Last updated: 15 October 2026
You’ll encounter a variety of Kyoto sweets when exploring Japan’s popular city. Particularly in the area around Kiyomizu Temple, which is home to the charming old Kyoto streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, you’ll find tasty foods that will make walking through the town even more fun.
From mitarashi dumplings with their fragrant scent to cute Kyoto sweets that you’ll just have to take a photo of, here’s a guide to 10 must-try treats.
1. Kirakuan Okamoto Sannenzakaten: highly recommended Kirakuan Croquette
Located along Sannenzaka leading to Kiyomizu Temple, “Kirakuan Okamoto” is the perfect place to stop by while exploring. The “Soft Serve Ice Cream” (400 yen, tax included) comes in flavors such as vanilla, matcha, chocolate, and mixed. The “Kirakuan Croquette” (from 250 yen, tax included) is also highly recommended, with up to 1,000 sold on a busy day.
-
Kirakuan Okamoto Sannenzakaten
喜楽庵 岡本 産寧坂店
-
Address
3-340-3 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
View Map
-
Phone Number
075-708-5338
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
-
Address
2. Kiyomizu Kyoami: Famous Kyoto Yatsuhashi confection, in cream puff form
Yatsuhashi Shu
Located right in front of Kiyomizu Temple on Kiyomizuzaka, Kiyomizu Kyoami sells a variation on Kyoto’s famous “Yatsuhashi” confection in the form of its “Yatsuhashi Shu” (400 yen, tax included) cream puffs. Many customers buy more than one of the puffs, filled with matcha or vanilla cream.
The interior of the shop features a modern Japanese style with matcha-colored décor, making it a great spot to sit and enjoy your sweets. Another popular item is the “Cinnamon Ice Cream Puff” (600 yen, tax included), which is available in matcha, vanilla, and mixed flavors.
-
Kiyomizu Kyoami
清水京あみ
-
Address
1-262 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
View Map
-
Phone Number
075-531-6956
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
-
Address
6. Umezono Kiyomizuten: Specialty bale-shaped Mitarashi dumplings
Mitarashi dumpling
Mitarashi dango dumplings are said to have originated in Kyoto, but are now loved all over the country and are representative of Japanese sweets.
In general, skewered dango are round, but Sannenzaka’s Umezono’s Mitarashi dumplings with matcha drink (1,100yen tax included) are bale-shaped. These savory dumplings are delicious with their secret sweet, spicy sauce and are bite-sized so they’re easy to eat.
-
Umezono Kiyomizuten
梅園 清水店
-
Address
339-1 Kiyomizu Sanneizaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862
View Map
-
Phone Number
075-531-8538
Hours: 11:00 – 18:00 (last order 17:30)
-
Address
4. Kyodango Fujinami Kodaijiten: Excellent handmade dango with the taste of Kyoto
At Fujinami, you can enjoy standard Kyoto sweets including Mitarashi Dango, Matcha Dango, and Warabimochi. The Kodaiji store opened in June 2019 at the entrance of the stone-paved alley called Ishibei Koji near Kodaiji Temple.
In spring the row of cherry trees in front of the store is in full bloom. While you can dine in, many items are take-out favorites like the “Kyo Dango Assortment” (1,050 yen, tax included) that contains five Mitarashi Dango and five Matcha Dango.
-
Kyodango Fujinami Kodaijiten
京だんご 藤菜美 高台寺店
-
Address
463-24 Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0825
View Map
Hours: 10:30 – 17:30 (*Varies depending on weather)
-
Address
5. % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama: Fresh coffee and beautiful latte art
If you’re tired of walking and want to take a break, we recommend % Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama. Roasting just enough coffee beans for daily use in their own local roastery, you’ll always enjoy fresh coffee.
When you order the hot “Latte Blend” (8oz 550 yen, tax included or 12oz 600 yen, tax included), you can look forward to watching the baristas create delicate latte art.
-
% Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama
アラビカ京都 東山
-
Address
87-5 Hoshino-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0853
View Map
-
Phone Number
075-746-3669
Hours: 8:00 -18:00
-
Address
Enjoy Kyoto sweets on your next trip!
In addition to the souvenir shops, there are many small eateries on the approach to Kiyomizu Temple along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. The variety of ice cream, fragrant dumplings, and cute Kyoto sweets will give you plenty of great photos to share!
Text by: Efeel
The information in this article was originally published in 2020 and updated in October 2026. Please check the official websites for the latest details.
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Discussion about this post