Umezono Kiyomizu — Restaurant in Kyoto

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, this quaint dessert shop offers a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, with a special emphasis on matcha-based treats. From delicate pastries to flavorful matcha ice cream, the shop provides a taste of authentic Kyoto confectionery. The selection is wide enough to cater to different palates, whether you're looking for something light and refreshing or rich and indulgent.

The desserts themselves are crafted with care, showcasing the intricate balance of flavors and textures that are a hallmark of Japanese sweets. Matcha lovers will particularly enjoy the range of options, from classic matcha mochi to more modern matcha parfaits. While the quality of the desserts is consistently good, the overall experience is fairly average, meeting expectations without exceeding them.

One of the most notable aspects of the shop is its limited seating space. The interior is cozy but quite cramped, making it less ideal for larger groups or those looking to relax for an extended period. Despite the tight quarters, the atmosphere is welcoming and charming, reflecting the traditional Kyoto aesthetic. It’s the kind of place perfect for a quick stop to indulge in a sweet treat before continuing your exploration...

We wanted to order a bigger set for sharing but was told that we had to order 1 item each per person. The waiter then said a drink also counted as 1 item but 700yen and up was just too much! Almost wanted to walk out but we had already drank the tea they served us. In the end we ordered 2 desserts - green tea based (980yen) which was not spectacular and really just very average; the grilled dango was nice and chewy. Overall would not return and enter only if you’re prepared to order 1...

I'm a anmitsu and matcha expert. I can confidently say it was the worst matcha and anmitsu of my life so far. There is no matcha taste in matcha tea. I think they use the cheapest matcha which used generally for deserts. And anmitsu was very poor. Full of agar and 2 warabimochi only. Additionally, the tea they serve you for free is not tea, it's only hot water. Atmosphere is also bad although it's in a very prime location. Please improve...