Japanese-style cafe newly opened in Kyoto Gyoen

Have you ever been to the Kyoto Gyoen? Kyoto Gyoen is a green area surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the emperor for more than 1,000 years from the Heian Period to the Meiji Period, during which time the emperor conducted political affairs.

At the end of the Edo period (1603-1867), a district of court noble residences was formed around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo with the Meiji Restoration, the court nobles moved to Tokyo as well.
The palace and the area around the official residences fell into disrepair, but the Ouchi Preservation Project was initiated, and the area around the official residences was transformed into a park by demolishing buildings and planting trees, and was reborn as the new "Kyoto Imperial Gardens".

The garden is dotted with century-old trees, the ruins of former noble residences, gardens, and other historical remains.
It is a place of recreation and relaxation where visitors can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, including cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.

In May 2022, a wonderful rest area will open in the Gyoen!
I've been wondering about it for a long time and finally got to visit.

Rest area designed by a long-established company that blends in with the Gyoen

The rest stop is "SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen" (Sasayaiori Plus), located in a corner of the former site of the Chikamori family residence.
It is a café owned by Sasaya Iori, a long-established Japanese confectionery shop established in 1716.
Sasaya Iori is known for its famous sweets called "phantom dorayaki," which are sold for only three days each month.
These dorayaki were created at the request of Toji Temple in the late Edo period (1603-1868), and are a historic confectionary with a delicious, addictive, firmer texture.

What kind of sweets can I get at this cafe?
Expectations are high for this lovely glass exterior!

High quality space overflowing with light

Once inside, you will find a warm and inviting space with pleasant natural light.
White wood is used everywhere, making it very relaxing.

The walls are stylishly decorated with circular cavities reminiscent of “windows of enlightenment”. It is a very picturesque space.

In addition, there is a full glass window in front of the seating area! You can enjoy the view with an open-air feeling.

You may even be able to try that famous dish! A wide variety of menu that you can't decide which one to try!

Orders for sweets and drinks are taken at the counter and brought to your seat by yourself.

This time, the author ordered the "green tea parfait.
You can enjoy various flavors of matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, sweet bean paste, shiratama (white bean paste), and cream!
The store's logo is on the middle of the cake! They were perfect with red bean paste and ice cream.

Also recommended is the "Fukurai (plump) Dorayaki (Uji green tea special).
Inside the fluffy dorayaki crust is a rich red bean paste, whipped cream, and shiratama (white rice balls).
The richness of the green tea ice cream, the rich sweetness of the green tea bean paste, and the creamy whipped cream combine to create a very satisfying taste.

In addition, that fantastic dorayaki is also available as a set with matcha green tea only on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of every month.
The restaurant also offers a variety of other menu items such as "Matcha and Kamisegashi set," "Mitarashi dango," "Matcha soft-serve ice cream," "Green tea float," "Matcha latte," and craft beer. Shaved ice is also available in summer.

The store's counter is lined with a selection of seasonal confections, which can also be purchased as souvenirs.

Thinking back to the time when court nobles lived

The store also has panels introducing the Konoe family.
The Konoe family was the first of the "five regent families" that held positions such as regent and seignior, and there were explanations and photos of court culture and the lives of court nobles on display. Visitors could feel the deep history of the house.
It is truly a luxurious and special experience to be able to spend a relaxing time in a space where noble families once lived, thinking back to that era.

The shortest way to access this rest area is through the Imadegawa Gate or the Inui Gate to the northwest.

There are many shrines and temples around Kyoto Gyoen, such as "Seimei Shrine" and "Goho Shrine," so why not visit them as a set?

Store Name:SASAYAIORI+ Kyoto Gyoen
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Phone: 075-256-7177

HP:https://www.sasayaiori.com/store/p-11219