The happy scenery of Kyoto raw chocolate at an old Kyoto sweet shop
Last updated 2026-09-25 — Sherry, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, was the first kimono-clad woman I encountered during my trip to Kyoto. Sherry is from Canada and the owner of “Kyoto生chocolat.” With her gentle demeanor and soft voice, she became the most eye-catching presence in this Kyoto machiya café—and also the best storyteller here.
Text by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine
Sherry, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, was the first kimono-clad woman I encountered during my trip to Kyoto. Sherry is from Canada and the owner of “Kyoto 生 chocolat.” With her gentle demeanor and soft voice, she became the most eye-catching presence in this Kyoto machiya café—and also the best storyteller here.
The front garden view of Kyoto生chocolat, where the loom on the steps is part of Mr. Nakanishi’s collection. Fabric woven in his spare time can also be seen inside the shop. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
As steam rose from the hot tea, Sherry smiled as she recounted the story of the male owner of the machiya, Mr. Nakanishi. A skilled French cuisine chef, Mr. Nakanishi had met and fallen in love with Sherry—then a singer performing in New York—while he was working at the Japanese Consulate General in New York, where he oversaw French dining.
The greenery in the backyard leads to the outdoor seating area along a small path. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
After getting married, the couple grew weary of the hustle and bustle of city life, and Mr. Nakanishi gradually lost enthusiasm for the serious work of designing daily banquet menus. To rediscover the sweetness of life, they decided to move to a seaside town in the rural parts of Japan. It wasn’t until the birth of their daughter, Sasha, that they began considering a return to the city for their child’s education. Sherry said, “Kyoto, with its elegance and freedom developed over a thousand years while still embracing modern development, was our only choice. And this 150-year-old house tucked away in a quiet alley instantly captured our hearts.”
Although it’s a rental property, the Nakanishis have carefully maintained this century-old machiya. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
Deeply respectful of and enchanted by traditional Japanese culture, the Nakanishis have lovingly preserved this old home. With the exception of the tatami mats, which have been replaced, everything else retains the appearance from the previous owner’s era. The camellias about to bloom and the cherry blossom trees preparing for spring in the courtyard may even be older than the visitors who come through the door.
Mr. Nakanishi is reserved, while Sherry is outgoing and hospitable. The balance between stillness and energy brings harmony to Kyoto生chocolat. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
After Sherry led us to admire the beauty of the Kyoto townhouse—from the front garden, through the main house, to the back garden—Mr. Nakanishi, who had been busy in the kitchen, finally brought out today’s freshly made raw chocolate. The organic blend of Japanese and African teas originally on the table was replaced with strong black coffee. “Please help yourselves,” Sherry said warmly as she sat respectfully on the floor beside the table. Meanwhile, the quiet Mr. Nakanishi simply offered a shy smile before turning back to continue making the raw chocolate.
Takeaway raw chocolate gift box. (Image credit: TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Magazine)
- 1
- 2
Share
This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/views-38651
Related Articles
- Shaoxing's "Grandpa Gourd" hangs the gourds back up: "If there are too many people, we'll interact less — just take a quick look from afar"
- Chinese authorities announce "reciprocal adjustment" to Japan visa fees — single-entry visa jumps from 2,250 to 16,750 yen!
- The "health stones" carried by a traveler were found to have radiation levels exceeding safety limits by a thousand times, potentially endangering fellow passengers on the same flight. Customs issues warning!
- Shenzhen Airport Issues Late-Night Notice: Unidentified Aerial Object Detected, Causing Widespread Flight Delays!
- “They only said it cost money after I opened the box and washed it!” 200g of grapes sold for 60 yuan on a high-speed train—12306 responds!
- Can't buy an airline ticket? Denied exit? Blocked from boarding? A large number of Chinese tourists have mysteriously become "discredited individuals"
- Adverse weather and economic fluctuations impact Colombia's coffee market
- Beach bathing area responds to 2 yuan/30 seconds fee for freshwater foot rinsing: Clearly priced!
- Taking off with an improperly closed cabin door? Wing malfunction? Multiple flights made emergency returns mid-journey!
- Experience the gifts of nature！ A countdown of the world’s ten most stunning coastlines