\"Murakami Kaishindo\" is located in Teramachi Nijo, Kyoto. Its Western-style confections\u2014including cookies, Russian cakes, and Kozubukuro\u2014are made using recipes that have remained unchanged since the Meiji era and have long been beloved not only by locals but also by dessert lovers across the country.<\/p>\r\n
Among these, the cookies sold in tins are so popular that people say, \u201cYou might have to wait anywhere from a few months to over a year from the time you place your order until you receive them.\u201d What kind of store is this, and what kinds of sweets do they sell?<\/p>\r\n
In this article, the Kyoto tourism media outlet KYOTREAT will provide a detailed overview of Murakami Kaishindo\u2014from its history and product lineup to the current reservation process and access information.<\/p>\r\n
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The history of Murakami Kaishindo cannot be fully captured by the simple phrase \u201clong-established Western-style confectionery shop.\u201d The Murakami family originally moved to Kyoto from Nara-machi and was a lineage that had served the Imperial Court for generations.<\/p>\r\n
The founder, Seitaro Murakami, was born inside the Imperial Palace in Meiji 4 and learned the art of making Western-style confections from his uncle, Mitsuyasu Murakami. This very Mitsuyasu was the man who, in Meiji 3, while serving as a chef in the Imperial Household Agency\u2019s Office of the Imperial Kitchen, learned Western confectionery techniques from a Frenchman in the Yokohama Foreign Settlement, and went on to establish \u201cMurakami Kaishindo\u201d in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, in Meiji 7. In other words, the \u201cMurakami Kaishindo\u201d shops in Kyoto and Tokyo share roots based on a family relationship rather than being franchise branches (though they are now separate companies under different management).<\/p>\r\n
Seitaro then returned to Kyoto, the birthplace of the Murakami family, and on September 15, Meiji 40 (1907), he opened a Western-style confectionery shop at the Teramachi Nijo location, where the store still stands today. Since then, guided by the philosophy of \u201cpreserving the traditional methods and flavors of our confections\u2014such as cookies, Russian cakes, Koshifukuro, Teramachi vanilla pudding, and madeleines\u2014while creating new value through innovation,\u201d the shop has continued to operate for nearly 120 years.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
In addition to serving as a judge at various expositions before the war, the company won a gold cup at the Tokyo Taisho Exposition in Taisho 3 and was entrusted with operating a coffee shop within the dining hall of the Daimaru Kimono Store (now Daimaru Matsuzakaya). This marked the heyday of Kyoto\u2019s Murakami Kaishindo. The popular product \u201cKoshifuku-ro\u201d was also created by Seitaro during this late Taisho period and is known as a confectionery beloved by the author Shotaro Ikenami. Although the shop was forced to temporarily close due to sugar rationing during the war, it resumed operations in Showa 26.<\/p>\r\n
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Retro Western-style mansion architecture<\/strong><\/span>Other Highlights<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n The store building itself is worth seeing. Built in the early Showa period, it features a Western-style facade of wood and plaster on the front and traditional Japanese architecture in the rear\u2014a design that was both rare and luxurious for its time. Features such as the plate-glass doors, the curved display windows, the high ceilings, and the marble columns remain as they were in those days, vividly preserving the atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Additionally, the calligraphy reading \u201cKaishindo\u201d displayed inside the store was penned by Narutsuru Kusakabe, who is considered one of the \u201cThree Great Calligraphers\u201d of the Meiji era.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n With cookies displayed in the showcase and tile floors, the interior is truly a space where you can \u201ctravel back in time.\u201d It\u2019s a spot we highly recommend for travelers who love history or enjoy exploring retro architecture.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The main products offered by Murakami Kaishindo are as follows.<\/p>\r\n Of these, the madeleines, dacquoises, florentines, and galettes bretonnes are sold under the sister brand \u201cMaison de Murakami by Kyoto Murakami Kaishindo.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n This charming treat features a Kishu mandarin orange whose peel has been hollowed out and filled with mandarin-flavored jelly. It has been a signature product for nearly 100 years, ever since Seitaro first created it in the late Taisho era, and its cute appearance has made it a hit on social media.<\/p>\r\n These soft baked goods are characterized by their buttery flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Since you can buy them one variety at a time, many people enjoy trying different kinds.<\/p>\r\n This is a relatively new and popular item, known for its smooth texture and vanilla aroma. Since it often sells out, we recommend visiting early if you want to be sure to try it.<\/p>\r\n Both are baked goods that highlight the flavors of almonds and butter. The dacquoise is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, while the galette bretonne features a savory, buttery flavor\u2014each offers a distinct texture to enjoy.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Murakami Kaishindo is synonymous with its canned cookies. The cans are packed to the brim with cookies hand-baked by artisans, and they come in two sizes: a large can (780g) and a small can (600g). Both sizes require advance reservation. Each tin contains an assortment of 11 different types of cookies, including peanut sabl\u00e9s, cinnamon sabl\u00e9s, and chocolate cream sandwiches\u2014the appeal lies in being able to enjoy such a wide variety of flavors in a single tin.<\/p>\r\n <\/p>\r\n Murakami Kaishindo\u2019s cookies are available only by reservation\u2014either in-store or by phone\u2014and due to the overwhelming number of orders, the wait time for pickup has been getting longer every year. According to past news articles, the wait time around 2021 was about four months, with a maximum of about six months. However, there have been reports that people who placed orders in 2025 had to wait approximately one year for their cookies, and depending on the time of year, wait times of over a year are not uncommon.<\/p>\r\n Please note that wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of year and booking availability.<\/strong> Please note that the information stating \u201ca wait of X months\u201d is only an estimate; we recommend that you check with the store directly\u2014either in person or by phone\u2014for the most up-to-date information.<\/p>\r\n Please note that even if the cookie tins are on display in the store, you cannot purchase them on the spot without a reservation. If you want to ensure you get one during your trip, it\u2019s best to call ahead to confirm availability.<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n \u00a0<\/p>\r\n In 2017, Murakami Kaishindo opened a caf\u00e9 space inside its store\u2014the first such initiative since the company\u2019s founding. Renovated from a 90-year-old traditional Japanese building, the space has become a favorite among many for its blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, featuring vintage Scandinavian furniture, tableware crafted by local artisans, a tin counter, and private rooms lined with washi paper.<\/p>\r\n However, as of October 2026, this caf\u00e9 is temporarily closed due to construction and renovation work on the adjacent property.<\/strong> According to the official website, the reopening is scheduled for around spring 2027, but it\u2019s quite possible that the date could change depending on the progress of the renovations. If you plan to visit the caf\u00e9 to eat or drink, be sure to check the official website in advance for the latest information on its operating status.<\/p>\r\n Please note that the sale of baked goods such as cookies and Russian cakes at our store will continue as usual even while the caf\u00e9 is closed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\nProducts Sold at Murakami Kaishindo<\/h2>\r\n
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\u30fbKozubukuro<\/h4>\r\n
Russian Cake<\/h4>\r\n
Teramachi Vanilla Pudding<\/h4>\r\n
\u30fbMadeleine, Dacquoise, Florentine, Galette Bretonne<\/h4>\r\n
The \"Cookie Tin\" That's All the Rage Because It's So Hard to Get<\/h2>\r\n
How to Make a Reservation and Wait Times<\/h4>\r\n
About the Caf\u00e9 Area [Important: Currently Closed]<\/h3>\r\n
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Basic Information on Murakami Kaishindo in Kyoto<\/h3>\r\n