2025] 13 Gourmet Eateries to Enjoy on the Approach to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Kyoto

Leaf KYOTO 2025] 13 Gourmet Eateries to Enjoy on the Approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

2025.9.5

2025] 13 Gourmet Eateries to Enjoy on the Approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

［When you visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, don't you want to enjoy delicious gourmet food as well? The area around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto, is full of gourmet restaurants that you can visit before or after your visit to the temple. For those of you who want to enjoy food while strolling around Kyoto, we will introduce a variety of spots recommended by our local editorial staff, including excellent sweets and matcha green tea, that you may want to stop by along the way! In addition to the famous Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka), Ninenzaka (Ninenzaka), and Ichinenzaka (Ichinenzaka), check out the information on Chawanzaka and Asahizaka, which are well known to those in the know! (TEXT/Yumi Matsumura, Airiko Takabayashi, EDIT/Moe Sawamura, Kanako Horike)

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Contents of this article

1.: First, check the approach to Kiyomizu Temple on the MAP!

2.: Matcha Cream Frappuccino® at a traditional Japanese house [Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Niningsaka Yasaka Chayaten (京都二寧坂ヤサカ茶屋店)] / Niningsaka

3.: Matcha lovers will not be able to resist! Thick matcha latte and matcha doughnuts at GOKAGO, a Japanese tea specialty store / Kiyomizu-zaka

4.: A large, mouth-watering, seared mitarashi [Gekkabijin] / Niningsaka, Tokyo

5.: Try the softness and firmness of the strawbaked rice cake at Kyoto Kiyomizu Warabimochi monna / Chawanzaka, Kyoto.

6.: Speaking of Kyoto sweets! ［Try the popular Kyo-Baamu Soft at Kyo-Baamu Kiyomizu Branch / Kiyomizu-zaka

7.: Enjoy freshly made Mitarashi dumplings from Umezono Kiyomizu-ten (dumplings even Maiko ate) / Sanneizaka, Tokyo

8.: Mitarashi dango and cool green powdered tea at Kyo Dango Fujinami, which has been popular in Kyoto for centuries / Sanneizaka

9.: The Unir Coffee Senses] / Ichinenzaka, a traditional building designated by Kyoto City

10.: ［Tofu manju (bean curd buns) at Sohonke Yudof Okutan Kiyomizu (Sohonke Yudof Okutan Kiyomizu) are moist with homemade soy milk / Niningsaka

11.: Warabimochi made with rare strawbeech flour and bittersweet oosu (sweet mochi) [Kyo Kanmi Bunnosuke Chaya Kyoto Honten] / Sanneizaka, Kyoto, Japan

12.: ［Enjoy a stroll with a skewer of Japanese sweets from Itoken/SOU・SOU Kiyomizumise in hand / Sanneizaka

13.: ［Kyoto yuba cream croquettes and fried tofu with Kyoto-style dashi at Kirakuan Okamoto Sanneizaka-ten / Sanneizaka

14.: Mizushikutei's freshly made menchi-katsu (fried pork cutlet) while viewing Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda) / Sanneizaka-zaka area

15.: Extra Edition] Did you know? The Origin of the Slope on the Approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

1.First, check the approach to Kiyomizu Temple on the MAP!

［The approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is lined with various small and large slopes. Check the map and enjoy your stroll.

Kiyomizu-dera approach to the temple, food and gourmet MAP

2.Matcha Cream Frappuccino® at a traditional Japanese house [Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Niningsaka Yasaka Chayaten (京都二寧坂ヤサカ茶屋店)] / Niningsaka

In this store, located in a traditional Japanese house that is over 100 years old, you can enjoy coffee while relaxing in the tatami room. The store is decorated with siren art made from Japanese paper, fabric woven using the same technique as Nishijin brocade, and hanging scroll art inspired by the Otowa Falls at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the movement of water when brewing coffee, creating a cozy harmony of tradition and modernity.

Matcha Cream Frappuccino® Tall size 600 yen. Richly flavored matcha powder blended with milk and ice for a refreshing taste.

Exterior view of Starbucks Kyoto Niningsaka Yasaka Tea House

Photo courtesy of Starbucks Coffee Japan Co.

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Niningsaka Yasaka Chaya

starbucks coffee kyoto ni naisaka yasaka chayaten
349 Masuya-cho, Shimogawara Higashi-iru, Koudaiji Minamimon-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
7 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 075-532-0601
8:00 - 20:00
Irregular holidays
https://www.starbucks.co.jp/

3.Matcha lovers will not be able to resist! Thick matcha latte and matcha doughnuts at GOKAGO, a Japanese tea specialty store / Kiyomizu-zaka

GOKAGO is a Japanese tea store that opened in 2023 on the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The name "GOKAGO" comes from the wish "to be protected by the blessings of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The most popular drink, the thick matcha latte, has a deep flavor with the rich aroma and bitterness of Kyoto-grown matcha. It is a pleasure to have the matcha tea brewed right in front of you. The matcha doughnuts are made with matcha green tea to enhance the aroma and flavor before serving. Original blends of matcha and tea leaves, tea utensils (Kiyomizu-yaki), and tea utensils are also available for sale, making it easy to choose the right souvenir.

Matcha latte and matcha donuts from gokago

The rich Uji green tea latte 880 yen + rich green tea ice cream 350 yen, made with plenty of high-quality green tea blended for the latte. Try it with matcha doughnuts for 380 yen each.

Photo courtesy of GOKAGO

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

GOKAGO

gobang (game)
2-258 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
10 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
10:30-18:00
Irregular holidays
https://www.instagram.com/gokago_kyoto/

4.A large, mouth-watering, seared mitarashi [Gekkabijin] / Niningsaka, Tokyo

This is a sister store of the popular "Koto Imo Honpo" in Arashiyama, a takeout store specializing in sweets made from sweet potatoes. The lightly roasted dumplings and the mild sweet-and-sour sauce will surely become addictive. The large, visually pleasing dumplings are a perfect accompaniment to a stroll.

Aburi Mitarashi: 290 yen per dumpling. Three strands of mochi mochi mochi dumplings with a sticky texture make up a generous portion *Price will be changed from October 2025.

Photo courtesy of Tsukiagebijin

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

night-blooming cereus

night-blooming cereus
351-14 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
9 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Kiyomizu"
Tel: None
9:30-18:00 *Close when sold out
7 days a week

5.Try the softness and firmness of the strawbaked rice cake at Kyoto Kiyomizu Warabimochi monna / Chawanzaka, Kyoto.

The strawbutter cakes are made using rare ingredients such as Japanese strawbark flour and wasanbon sugar made by traditional methods, and are kneaded according to temperature, humidity, and other conditions. If you tell them that you saw Leaf's article on eating and walking around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you will be offered a free piece of the strawbaked rice cake.

600 yen for a pack of 5 warabi mochi (bracken rice cakes). The rice cake is so soft that it seems to overflow when you lift it, yet it has a strong firmness.

Photo/Leaf KYOTO Editorial Department

Eating and drinking space/No
MAP ishere

Kyoto Shimizu bracken rice cake monna

Kyoto Yomizu Warabi Mochi Monna
6-538-25 Gojobashihigashi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
10 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Gojozaka"
Tel.075-201-8158
12:00-17:00
Closed on Wednesdays
https://kyoto-monna.com/

6.Speaking of Kyoto sweets! ［Try the popular Kyo-Baamu Soft at Kyo-Baamu Kiyomizu Branch / Kiyomizu-zaka

Kyo-baamu is a classic Kyoto souvenir, a three-layer baumkuchen made of matcha green tea batter and soy milk batter. ［Kyo-baamu Soft, a popular menu item at Kyo-baamu Shimizu, is a small piece of Kyo-baamu topped with a generous dollop of soft-serve ice cream. Only the finest ingredients are used to bake the baumkuchen, making it moist and tender. There are three flavors to choose from: green tea, soy milk, and mixed. Try it with a yatsuhashi bridge.

Kyo-baamu soft (mix) 670 yen. The flavors of green tea and soy milk spread out.

Photo courtesy of Biju Co.

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Kyo-Baam Shimizu

Kyoto-Osaka-Kiyomizu Store
2-229 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
8 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 075-525-2180
10:00-17:00
7 days a week
https://kyobaum.com/

7.Enjoy freshly made Mitarashi dumplings from Umezono Kiyomizu-ten (dumplings even Maiko ate) / Sanneizaka, Tokyo

Umezono Shimizu Branch, located on Sanneizaka, is the Shimizu branch of Umezono, a sweet shop founded in 1927 on Kawaramachi Dori. The specialty is the hot Mitarashi dumpling, a bale-shaped dumpling baked to a golden brown and covered with a sweet and sour mitarashi sauce. The dumplings are made in a size that is easy for even a maiko with a small mouth to eat. Shimizu Dim Sum, a set of Mitarashi dango with matcha green tea and a sweet taste, is also popular. You can spend a relaxing time in the Japanese-style room or on the terrace, so stop by during your stroll.

Mitarashi dumplings (530 yen for a pack of 5 dumplings (550 yen for in-store consumption)) with kinako (soybean flour) topping are also recommended. You can even watch the dumplings being baked!

Photo courtesy of Umeen

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Umeen Shimizu Branch

Ame-no-Kiyomizu heaven
339-1 Kiyomizu Sanneizaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
8 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 075-531-8538
11:00-18:30 (LO/18:00)
7 days a week
https://umezono-kyoto.com/

8.Mitarashi dango and cool green powdered tea at Kyo Dango Fujinami, which has been popular in Kyoto for centuries / Sanneizaka

Mitarashi dumplings, freshly baked unbaked dumplings with hot sauce, are characterized by their light sweetness. Sprinkled with soybean flour to taste, they are even more savory. Try it with the cool green tea Rakusui, which spreads the flavor of high-quality matcha green tea.

Mitarashi dumplings and green tea from Fujinami

Mitarashi Dango and Cool Matcha - RAKUSUI's Mitarashi Set for 700 yen. The freshly made dumplings are small and not too sweet, but very tasty.

Photo courtesy of Nami Fuji

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Kyo Dango Fujinami Sannenzaka Honten

Kyoto Fuji-Nami Sanenzaka Honten
338 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
7 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 0120-812-473
10:00-18:00
7 days a week
Opening hours are subject to change due to weather conditions.
https://www.kyoto-fujinami.jp/

9.The Unir Coffee Senses] / Ichinenzaka, a traditional building designated by Kyoto City

［At The Unir Coffee Senses, you can enjoy specialty coffees for barista competitions and other events purchased from coffee farmers around the world, as well as food and sweets made with the utmost care. Enjoy an elegant time in the courtyard of this atmospheric Kyoto City-designated traditional building, which is over 100 years old, or in the sophisticated Coffee Senses Bar, where the theme is "En (circle).

A variety of specialty coffees are available from 600 yen per cup. The popular fruit sandwich heavy with seasonal fruit and special cream is 2,550 yen, and the cream is filled with espresso, white miso, olive oil, and various other hidden flavors!

Photo courtesy of The Unir Coffee Senses

Food and beverage space: Available *Reservations required for VIP room
MAP ishere

The Unir Coffee Senses

The Unir Coffee Senses
363-6 Masuya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
6 minutes walk from the bus stop "Kiyomimichi"
Tel. 075-746-6353
11:00-18:00 (LO/17:30)
May vary depending on the month.
Closed on Wednesdays, 1st and 3rd Thursdays
https://unir-coffee.com/shop/

10.［Tofu manju (bean curd buns) at Sohonke Yudof Okutan Kiyomizu (Sohonke Yudof Okutan Kiyomizu) are moist with homemade soy milk / Niningsaka

Sohonke Yudofu Okutanshimizu, established in 1635, offers a menu featuring dishes made with soy milk and okara (bean curd) produced in the process of making homemade tofu. Tofu manju, a popular snack, is a traditional country-style manju dough with soy milk added, and the bean paste is filled with seasoned okara (bean curd) chopped with plenty of vegetables. The moist and gentle taste is spreadable. Only here can you enjoy it freshly made and hot.

Tofu manju (bean curd bun) 250 yen. A healthy eating menu made by a tofu shop is a delight. Take-out can be ordered at reception.

Photo courtesy of Sohonke Yudofu Okutan Shimizu

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Sohonke Yudofu Okutan Shimizu

Sohonke Yudofu Oyotan Kiyomizu
3-340 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
9 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Kiyomizu"
Tel. 075-525-2051
11:00-16:30 (LO/16:00)
Saturday, Sunday, Holidays 11:00-17:30 (LO/17:00)
Closed on Thursdays
https://www.tofuokutan.info/

11.Warabimochi made with rare strawbeech flour and bittersweet oosu (sweet mochi) [Kyo Kanmi Bunnosuke Chaya Kyoto Honten] / Sanneizaka, Kyoto, Japan

The Warabimochi of "Kyo Ama Bun-nosuke Chaya" is made from carefully selected strawbutter and has a unique and powerful stickiness, but when you put it in your mouth, it melts in your mouth and you can enjoy its mellowness and moderate firmness. The slightly fragrant Nikki and the sweetness of the Kyoto soybean flour are a perfect match, using a method inherited from the founder, Bunnosuke Katsura. Enjoy the traditional taste in a Japanese-style space near Yasaka Pagoda.

The rich aroma and bitterness of the osu is perfect with the strawbimochi.

Photo courtesy of Bun-no-suke Tea House

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Kyo Ama no Suken Chaya Kyoto Main Store

kyokanmi bunsuke-chaya tokyo honten
373, Yasakaue-cho, Higashi-iru, Shimogawara-dori, Higashi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
7 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 075-561-1972
11:00-17:00
Irregular holidays
https://ecstore.bunnosuke.jp/

12.［Enjoy a stroll with a skewer of Japanese sweets from Itoken/SOU・SOU Kiyomizumise in hand / Sanneizaka

This is a collaboration store between Itoken, a long-established Japanese confectionary store established in 1864, and the Kyoto textile brand SOU・SOU. A pop Japanese space with the SOU-SOU style spreads out in the streets lined with traditional buildings. Recommended for takeout is the wagashi on skewers, a luxurious, Kyoto-style item that can be easily enjoyed with one hand while enjoying the Kami-no-gashi used in the tea ceremony.

Itoken / SOU・SOU Shimizu Store's Japanese sweets on skewers

Traditional Japanese sweets made by hand on a single skewer for 500 yen. Choice of two types: seasonal (fall) and regular.

Exterior view of Itoken/SOU・SOU Shimizu Store

Photo courtesy of Itoken

Eating and drinking space/No
MAP ishere

Itoken / SOU・SOU Shimizu Store

Ito Ken / Saw Saw Saw Kiyo Mizumise
3-315 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
8 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel.0120-929-110*Representative
10:00-18:00
Irregular holidays
https://www.kyoto-itoken.co.jp/shop-info/itoken-sousou-kiyomizu/

13.［Kyoto yuba cream croquettes and fried tofu with Kyoto-style dashi at Kirakuan Okamoto Sanneizaka-ten / Sanneizaka

Featuring a large logo, freshly fried croquettes and fried chicken are popular here. The yuba cream croquette, made with yuba from Kyoto, is filled with a thick, smooth cream. The karaage uses Kyoto-style dashi (soup stock) for a taste that is uniquely Kyoto. The best part of walking up Sanneizaka is being able to enjoy a freshly made karaage when you are hungry.

From left to right: Yuba cream croquettes, 250 yen; Kyoto-style dashi fried tofu, 550 yen for 5 pieces.

Photo courtesy of Kirakuan Okamoto, Sanneizaka Branch

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

Kirakuan Okamoto, Sanneizaka Branch

Kurakuan Okamoto Sanneizakaten
3-340-340-3 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
7 minutes walk from bus stop "Shimizu-michi".
Tel. 075-708-5338
10:00-18:00
Irregular holidays
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/storeinfo/kirakuan.html

14.Mizushikutei's freshly made menchi-katsu (fried pork cutlet) while viewing Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda) / Sanneizaka-zaka area

［Located just a short walk from Yasaka Koshindo, Suishikutei's freshly made triple cheese menchikatsu is very popular. From the terrace seats on the second floor, you can enjoy a view of Yasaka Pagoda and enjoy Kyoto's unique atmosphere. The restaurant also offers a full drink menu, so relax and unwind between strolls.

Mizushikutei's Triple Cheese Munch Katsu

The most popular triple cheese menchikatsu is 400 yen.

Photo courtesy of Suishikutei

Eating and drinking space: Yes
MAP ishere

The Water Colour Pavilion (in Heian Palace)

water-colour procession
84 Ueda-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
2 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Kiyomizu"
Tel. 075-531-1815
Summer 9:30-18:30
Winter 9:00-18:00
7 days a week
https://www.instagram.com/mizuirotei.yasaka/

15.Extra Edition] Did you know? The Origin of the Slope on the Approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Sanneizaka (San-nenzaka) Sannenzaka (Sanneizaka), with its emotional stone pavement, is a road leading from Kiyomizu-zaka to Ninneizaka, and is sometimes used as a filming location. It is said that the name "Sanneizaka" comes from the fact that many people used to pass through this slope to pray for safe delivery at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and that Nene, the wife of Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, used to pray for safe delivery at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Ninenzaka (Ninenzaka) Niningsaka, lined with cafes and stores using machiya townhouses, is popular as a photo spot for its elegant atmosphere. There are various theories as to the origin of its name, such as "because it is located in front of Sannenzaka (Sanneizaka)" or "because it was created in the 2nd year of Daido (807). Ichinenzaka (One Year Hill) Ichinenzaka is a narrow alley extending to the right from the intersection of several roads, including "Nene-no-michi" leading to Yasaka Shrine and Kodaiji Temple and "Ishin-no-michi" leading to Reizan Gokokujin Shrine in Kyoto. It is lined with old-fashioned buildings such as stores and private houses. Kiyomizu-zaka (Higashiyama-cho, Iwate-ken) Kiyomizu-zaka, which was created when Kiyomizu-dera Temple was built, became an important transportation route as a shortcut from Yamashina to the Tokaido Highway. As one approaches Kiyomizu-dera, the number of stores increases, and a variety of souvenirs are available. In spring and fall, the "Seiryu-kai" (Blue Dragon Festival) is held, in which a procession of about 18-meter-long seiryu (dragon) and a group of people dressed as gods and other deities parade through the temple. Chawanzaka (Shimizu New Road) It was named "Chawanzaka" after "Chawan-ya Kyubei," a man who became a wealthy merchant selling ceramics after the reconstruction of Kiyomizu Temple. Kiyomizu-yaki pottery shops are located here and are popular as souvenirs. Asahi hill 清水寺を東に、北の清水坂と南の茶碗坂を繋ぐ小径、あさひ坂。京焼・清水焼のみならず、日本各地の伝統工芸をあらゆる角度から楽しめる。坂を上がれば東山（洛外）から中京・左京（洛中）を望めるプチスポットも。実際に歩いてみると、まだまだ知られていない坂やお気に入りの店に出合えるかも。それほど急な坂道ではないので、気軽に散策を楽しんで。

The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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