Just Desserts: Sweet Treats to Get You Right for Spring in Kyoto

There’s nothing sweet about spring in Japan if you don’t have the right cuisine to accompany you and your friends while flower viewing. The rabbit hole for Japanese sweets is quite deep, but today we are just going to dip our toes in the water and focus on picnic pleasers. For your convenience, all of the delicacies we introduce below are within a ten-minute walk from each other in the Kawaramachi area.
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‍Strawberry Parfaits at Karafuneya

Karefuneya has just about every flavor parfait you could think of in more sizes than you could imagine; we’re talking sizes big enough to feed your entire party. Since strawberries are finally in season, we recommend giving one of their berry-themed parfaits a go.

‍Namagashi at Takashimaya Department Store

Hit the basement floor of Takashimya and find yourself lost in a maze of sweets and confectionaries as far as the eye can see. Many local craftspeople specializing in Japanese traditional sweets, known as namagashi or wagashi, gather here to sell their seasonal goods. The more popular items sell out fast, but not to worry; they replenish their stock periodically throughout the day.

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Sakura Mille Crepe with Crisp Chocolate (Doutor Coffee)

Pro tip: don’t sleep on the desserts at chain cafes. Their prices may be low, but the tastiness level is high. This fluffy stack of sweet creme and ever-so-crispy chocolate will set you back less than 4 USD.

Hanami Dango

The unofficially official spring staple of Japan, hanami dango is a three-colored mochi skewer that people of ALL ages enjoy. You can find them at many shops in Teramachi, Shinkyogoku, or at Takashima Department Store.
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Sakura Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi is a Kyoto-specific confectionery that fans stockpile (no exaggeration) when visiting the area. The exterior is made of ultra-soft and stretch mochi, and inside that beautiful wrapping is sweet red bean, making for a delicious mixture of textures that melt in your mouth. Every season in Kyoto offers a limited flavor of yatsuhashi, and sakura is the featured flavor for spring.

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Give at least one of these beauties a try if you are in the area for spring festivities. It’ll make your hanami experience just that much sweeter.