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Kyoto’s Kinkaku Sofuto shines with edible gold leaf ice cream

Published: 2026-09-24 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-24 — After visiting the gleaming Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), head to Kinkaku Sofuto for a taste of Japan’s currently much-talked-about premium desserts made with real gold leaf. Just a 1-minute walk from the entrance of Kinkaku-ji (behind the Kinkaku-ji parking lot)...

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department
 
After visiting the gleaming Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), you might want to stop by Kinkaku Sofutoto try one of Japan’s most talked-about premium desserts — high-end sweets using real gold leaf. Just a 1-minute walk from the entrance of Kinkaku-ji (behind the Kinkaku-ji parking lot), you can enjoy the world’s rare pure gold leaf “gold leaf ice cream.” To let customers personally experience the delicate art of gold leaf application, the shop demonstrates the process of placing the gold leaf on the ice cream right in front of them. For 950 yen (tax included), the gold leaf ice cream comes with an entire sheet of edible, genuine Japanese-made gold leaf, and you can choose among three flavors: matcha, vanilla, and mixed.

The process of making gold leaf ice cream. (Photo provided by kinkakusoft.com, Kyoto City Taiwan Promotion Office)

Since only 100 servings are available per day and it has been featured multiple times on Japanese TV programs, the shop attracts many visitors from far and wide, making it a popular local spot. It’s recommended to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. The gold leaf ice cream is sold indoors, allowing you to enjoy it comfortably no matter how hot the summer or how cold the winter.

 

 

Ice cream adorned with a whole sheet of gold leaf, glowing golden. (Photo provided by kinkakusoft.com, Kyoto City Taiwan Promotion Office)

 

 
【Info】
Kinkaku Sofuto (そふと)
Address: 38-1, Kinugasa Nishigoshonouchi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00–17:00, Sat & Sun 11:00–17:30
 
 

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