Castella, with its fluffy texture and mild sweetness, is an addictive Japanese confectionery that developed in Japan based on sweets introduced from Europe around the 15th to 16th centuries. It first arrived in what is now Nagasaki Prefecture, and in 1681, there are records of Castella in Kyoto.
This article introduces two recommended sponge cake shops in Kyoto City. Both stores stick to their own unique production methods and are beloved by the locals. You will find unique Castella that you cannot find at your neighborhood supermarket, so please visit them to buy your souvenirs.
Table of Contents
■Fushimi-ku: Sangen-an
■Nakagyo-ku: Castella Chicken Den
■summary
Fushimi-ku: Sangen-an
Sangenan" is located about a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Fushimi Station. It has a direct sales shop in front of its headquarters, and its yellowish exterior is a landmark. The store is characterized by its three main features: taste, texture, and no additives, based on the techniques used when the product was first introduced to Japan, and some days there is a line of customers waiting in front of the store.
The featured product is "Roll Castella," a sponge cake dough rolled up like a cake roll. The dough is kneaded with white bean paste, giving it an elegant sweetness and a moist texture. There is also a lineup of products that are typical of Kyoto, such as those rolled with Tanba black soybeans and green tea flavor.
In addition to the orthodox square-shaped sponge cakes, popular items include the "Futae Uji Matcha and Dainagon Azuki Beans," which is made with two layers of different flavored dough to give it a heavy texture. Small portions are also available, so it is recommended for a quick bite on the train or in the car on the way home.
Name of store:Sangen-an
HP:https://www.sangenan.co.jp/
Address: 74 Mouri-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-8373, Japan
Phone number: 075-611-1755
Nakagyo-ku: Castella Uden
Castella Udon" is a sponge cake shop located in a residential area about a 14-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station. Nearby is "Myoshinji Temple," where you can see "Unryu-zu" painted by Kano Tanyu, making it a perfect place to visit during a sightseeing tour! The shop is characterized by its insistence on the hand-baking method, rather than mass production using machines.
We offer unique products, and the "Castella Rusk," which looks like a sponge cake but has a crispy texture, is a must-try. The "Castella Roll," a square piece of sponge cake wrapped in thinly baked dorayaki dough, offers the delicious taste of sponge cake dough.
A wide variety of orthodox sponge cake flavors are available, including Western flavors such as chocolate and black tea, as well as Kyoto-style flavors such as green tea and hojicha (roasted green tea). Closed on Sundays and national holidays.
Name of store:Castella pavilion (of the inner Heian Palace)
HP:https://udono-kyoto.com/
Address: 7-7, Koboriike-cho, Nishinokyo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Phone number: 075-823-5905
summary
In this issue, we have introduced two recommended sponge cake shops in Kyoto City. Both are particular about their unique manufacturing methods and sell unique products. Castella are perfect as souvenirs because they are easy to divide into small portions, and the larger ones are easy to cut into pieces for everyone. Be sure to stop by before heading to your hotel or train station after a day of sightseeing.

