern. Inside the store, I went to the second-floor café and sat by the window, looking at the menu. I already knew what I wanted. Today, I was craving for shiruko, so I ordered the chilled shiruko and matcha set. You can choose between matcha or cold-brewed green tea for your drink, but I was in the mood for matcha that day. First, they served a glossy black bean and sugar-coated confection as a starter, which was a superb delicacy with the fragrant beans and elegant sweetness. It just doesn't feel like Wakuden without having this. Then, the highlight arrived - the chilled zenzai set. The zenzai was sweet but not overly heavy, maintaining an elegant sweetness that was truly delicious. The diced mizu yokan was tasty, and the shiratama was perfect. The matcha was also superb. And the lotus root mochi that came with the set, known as Saiko, left a lasting impression when I first tried it. It's like a lotus root mochi encased in black syrup and lotus root powder, with a delightful chewy texture, sweet syrup, and dusted with kinako - truly delicious. Oh, so delicious. After finishing the tea that came with it (also delicious), I left the store feeling satisfied. The quality is truly exceptional. Next time, I want to try the hojicha sorbet, which I haven't had in a while.

Wakuden's sweet shop. The first floor is a souvenir corner and the second floor is the sweet shop. The atmosphere was calming. I debated on trying the limited-time shaved ice, but ended up ordering the sweet red bean soup (zenzai) instead. I also ordered the sansho pepper soda out of curiosity. The red beans in the zenzai were large and had a satisfying chewy texture, which I, as a fan of chunky red bean paste, enjoyed. The sansho pepper soda had the aroma of sansho pepper with a balanced sweetness, creating a unique flavor that I had never tasted before.

I visited the restaurant hoping to try warabi mochi, but unfortunately it was not available. Instead, I had the chilled zenzai and matcha set. The zenzai was delicious with the natural flavor of the beans standing out, and it also had shiratama and mizu-yokan which were tasty! The small black bean sweets they served at the beginning were also delicious, so I bought some as souvenirs. I will come back for the warabi mochi next time!

The famous traditional Japanese restaurant in Kyoto, Wakuden, has incredibly delicious sweets recommended by the shop's staff. The lotus root mochi, made from lotus root like warabi mochi, seems to be popular. The Nishiko seiko wrapped in bamboo leaves has a very short shelf life, making it difficult as a souvenir. I bought five lotus root mochi to enjoy at home since they can be stored for a while. Both sweets have a refined sweetness and are deliciously chewy. The Nishiko, with its fresh scent of bamboo leaves, seems even more delicious. The lotus root mochi comes in a plastic case, and when you put it on a plate, it looks like a mark... Nine round shapes! It forms a circle of nine, representing good luck. This shows the thoughtfulness and customer service spirit of the restaurant. I heard that it's become quite difficult to order as a special treat. Delicious confectionery♡ Next time, I'd like to try the café corner inside the store.

After dining at Wakuuden and giving a gift, we also stopped by this café. We tried the warabi mochi with matcha set and Uji Kanji sorbet. They were all subtly sweet with an elegant taste that doesn't linger. The matcha sorbet had a rich matcha flavor that was excellent. It was nice to have a small lotus root cake on the side. In a relaxed atmosphere, we could enjoy delicious Japanese sweets and savor the lingering taste of the meal. And it was reasonably priced. Thank you for the meal. We will visit again.

The lotus mochi from Murasakino Wakuden has a glossy black appearance and a smooth texture when you bite into it, with an elegant sweetness. It even gives a refreshing sensation. Upon closer inspection, you can see that it is slightly embossed. It seems like the flavor would be enhanced even more if eaten chilled. It also says you can warm it up in winter.

When you hold it, you can smell the scent of bamboo leaves. It's a confectionery from a traditional Japanese restaurant, mainly made with bamboo leaves and sweet flag. It has a hint of apple scent and a unique texture. It feels like being drawn into the world of the oldest Japanese tale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." It carries the wish for good health.

I wandered in search of ozoni for New Year's and found out that this restaurant serves it, so I decided to try it. The dish is called "Yuba Ozoni" and costs 1760 yen (including 10% tax). It comes with one round rice cake and plenty of layered yuba. It was pure happiness.

Visited after 4 years. I had completely forgotten that it was during the Bon holiday last time. Last time, it was just my wife and me, but this time we visited with the kids as well. * Kyoto was very hot and humid today, and we arrived at the restaurant drenched in sweat. While waiting for the matcha sorbet we ordered, we cooled off with cold mulberry tea. * The matcha sorbet doesn't melt at all, strangely. There doesn't seem to be any trick in the glass container, and it appears that the matcha itself is served at quite a low temperature. The refined sweetness and bitterness of the matcha are very delicious and quench our thirst. By the time we finish the sorbet, our mouths are very cold and we crave warm tea. We also enjoyed warm mulberry tea there, which warmed both our hearts and bodies. * And the specialty of Wakuden, "Nishiko." The sweetness that melts in your mouth... I am amazed by its deliciousness every time. * As we slowly drank our tea, the time for the evening sun to come in arrived, and the atmosphere was very beautiful. * I think it's truly wonderful. A cafe where you can experience a part of Kyoto's elegance. I was very healed. Thank you very much.

Visited "Muranowakuden Sakaimachi" at "Muranowakuden". Tried the Nishiko + Matcha (¥1100). For me, this is the quintessential sweet from "Muranowakuden". It has a chewy texture, smooth finish, and the elegant sweetness of wasanbon sugar. Truly a one-of-a-kind delicious treat. I also love the calm atmosphere.

During the Gion Festival period, I visited the Kinkame Exhibition at the Kyoto Museum of Culture. After enjoying that, I went to the cafe at Wakuden. This place is famous for its Seiko sweets made from lotus root starch. Although it is actually a high-class traditional Japanese restaurant, I only have a connection with their sweets. Since I love sansho pepper, I ordered the Sansho Pepper Ice Cream. First, they served cold hojicha tea and small black bean sweets. The sansho pepper ice cream came in a cylindrical glass container with a lid. Hmm? Have I seen this before?? It looks like a covered petri dish from the science lab! The dish is usually thicker to withstand harsh use, but making it thinner gives it a delicate and refreshing touch. The frost on the glass looks nice, but I couldn't wait to eat it, so I opened it quickly. The ice cream had ground sansho pepper mixed in. The texture was crisp, and it might not technically be classified as ice cream. Maybe it's because of the Jersey milk used? It was very light and the sansho pepper aroma was elegant. I prefer this simple dessert over a parfait with layers of different flavors. The walnut and kinako powder-coated sweets served separately were a perfect accompaniment. The ice cream paired well with the black bean sweets that were served with the tea earlier. I'm glad I left some to enjoy later. It's amazing how this ice cream alone can be so impressive. This is an incredible ice cream. Sansho Pepper Ice Cream 1375 yen.

After visiting Arashiyama, I decided to stroll around Sanjo and got off at Shijo Karasuma. While looking for a snack, I found Wakuden!! Let's go in! The café space on the second floor is surprisingly quiet despite being right off the main street. The variety of chairs was cute. It was fun to choose where to sit since it was not crowded at that time. Instead of hot matcha, I opted for sansho pepper ice cream ❤️ and also tried the night cherry blossom. My mother ordered anago chazuke and Nishiko (cherry blossom), so we shared a bite of each. The Nishiko was refreshing and chewy, which I loved as a fan of sakura salted anpan. The lotus root wagashi had a distinct starchy flavor, which is typical of such sweets. The main (?) sansho pepper ice cream was refreshing after walking around and not too strong on the sansho flavor. The milk base taste was dominant, but the scent that lingers in the nose is unmistakably sansho. It's a spice after all. The night cherry blossom dish was more substantial than I expected. The combination of mizu-yokan's refreshing taste with sakura mochi was harmonious, and we finished it without any issues. Now, time to walk. The initial genmaicha and the shiny black bean sweets (tsubokuro) served with tea were also delicious, so I bought a bottle as a souvenir. Thank you for the meal.

I felt like eating warabi mochi so I visited the restaurant after a long time. The atmosphere was as good as ever. The staff's customer service was very polite and heartwarming. The freshly made warabi mochi tasted a bit different? My memory is vague, I apologize. It seemed like before, the red bean paste was not layered underneath and it had a slightly bitter taste. Still delicious, both the zen-zai and warabi mochi were delicious.

After dining at Kyo-Wakuden, it's a must to buy souvenirs next door, right? Adjacent to Kyo-Wakuden is Murasakino-Wakuden. Inside the shop, there are many unique traditional Japanese sweets that you've probably never seen before! I recommend getting their specialty "Saiko" to take home. The Saiko, wrapped in a bamboo leaf, is not too sweet but incredibly sticky! It's on a level where you might worry about your unstable dental work (laughs). Made from lotus root, this Saiko doesn't taste much like lotus root, but it's a delicious traditional Japanese sweet that you'll enjoy. Since it's under the Wakuden brand, you can't go wrong. Thank you for the meal!

Located a 6-8 minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station is the traditional Japanese confectionery shop, Murasakino Wakuden Sakaimachi branch. This renowned shop, with branches around Kyoto Station, was selected as one of the top 100 sweets shops in 2018 and 2019. They offer both eat-in and take-out options, with a menu for meals as well, making it convenient for more than just purchasing traditional Japanese sweets. This time, I bought the popular items Nishi-Ko and Kimizu. Nishi-Ko is a lotus root cake combining the sweetness of wasanbon sugar with a unique chewy texture. Wrapped in bamboo leaves, it also carries the fragrance of the leaves, transforming into a perfect summer treat when chilled! With other delicious Japanese sweets on display and a clean, inviting atmosphere, this place is a must-visit for a leisurely time enjoying traditional Japanese confections in Kyoto. Thank you for the meal!

Sasahotaru was the most welcoming restaurant I've ever been to. The gentle demeanor of the staff and the soothing piano music in the background made me feel like I never wanted to leave. The matcha yokan was not only visually stunning but also delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness and none of the usual stickiness. It was a must-visit spot for anyone traveling solo in Kyoto.

I stayed at an inn nearby where I could whisk matcha in my room, so I decided to buy some to enjoy with the West Lake. During the summer, there was a limited edition Kisui available. When I tried to buy it the day before, Kisui was already sold out by the evening, so it's better to buy it early. Unlike anything else at West Lake, it has a smooth and elegant sweetness with a chewy texture. I've always loved the lighter and smoother texture of Kisui. I think I prefer the West Lake though.

Wakuden is famous for its lotus root sweets. Today, I finally got the chance to take out their Nishiko, which I've been wanting to try for a long time. I quickly brought it home, chilled it, and tried it. It has a bouncy and firm texture, and the sweet wasanbon sugar is really good. As recommended, I heated half of it in the microwave. This is interesting, no, delicious!! The texture becomes softer, and the sweetness becomes milder rather than sharp, slowly spreading in the mouth. That's also good!! It's so impressive how it changes depending on the temperature. It was a profound experience with TK-2.

This is a sweets shop attached to "Muro-machi Wakuden." You can easily enjoy the exquisite sweets of Wakuden. I visited around 2:30 pm on a weekday and was able to enter without waiting in line. The freshly made warabi mochi (¥1265) is served warm, which is delightful. The warabi mochi is so soft that it cuts smoothly with a spoon and melts in your mouth instantly. It's not sweet at all. Red beans are hidden inside, and they are also mildly sweet. The deliciousness that can only be tasted here is undeniable. However, I didn't feel as impressed as when I had it before. It might be because it's overall light and slightly lacking in flavor. Well, it was delicious enough. Thank you for the meal!

Don't forget about Kyoto wagashi after a long time (laughs). I bought two lotus root sweets called "Saiho" at Murasakino Wakuden Sakaimachi store. "Saiho" is a fresh sweet made by kneading lotus root starch (lotus flour) and wasanbon sugar. It is gently wrapped in fresh bamboo leaves. I first visited the store two years ago in spring. The trigger was seeing a delicious review of "Lotus Root Manju" where anko is wrapped in grated lotus root dough and fried. The photo of the crispy fried lotus root manju topped with thick mitarashi anko looked so delicious (laughs). I remember well commenting for the first time with a lot of nervousness, although I don't think I was a follower back then. A few weeks after visiting the store, lotus root manju was no longer on the menu, and I was a little hungry, so I ordered the anago chazuke and Saiho set from the "Mushiyashinai" menu. My friend ordered the sea bream miso chazuke and Saiho set. I think both were around 1500 yen at the time. "Mushiyashinai" means a light meal to soothe the "bugs" in your stomach in Kyoto dialect. True to that word, the chazuke was just enough to temporarily satisfy hunger (laughs). The slowly simmered anago was delicious with a sweet and spicy flavor of sansho pepper. We savored it slowly bit by bit. Since it was a bit pricey, it felt wasteful to eat it quickly (laughs). After the chazuke, we had the Saiho. When it comes to lotus root, well, I'm not sure (laughs), but the refined sweetness of wasanbon sugar and the chewy texture of lotus root make it an interesting sweet. It's served with a black lettering toothpick on Saiho, which was quite hard to cut. I clearly remember struggling to eat it, so this time, I held the bamboo leaf with my hand and bit into it as it is. It's homey♪ The nice scent of fresh bamboo leaves (laughs). Thank you for the meal.

I had freshly made warabi mochi for the first time! It was warm with a subtle fragrance of kinako. Inside, there were well-balanced red beans that paired perfectly with the warabi mochi. It was delicious. The staff was wonderful, creating a relaxing snack time for me. I want to visit again to try the snow lantern sweets that looked tasty. Thank you for the meal.