As soon as I stepped into the venue, I was greeted by a space vibrantly decorated in shades of red and pink—so much so that I couldn’t help but exclaim, “How cute!” The hand-painted Yuzen designs scattered throughout added a gentle touch of color, and the atmosphere, which evoked the arrival of spring, really lifted my spirits. Lined up in this space were a variety of sweets featuring strawberries and cherry blossoms.

This buffet featured an incredible 35 different desserts alone, including “Strawberry and Hojicha Tart,” “Cherry Blossom Dacquoise,” and “Strawberry Brownie”! Many of the Japanese and Western-style desserts were bite-sized, so you could enjoy a little bit of everything. The mochi-based treats, such as hanami dango and sakura mochi, were also just the right size to reach for, so I could savor them without worrying about whether I’d be able to finish them all.

With a variety of textures—from crispy cookies to silky-smooth pudding—this lineup never gets old. There’s also an extensive selection of light snacks that you’ll find yourself reaching for between sweets, refreshing your palate and leaving you feeling like you could eat endlessly.

While strawberry-themed events are quite common, I got the impression that this selection of sweets—enhanced with cherry blossom elements—offers a unique and refreshing twist. Items like the “Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Paste Shortcake” and “Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Paste Tiramisu” are must-try “strawberry × cherry blossom” treats—don’t miss this chance to try them! A light, refreshing flavor reminiscent of cherry blossoms filled my mouth, creating a taste that never gets old. The tiramisu, made with coffee milk syrup, has a mild bitterness and is also recommended for children.

At the live kitchen, you’ll find freshly baked waffles and strawberry smoothies, as well as freshly made cream puffs filled with cream right before your eyes. The crispy shell and creamy filling are simply irresistible! The topping station offers whipped cream and custard, and you’re welcome to add extra cream. With a wide variety of toppings like jam, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles, we had fun customizing our treats—whether pairing them with the cream puffs or decorating the waffles.

The light meal corner offers a variety of options, ranging from appetizers like salads, smoked salmon, and prosciutto to heartier dishes such as hamburger steaks, pasta, and chicken curry. The roast beef—moist, tender, and bursting with flavor with every bite—is said to be a huge hit whenever it appears at buffet events. It’s also a great spot to visit for a slightly late lunch that doubles as teatime.

Croissants and rolls come pre-sliced, so you can fill them with your favorite ingredients to make sandwiches. You can top a baguette with smoked duck or prosciutto to make an open-faced sandwich, or create mini hamburgers. By adding salads and sauces, you can customize your own sandwich to your liking. This high degree of freedom was one of the unique joys of this buffet.

The interior design, created in collaboration with Kyoto’s traditional hand-painted Yuzen dyeing, is also worth noting. Tapestries and motifs adorn the entrance, pillars, buffet tables, and other areas throughout the space, blending seamlessly with the display of sweets while adding a touch of elegance. The use of gold leaf is another hallmark of Kyoto Yuzen, and the tapestries hanging on the walls—which depict strawberries and cherry blossoms using traditional Japanese patterns such as Shippo and Seigaiha—were reportedly created specifically for this event.

The Kyoto hand-painted Yuzen textiles that adorn the venue are created through a division of labor across each production stage—line drawing, coloring, and foil stamping—and are all crafted by artisans certified as Traditional Craftsmen. Upon learning that one must accumulate at least 12 years of practical experience before even becoming eligible to take the certification exam, I truly came to appreciate the depth of their skill. Please take a moment to experience up close the subtle nuances and elegance unique to hand-painted art, as well as the depth of the meticulously adjusted color tones.

The event runs only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays through the end of March. Since seating is limited, it’s best to make a reservation in advance—and if you book two weeks ahead, you’ll enjoy a 500-yen discount. Furthermore, if you wear red or pink clothing when you visit, you’ll receive a complimentary non-alcoholic welcome drink (mocktail). This cute drink, made with strawberry syrup, is sure to make for a great photo.

[“Strawberries and Cherry Blossoms” Dessert Buffet]
Availability: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 24, 2026 (Sat) through March 29, 2026 (Sun)
Serving Hours: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM (Last Order: 4:30 PM)
Prices: Adults 6,000 yen (5,500 yen if reserved at least 2 weeks in advance), Elementary school students 2,500 yen, Preschoolers (ages 3–6) 1,000 yen *Includes all-you-can-drink
[Bonus]
・500 yen off for adults when you book at least two weeks in advance
・If you attend wearing traditional Japanese attire, you’ll receive a small accessory featuring Kyoto-style hand-painted Yuzen.
・Receive a complimentary welcome drink when you arrive wearing red or pink clothing

<Menu Example
● Sweets
Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Paste Shortcake / Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Paste Tiramisu / Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Paste Matcha Canelé / Strawberry-Cherry Blossom Pudding / Cherry Blossom Paste Roll Cake / Cherry Blossom Cookies / Cherry Blossom Paste Mitarashi Cheese Mousse / Strawberry-Hojicha Tart / Strawberry Warabimochi / Pancakes (with Cherry Blossom Jam) and more

●Live Kitchen
Freshly Baked Waffles / Strawberry Smoothies, and more

● Light Meals
Roast beef / Prosciutto / Smoked salmon / Croissants / Hamburger steak / Potatoes, and more

● Alcohol-Free Flow (+2,000 yen)
Sparkling Wine / Red Wine / White Wine

＜予約方法＞
Phone: 075-661-0051 (Restaurant Desk / 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Click here to make a reservation online

This dessert buffet featured novel strawberry and cherry blossom-themed treats, and the blend of Japanese and Western styles kept things interesting throughout. The portion sizes were just right, allowing me to try a little of everything, and with a wide selection of light meals available, it was a satisfying meal in its own right.
[The Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo] is just a short walk from Kyoto Station, making it incredibly convenient! It’s perfect for a variety of occasions—whether you’re with friends, as a couple, or with family. The wide selection of spring-themed desserts is so tempting that it’s hard to choose just one, and I had a truly delightful time there. If you can’t wait for spring to arrive, why not pay a visit?