Matcha is one of Japan’s most beloved flavors.
This vibrant green powder, which is made from finely ground tea leaves, is known for its earthy, slightly bitter, and umami-rich flavor profile. It is high in antioxidants and provides balanced, sustained energy thanks to its slowly released caffeine. The flavor is prevalent in both refined tea ceremonies and daily life, so the country has no shortage of matcha sweets and eats.
In this article, we are going to introduce Kyosendo Gion Main Shop, a long-established confectionery located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward.
From January 13 to 31, 2026, Kyosendo Gion Main Shop will be holding a campaign with matcha influencer “maccha lover” for its 100th anniversary. Please see the bottom of the article for more details.
What’s on the menu?
Kyosendo Gion Main Shop's most popular menu items are its three parfaits—Matcha Parfait, Shiratama (a type of mochi) Parfait, and Matcha Pudding Parfait. These visually-captivating desserts showcase layers of complementing flavors and textures. The Matcha Parfait in particular features matcha ice cream, jelly, mochi (shiratama), sweet red bean paste, and a crispy tea leaf rice cracker (senbei).
You can even customize the parfaits—a rarity in Japan. Swap the fresh cream for matcha cream, change the white shiratama to green mochi, or exchange the red bean paste for shiratama.
The aforementioned matcha enthusiast, maccha lover, recommends the two following orders for maximum matcha flavor:
- Order a Matcha Parfait. Change the whipped cream to matcha cream, and swap the red beans for shiratama.
- Order a Shiratama Parfait. Change the whipped cream to matcha cream, and swap the shiratama for green mochi.
Please note that the Matcha Parfait is only served on Kyosendo Gion Main Shop’s second floor. Each parfait costs ¥1,500.
The restaurant also offers other tasty treats like matcha warabi mochi, warm zenzai (azuki beans paired with toasted mochi), a green tea float, a matcha mille crepe set, matcha anmitsu (jelly, red bean paste, shiratama, and fruit), and more.
Kyosendo’s 100th Anniversary Campaign
From January 13 to 31, 2026, Kyosendo Gion Main Shop will offer special benefits to its customers for free.
- If you order a parfait, you will receive extra matcha powder to dust over your dessert to further elevate the matcha flavor.
- You will also receive one of Kyosendo’s famous matcha rice crackers. You can eat it in the cafe or take it to go.
To redeem these benefits, all you have to do is follow Kyosendo’s Instagram account.
