Kiyomizu Kyoami — Restaurant in Kyoto

The shop is renowned for its matcha swirl ice cream, which stands out as the most popular item on their menu. The ice cream comes in three options: vanilla, matcha, and a mix of both. We opted for the mix, a decision that perfectly balanced the rich, earthy flavor of matcha with the creamy sweetness of vanilla. Watching the staff skillfully craft the beautiful swirl was a treat in itself. Their attention to detail ensures that each serving is aesthetically pleasing, making it almost too beautiful to eat. Kiyomizu Kyoami, nestled near the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto, is a delightful haven for those seeking a refreshing treat after exploring the historic site. Visiting on a hot, sunny day, my companions and I were eagerly looking for something to cool us down, and Kiyomizu Kyoami's reputation for exquisite confectionery drew us in.

Despite its popularity and the inevitable long queue, the experience is well worth the wait. The crowd speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of the ice cream. It's also one of the few places in the area that remains open a bit later, making it a convenient stop after a day of sightseeing.

Enjoying our mixed swirl ice cream as we descended the hill from the temple was a highlight of our visit. The combination of flavors was both refreshing and satisfying, providing the perfect respite from the heat. The texture was smooth, and the taste was a delightful blend of the distinct matcha and classic vanilla.

In summary, Kiyomizu Kyoami is a must-visit for anyone in the area. The matcha swirl ice cream, especially the mixed option, is highly recommended. While the long queue might be a deterrent for some, the quality and enjoyment of the ice cream make it worth the wait. If you find yourself near Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, don’t miss the chance to experience this...

We were very disappointed with how we were treated here.

My partner and I were taking photos and a short clip of the sweets we had just purchased to post a review.

Suddenly, a male staff member walked over and spoke to us in an extremely rude manner. He told us to “get out” if we weren’t going to sit and eat inside, while pointing directly toward the street. There was no “please,” no polite tone—just a harsh attitude and an unfriendly expression.

As tourists, this kind of treatment completely ruined the mood of our visit and left us with a very negative impression of our trip to Kyoto.

We used to believe that Japanese people were known for their exceptional hospitality—but that image completely changed after visiting this shop.

To be honest, the sweets weren’t great either—the taste was quite bland and...

Stopped by this cafe while heading up to Kiyomizudera. The cream puffs looked so delicious so I just had to try one.

There was a bit of a line but the wait wasn’t too long. The staff moved quickly despite it being busy.

I got the cinnamon cream puff with green tea custard and a non-sugar cold green tea. The cream puff was delicious. The cinnamon shell was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The custard filling had the perfect green tea flavor and it wasn’t too sweet. It paired really well with the cold green tea. The drink was refreshing on a warm day. The prices were super reasonable as well.

I had to eat the cream puff near the entrance since the cafe was so crowded and there was no space to eat it inside. Overall, I highly...