Imagine stepping away from the bustling energy of downtown Kyoto into a serene sanctuary dedicated to the art of Japanese tea and sweets!!
Imagine stepping away from the bustling energy of downtown Kyoto into a serene sanctuary dedicated to the art of Japanese tea and sweets.
At Saryo Suisen Takatsuji, a renowned tea house just a short walk from Shijo Station, you'll discover a truly unique dessert: freshly made, warm warabi mochi. This isn't the typical chilled, jelly-like sweet you might know.
It's an experience that redefines the dessert, offering a texture and flavor that has locals and travelers lining up. For anyone exploring the culinary landscape of Japan's ancient capital, a visit to Saryo Suisen Kyoto is essential.
This guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy this exceptional Kyoto sweet.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays, just after opening (10:30 AM) to avoid crowds. |
| Time Needed | 45-60 minutes. |
| Nearest Station | Shijo Station (Karasuma Subway Line), Exit 5 (5-minute walk). |
| Price Range | ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 per person. |
| Payment Methods | Credit cards accepted, cash. |
| Crowds | Very popular; expect a queue, especially on weekends. |
| Accessibility | Located on the first floor, but entry accessibility is unconfirmed. |
A Modern Tea House with Traditional Soul
Saryo Suisen Takatsuji offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Though located on the ground floor of a modern building, the interior is designed to evoke the feeling of a classic machiya (traditional wooden townhouse). The space is calm and intimate, with warm lighting and seating that looks out onto a small, enclosed Japanese garden (tsuboniwa). It’s a tranquil escape that allows you to peacefully savor some of Kyoto’s finest matcha creations, a world away from the busy Shijo-Karasuma intersection just minutes away.
Best Time to Visit
As an indoor cafe, Saryo Suisen is a wonderful destination year-round. However, due to its popularity (boasting a 3.59 rating on Tabelog ), it can get very crowded. To minimize your wait time, it is highly recommended to visit on a weekday, either right when it opens at 10:30 AM or during the mid-afternoon lull (around 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM). Weekends and public holidays often see long queues forming outside the entrance.
How to Get to Saryo Suisen Takatsuji
Saryo Suisen Takatsuji is conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto, making it easily accessible.
By Train:
1.Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station.
2.Go to Exit 5.
3.Walk south on Karasuma Street for about 3 minutes, then turn left (east) onto Takatsuji Street.
4.Walk for another 2 minutes. The cafe will be on your right, on the ground floor of the Kyoto Takatsuji Building.
Address:
Kyoto Takatsuji Building 1F, 521 Inaricho, Higashinotoin-dori, Takatsuji-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Google Map:
The Main Event: Life-Changing Freshly Made Warabi Mochi
While the menu is filled with tempting matcha parfaits and cakes, the one dish you absolutely cannot miss is the Freshly Made Warm Wasanbon Warabi-Mochi (出来立てわらび餅, Dekitate Warabi Mochi). Priced at ¥1,670, this is the dish that has earned Saryo Suisen its fame.
Forget everything you know about warabi mochi. This version is served warm and has an unbelievably soft, gooey, and stretchy texture that is simply divine. As one visitor described it, “It’s so soft it stretches as you lift it with a spoon!” The experience is a revelation.
The flavor is just as impressive. You can choose between a plain wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar) version or the signature matcha version. The matcha is intense and authentic, with a deep, earthy flavor that is perfectly balanced by a refined, elegant sweetness. It’s not overly sugary, allowing the high-quality matcha to truly shine. It comes served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) on the side, allowing you to customize the taste to your liking.
This is more than just a dessert; it’s a unique culinary experience that showcases the artistry of Japanese sweets.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
•Go with time to spare: Be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours. There is often a line, so don’t visit if you are in a rush.
•One order per person: Like many traditional cafes in Japan, there is a policy requiring each guest to order at least one item.
•Cash is useful: While cards are accepted, having cash on hand is always a good idea in Japan.
•Toilets: Restrooms are available for customers inside the cafe.
•Solo diners welcome: The counter seats are perfect for those visiting alone.
Where to Stay Near Saryo Suisen
The cafe’s central location in the Shijo-Karasuma area means you are surrounded by excellent accommodation options. This area is a major transportation hub and is within walking distance of the Gion district and Nishiki Market.
•Luxury: The Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto offers spacious rooms and premium service just a short walk away.
•Mid-Range: Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto is a stylish and modern hotel located conveniently near the station.
•Budget: For a more affordable option with great reviews, consider a hotel slightly further from the main intersection.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
1.Morning (10:30 AM): Arrive at Saryo Suisen just as it opens to enjoy the famous warabi mochi without a long wait.
2.Late Morning (11:30 AM): Take a 10-minute walk to Nishiki Market. Explore the bustling market stalls and sample local Kyoto delicacies.
3.Lunch (1:00 PM): Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in or around Nishiki Market.
4.Afternoon (2:30 PM): Walk across the Kamo River to the historic Gion district. Explore the traditional streets and maybe even spot a geiko or maiko.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Saryo Suisen worth the wait?
A: Absolutely. The freshly made warm warabi mochi is a unique experience that dessert lovers should not miss. The texture and flavor are unlike any other warabi mochi.
Q: What is the difference between regular warabi mochi and the one at Saryo Suisen?
A: Traditional warabi mochi is typically served chilled and has a firm, jelly-like consistency. Saryo Suisen’s signature version is served warm, making it incredibly soft, gooey, and stretchy.
Q: Do they have options other than matcha?
A: Yes, they offer a plain wasanbon sugar version of the warabi mochi, as well as other desserts like hojicha (roasted green tea) parfaits.
Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Yes, the sweet flavors and unique texture are often a hit with children. However, the cafe has a quiet, refined atmosphere, so it’s best for well-behaved children.
Q: Can I make a reservation?
A: Reservations are generally not accepted for regular cafe use, with the exception of their special “Hanakago zen” afternoon tea set . Be prepared to queue.
Q: Is there an English menu?
A: Yes, the menu includes English descriptions, making it easy for international visitors to order.
A Final, Sweet Word
In a city filled with incredible food, Saryo Suisen Takatsuji stands out by perfecting a single, extraordinary dish. The freshly made warm warabi mochi is not just a dessert; it’s a memorable experience that captures the essence of Kyoto’s dedication to quality and refinement. Don’t miss the chance to taste it for yourself.
Sources
[1] Saryo Suisen Official Website (https://saryo-suisen.com/shop/takatsuji/ )
[2] Tabelog – Saryo Suisen Takatsuji (https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26020625/ )
[3] Saryo Suisen Official Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/saryosuisen/ )
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