Hello dear
Imoya Tsunekichi, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, specializes in delightful sweet potato desserts, showcasing the versatility of kumara. This cozy café, often bustling with visitors, offers a unique menu that includes sweet potato crème brûlée, matcha mochi, and indulgent parfaits, all crafted with care. Patrons rave about the silky textures, balanced sweetness, and delightful flavors that captivate the senses without being overwhelming. The ambiance is quaint yet inviting, making it a perfect spot for enjoying a sweet treat, whether dining in or savoring outdoors. Imoya Tsunekichi stands out as a must-visit destination for dessert lovers.
About
Welcome to Imoya Tsunekichi, a hidden gem nestled in the scenic Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto. This charming dessert shop has quickly become a haven for sweet potato enthusiasts and food adventurers alike. Located at 570-262 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Imoya Tsunekichi specializes in unique and delectable treats centered around kumara, or Japanese sweet potatoes.
Upon entering, you'll find a cozy atmosphere with minimal seating that encourages a quick yet delightful snack. The shop's small size adds to its quaint charm, with most patrons opting to take their sweet creations outside. Customers rave about the sweet potato parfait, which showcases an impressive harmony of flavors and textures — creamy ice cream, chewy mochi, and rich matcha all coalesce beautifully to create a treat that's satisfying without being overwhelming. It's a balance that many find hard to resist.
For those seeking a twist on traditional favorites, the sweet potato crème brûlée and matcha latte have become standout hits. The brûlée's crispy caramel layer gives way to a sumptuous sweet potato center, delighting the palate with each spoonful. Reviewers have noted that the desserts are thoughtfully crafted, with just the right amount of sweetness, avoiding that dreaded syrupy aftertaste.
One cannot talk about Imoya Tsunekichi without mentioning the experience of enjoying their delights while soaking in the vibrant Kyoto surroundings. Diners have expressed joy, stating that stopping by this quaint café added a perfect touch to their day. The ambiance is playful and welcoming, making it ideal for a quick treat or a leisurely chat with a friend.
All in all, Imoya Tsunekichi promises a unique culinary adventure that celebrates the humble sweet potato like never before. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to indulge in their signature offerings that beautifully encapsulate the spirit of innovative Japanese desserts.
“ Chill place with unique sweet potato dessert, the chips are quite nice too! Got the Sweet potato brulee mont blanc & Matcha Latte! Same boss with Musoshin Ramen nearby I think. ”
“ A dessert shop pretty much dedicated to kumara (sweet potatoes). The place was quite small, as you'd imagine for a Japanese dessert shop, but the sweets were very unique and cute. We ordered the sweet potato parfait, matcha mochi and sweet potato creme brulee. The ice cream in the parfait was amazing, very creamy and smooth, also nothing was too sweet so I didn't get sick of anything. Loved everything in the parfait, all the flavours were great, the textures worked together well. The mochi/dango was nice and chewy, very fun to eat, the matcha flavour was strong but not too bitter either. Would definitely love to go back again. ”
“ A small cafe, minimal seating inside, most people just buy it and eat outside the shop. Great sweet potato, however the pieces were cut too big, if they were smaller then it would be easier to eat. Potato was crispy on the outside and soft in the inside. We didn’t try anything else as we were full from lunch. ”
“ This place is so cute & sooo good! We stopped here as we made our way through and we’re so glad we did! It was the perfect sweet treat. My mom had the sweet potato milk + the sweet potato brûlée. She loved both! I had the matcha cola + the matcha mochi. Loved it both :-) ”
“ Great stop. We had everything. Sweet potato frappe, fried chicken, and the fried things in the photo. Plus Bad Bunny on the speakers. ”
“ Really cute potato-based snack shop!! Super recommended for a vegetarian snack on the go to the temples. The staff is so friendly and nice and the snack menu offers quite a few options. ”
“ Came in here for a much needed break from walking all day. I got the matcha latte, the soy sauce sweet potato chips and the sweet potato mochi, very delicious, especially the mochi - I hope to come back some day ”
“ We stumbled on this cafe during January 2025 winter time. We ordered Red bean & Butter sweet potato, Sweet potato potage, Sweet potato chips, and Sweet potato milk. They were delicious! Recommended for the Red beand & Butter sweet potato and Sweet potato milk!. The staffs were also very kind to help us choose, and reheat the food because we were eating with 1.5 years old son. Our son finished the Sweet potato milk mostly by himself, and we bought 1 more! It was nice to eat warm sweet potato during the cold winter. Would come again when we are in Kyoto! ”