Saryo Tsujiri Tea House, Kyoto

If your Kyoto adventure doesn鈥檛 end with a spoonful of matcha parfait, ask yourself鈥攄id you even go to Kyoto? For an authentic Kyoto dessert experience, follow the locals' lead and make a beeline for Saryo Tsujiri, a top-notch spot in Gion renowned for its matcha tea, parfaits, and desserts that are a must-try at least once!

Now, don鈥檛 be fooled by its discreet location. Despite being somewhat tucked away amidst souvenir shops, its popularity is unmistakable, attesting to which are the long queues of mostly Japanese schoolgirls, aunties, and dessert disciples snaking up the store's stairs and spilling onto the street鈥攅ven on weekdays. But fear not, the line moves fast and the wait is well worth it; plus, there's more seating available upstairs than you鈥檇 think.

Now, the ground floor is where temptation begins鈥攁 deliciously tantalizing showroom of treats, from ice cream and tea samplers to delectable matcha-infused sweets, perfect for souvenirs or a pre-dessert indulgence. But the real show starts when you ascend to the caf茅 above. It鈥檚 cozy, casual, and dishing out matcha parfaits that come stacked with all the local greatest hits. Kyoto residents are avid parfait enthusiasts, and this place puts a unique spin on this delicacy using domestic ingredients.

Among other local favorites is the Tokusen Tsujiri, a decadent creation featuring green tea sherbet, mochi, red bean paste, vanilla ice cream, Japanese cake, whipped cream, and nuts鈥攁 true sweetness overload! During the warmer months, from April to September, indulge in the refreshing Matcha Kakigori shaved ice, or explore other cold and warm dessert options.

Tips:
The English menu comes with photos, so ordering is a breeze鈥攋ust point, nod, consume, and indulge. If opting for ice cream, devour those mochi balls quickly to prevent them from freezing up next to the ice cream and turning into rock-solid nuggets. You can then take your cone and stroll to Kawabata Street for a riverside moment of green tea bliss, where Matcha meet zen...

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Saryo Tsujiri Tea House
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Gion District Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Gion District Walking Tour

Gion, one of Kyoto鈥檚 most captivating districts, is deeply rooted in Japan鈥檚 cultural heritage. Located in the Higashiyama (the so-called 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥�) neighborhood, its history dates back to the Sengoku period, when it began as a hospitality area for pilgrims visiting Yasaka Shrine. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it had evolved into a renowned entertainment quarter,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

Looking for a scenic walk with a side of existential pondering in Kyoto, you're inevitably bound to end up on the Philosopher鈥檚 Path. Winding its way for about two kilometers along the leafy canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, this picturesque walking trail once served as the thinking route of Nishida Kitaro. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the famed... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

It'd be fair to say that Kyoto is a theme park for lovers of history, religion, and all things deeply, unmistakably Japanese. If so, Higashiyama Ward, with its long lines, can easily be recognized as its star attraction. Tucked along the city鈥檚 eastern edge鈥攈ence its poetic name translated as 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥濃€攖his district is where Kyoto flaunts its heritage like a geisha in full... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction here is the iconic Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere. This serene setting is a must-visit for travelers seeking tranquility amidst... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan鈥檚 imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu鈥檚 relocation of his court to Heian-ky艒 (which is Kyoto鈥檚 former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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