KyotoTravel

Savor Amanattsu and Fresh Sweets with Matcha at Toraya's Historic Tea Room

About this spot

Toraya, a long-established traditional confectionery founded in the late Muromachi period in Kyoto and purveyor to the Imperial Household, has its Kyoto Ichijo location standing on the west side of the Imperial Palace, believed to be the birthplace of Toraya. At the adjoining tea room, you can enjoy sweets while overlooking the garden. The signature amanattsu, with its glossy red bean paste and smooth agar jelly, offers refined sweetness, and the pairing of seasonal fresh wagashi with matcha is exceptional. Taking a quiet break in this serene space midway through your morning historical walk will restore your energy for the afternoon ahead. The adjacent gallery occasionally hosts exhibitions related to traditional confectionery, providing additional enjoyment while waiting or after your meal. This is a quintessentially Kyoto lunch break with friends at a historic establishment, enjoyed without pretense.

Tips

On the west side of the Imperial Palace, about 8 minutes' walk from Imadegawa Station on the subway, and about 10 minutes' walk from Seimei Shrine. The tea room may have a wait during lunch hours, so arriving before 11 a.m. or allowing extra time is recommended. Seats facing the garden are popular; consider requesting one when shown to your table. Seasonal wagashi may sell out.