A Sister Shop of Kyoto’s Legendary Dessert Spot: Umeyono, Where Tea Sweets Meet Artistic Flair

Photos & Text /Kavanagh

うめぞの CAFE & GALLERY is a sister shop of Kyoto’s long-established sweet shop “Umeyono.” Known for its yatsuhashi (folded rice crackers) and matcha muffins, うめぞの CAFE & GALLERY boasts a stylish interior. In addition to enjoying desserts, visitors can explore the gallery space on the second floor, which hosts art exhibitions—making this café a hub for artistic expression.

The café is housed in a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse, exuding the city’s signature elegance.

The menu is posted at the entrance, featuring its most famous sweets: yatsuhashi and matcha muffins.

The interior features white walls paired with wooden flooring and furniture, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

Handmade accessories and pottery are also available for purchase.

When I visited, there weren’t many customers, so I was lucky enough to sit in the signature spot featured in magazines introducing うめぞの CAFE & GALLERY—a seat that overlooks the small garden at the back.

I ordered the shop’s pride and joy: the matcha hotcake (currently 930 yen, previously 900 yen). Since it’s made to order, I waited about 15 minutes for it to arrive. (The matcha hotcake is 300 yen more expensive when served with whipped cream. I chose not to have the cream because I wanted to savor the rich matcha flavor.)

Luxuriously made with high-quality Uji matcha powder, the matcha hotcake was everything I had hoped for. I had seen its beautiful image countless times in Kyoto magazines and books, and it had deeply captured my heart... Finally getting to try it in person was truly moving.

First, I tried it without maple syrup to enjoy the pure flavor of the matcha hotcake. The matcha flavor was subtle yet distinct—not overly bitter, but with a fragrant aroma. The texture was soft and fluffy, yet firm enough to hold together. It paired wonderfully with the slight bitterness of the matcha, and even without the syrup, it left a refreshing aftertaste.

I highly recommend trying the matcha hotcake, either on its own or paired with coffee—it’s sure to be a delightful experience.

【うめぞの CAFE & GALLER】
Business Hours: 11:30 – 19:00 (last order at 18:30)
Closed: No regular holidays
Access: Take the Kyoto City Bus to “Shijo-Karasuma” and walk seven minutes.
Address: 180 Fudomachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture