The Best Yatsuhashi in Kyoto: Nishio Tametada Shoten

Yatsuhashi is one of Kyoto’s most iconic traditional sweets.

But with so many brands, it can be hard to know where to start.

If I had to pick just one, my top recommendation would be Nishio Tametada Shoten, known as the “original” Yatsuhashi shop.

They don’t sell their products in train stations, airports, or department stores — you can only buy them at their three shops in Kyoto.

Even better, each Yatsuhashi is made fresh to order!

The taste? Absolutely divine.

Let me walk you through how to find the shop and what makes it so special.

日本語版(JP)はこちら

This article is based on information as of November 2024.

Shop Locations & Hours

Nishio Tametada Shoten has three locations in Kyoto:

Shinkyogoku Shop Visit

I first visited the Shinkyogoku location, right in central Kyoto. Perfect if you’re short on time.

If you’re taking the train:

• 4-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Subway Tozai Line)
• 6-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Line)
• 6-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line)

Freshly Made Yatsuhashi!

Most people think of Yatsuhashi as pre-packaged, but here, they make each one fresh after you order.

Here are the standard products:

I tried both plain and matcha bean-paste versions.

Watch how the staff handcraft each Yatsuhashi in full view of the customers — it’s mesmerizing.

Free Tasting

While waiting, they kindly offered samples of the ones I ordered!

Their Yatsuhashi is square, not the typical triangle.

That’s because each is handmade, while mass-produced versions are triangular for efficiency.

The texture is smooth and chewy, with perfectly balanced cinnamon aroma and sweetness.

Trying Them at Home

Here’s what I brought home — no-filling on the left, sweet bean on the right.

The label proudly states:

No preservatives, coloring, or artificial sweeteners.

Once opened, consume immediately.

If it hardens, lightly toast it.

Simple and honest!

Unbaked, NO-filling

And here’s the Yatsuhashi without filling.

I went with the smaller pack.

There were 42 pieces inside.

I tried pairing the fresh Yatsuhashi with ricotta cheese — such a great combo!

My kids liked pan-frying them until crispy. Endless possibilities!

Unbaked Yatsuhashi – Sweet & Matcha Bean Paste

And here’s the version with sweet bean filling.

The ingredients are listed below.

Rice flour (domestic), sugar, kinako (soybean powder), enzymes, and cinnamon water

Simple and natural—perfectly safe for both kids and adults.

It’s so heartwarming to be able to enjoy that handmade quality at home.

Since no preservatives are used, the shelf life is quite short—about 2–3 days in summer and 4–5 in winter.
It’s also more delicate than mass-produced ones, so make sure to carry it flat.

Thin Baked Yatsuhashi

Baked Yatsuhashi is crispy, fragrant, and loved by everyone!

One of Nishio Tametada Shoten’s signature items is their thin-baked version — a unique twist you won’t find elsewhere!

They gave me a regular one to compare.

See the difference?

Lighter and crispier — I couldn’t stop eating!

More Delicacies & Limited Editions

The Kiyomizu shop has limited items:

So I headed there too!

The Kiyomizu location was recently rebuilt and given a beautiful makeover.

Maruppo Chestnut

Whole chestnut wrapped in sweet bean — so filling and satisfying.

Sakura Leaf

Spring-exclusive and filled with red bean and salted cherry leaf. Like eating a sakura mochi!

Final Thoughts

If you love Yatsuhashi — or even if you’ve never tried it — this is one of Kyoto’s hidden gems.

Freshly made, full of heart, and totally unique to Kyoto. Highly recommended for your next trip!