We rarely make a special trip to the Nijo Castle area—most of our daily outings are centered around our neighborhood in Sakyo Ward or the bustling hubs of Sanjo Kawaramachi and Shijo Karasuma. But one day, while browsing at Ogaki Bookstore, we came across a beautifully curated book dedicated to Kyoto’s historic machiya cafés. Among its pages was a feature on Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO—and its photos of delicate desserts served in a century-old Kyoto machiya townhouse instantly caught our attention, so we set off on our bikes to experience it for ourselves.
Finding this Kyoto machiya café turned into more of an adventure than we expected. Following Google Maps, we arrived at what we thought was our destination—only to find a shop that looked more like a bakery specializing in takeout than a sit-down café. The sign read Coffee & Sweets KYOTO KEIZO, a name strikingly similar to the café we were looking for. Had it been converted from a café to a takeout dessert shop? Under the sweltering heat, slightly dizzy and confused, and with Google Maps offering less-than-perfect directions, we circled the block before finally realizing the truth: the café we were searching for was actually right next door. The takeout dessert shop—Coffee & Sweets KYOTO KEIZO (コーヒーとお菓子 KYOTO KEIZO)—turned out to be one of the café’s sister stores, dedicated to beautifully packaged pastries and baked goods for takeaway.
Because the two shops are so close to each other and share similar names, it’s easy to mix them up. For anyone planning a visit, both are located within the Sanjo-kai Shopping Street. If you enter from Kurama Street, you’ll spot the café first; enter from the opposite end, and you’ll encounter the dessert shop instead.
A Sweet Dream at 60: The Birth of KYOTO KEIZO
Sweets Workshop & Cafe KYOTO KEIZO was born from the passion and craftsmanship of its founder, Keizo Nishida. From the moment he graduated from high school, he immersed himself in the art of Western-style pastry making, honing his skills over four decades in renowned confectionery shops in Kyoto and Osaka. Initially planning to retire at 60, Nishida’s enduring love for desserts and his unfulfilled dream led him to launch his own brand in 2016. His concept: blending Kyoto’s traditional aesthetics with European pastry artistry, creating innovative flavor experiences that bridge East and West.
The creation that catapulted this café to fame is the “10-Minute Mont Blanc” (10分モンブラン)—a dessert with a fleeting peak flavor. Inspired by Nishida’s experience savoring freshly baked meringue at a long-established pastry shop, he envisioned a treat designed to be enjoyed at its absolute best—making the passage of time a core element of the dessert.
The name 10-Minute Mont Blanc comes from the crisp meringue base that’s slow-baked at a low temperature for three hours. Once topped with whipped cream and other fillings, the meringue quickly softens, losing its signature crunch within minutes. To capture that perfect texture—light, crisp, and delicately sweet—it’s best enjoyed immediately after serving. Few shops today invest the time to bake meringue in this traditional way, as it’s labor-intensive and not cost-efficient. In most cafés and pastry shops, the meringue base is replaced with sponge cake for convenience—delicious in its own way, yet still no match for the original classic.
Exploring Kyoto’s “Eel’s Bed” Layout: Savoring Sweets in a Century-Old Machiya
Located along the lively Sanjo-kai Shopping Street, Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO has transformed a century-old Kyoto machiya townhouse into a captivating dessert haven. Once a merchant’s home from the Meiji era, the building was lovingly restored by owner Keizo Nishida. The renovation preserved its original wooden beams and earthen walls, while the space that once housed the traditional “okudosan” (wood-fired kitchen stove) was converted into a garden courtyard, flooding the interior with natural light and creating a sense of openness. The blend of traditional architecture with sleek glass partitions adds a touch of modern design, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dining atmosphere.
From the street, the entrance appears quite narrow, making it seem like just a cozy little café. Step inside, however, and the space extends far deeper and wider than its façade suggests. This is the hallmark of a traditional Kyoto townhouse layout—narrow frontage with great depth—affectionately nicknamed unagi no nedoko, or “eel’s bed,” a classic Kyoto townhouse design known for its narrow street frontage and long interior.
This layout traces its origins back to the Edo-period frontage tax (or “house tax”) system, when taxes were levied based on the width of a building’s street-facing side—the wider the frontage, the higher the tax. Locals found a clever workaround: design homes in a slender “tanzaku” (bookmark-like) shape, with narrow fronts and long interiors. This reduced tax costs while allowing more residences and shops to line the same street. Over time, this practical yet elegant design became a defining feature of Kyoto’s machiya architecture and cityscape.
Inside, you’re greeted by warm-toned wooden beams and traditional wooden framework, with the air rich in the aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee—instantly putting you at ease. To the right of the entrance is the reception and cashier counter, leading into the main kitchen area. The front section features bright counter seating, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy dessert photos while watching the kitchen bustle with activity.
Deeper inside, the seating area becomes quieter and more relaxed, opening into a petite Japanese courtyard adorned with greenery. Beyond the garden, large glass windows reveal the pastry workshop, where many of the café’s signature creations are crafted fresh and served immediately. This combination of an open kitchen and traditional machiya elements preserves a nostalgic charm while embracing modern touches—one of the most enchanting aspects of the café.
KYOTO KEIZO Full Menu – Desserts, Coffee, Main Dishes & Seasonal Specials
Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO is best known for its iconic 10-Minute Mont Blanc dessert, but the menu is impressively diverse. In addition to its signature sweets, the café offers a wide selection of coffee drinks, specialty main dishes, and kid-friendly beverages, along with limited-time menu items available during specific hours. Savoring these treats within the charm of a century-old townhouse not only delights your taste buds but also creates lasting memories from your Kyoto visit.
| Item | Description | Price (Tax Incl.) |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Chestnut “10-Minute Mont Blanc” Dessert | 和栗の１０分モンブラン Freshly made to order with a delicately crisp meringue base. Best enjoyed within 10 minutes to savor its signature crunch. |
¥1,210 |
| 10-Minute Mont Blanc Drink Set | 和栗の１０分モンブラン＋ドリンクセット Japanese Chestnut “10-Minute Mont Blanc” plus your choice of drink: Coffee (Hot/Iced), Tea (Hot/Iced), Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice. |
¥1,760 |
| Coffee & Latte | ||
| Hot/Iced Black Coffee | コーヒー Freshly brewed black coffee (Hot/Iced). |
¥638 |
| Coffee Float | コーヒーフロート Iced coffee topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. |
¥715 |
| Café au Lait | カフェオレ Rich coffee with milk (Hot/Iced). |
¥682 |
| Caffè Latte | カフェラテ Espresso with steamed milk (Hot/Iced). |
¥715 |
| Caramel Latte | キャラメルラテ Smooth caramel-flavored latte (Hot/Iced). |
¥715 |
| Hazelnut Latte | ヘーゼルナッツラテ Nutty hazelnut-flavored latte (Hot/Iced). |
¥715 |
| Espresso | エスプレッソ Single shot of rich, aromatic espresso. |
¥550 |
| Hot/Iced Black Tea | 紅茶 Classic black tea (Hot/Iced). |
¥638 |
| Soft Drinks | ||
| Iced Oolong Tea | ウーロン茶 Refreshing iced oolong tea. |
¥605 |
| Iced Orange Juice | オレンジジュース Fresh-tasting iced orange juice. |
¥638 |
| Iced Grapefruit Juice | グレープフルーツジュース Light and tangy iced grapefruit juice. |
¥638 |
| Iced Coca-Cola | コーラ Classic Coca-Cola served chilled. |
¥660 |
| Iced Ginger Ale | ジンジャエール Crisp and refreshing iced ginger ale. |
¥660 |
| Aomori Apple Juice (Iced) | 青森りんごジュース Made from premium apples grown in Aomori, Japan, served iced. |
¥660 |
| Kids’ Drinks | ||
| Kids’ Oolong Tea (Iced) | キッズウーロン茶 Refreshing iced oolong tea, served in a kid-friendly portion. |
¥440 |
| Kids’ Grapefruit Juice (Iced) | キッズグレープフルーツジュース Light and tangy iced grapefruit juice, kid’s size. |
¥440 |
| Kids’ Orange Juice (Iced) | キッズオレンジジュース Fresh iced orange juice, served in a kid-friendly portion. |
¥440 |
| Kids’ Aomori Apple Juice (Iced) | キッズ青森りんごジュース Iced apple juice made from premium Aomori apples, kid’s size. |
¥440 |
| Alcohol | ||
| Heartland Beer (Small Bottle) | ハートランド小瓶 Premium Heartland beer, served chilled in a small bottle. |
¥770 |
| Highball (Dewar’s White Label) | ハイボール（デュワーズ ホワイトラベル） Classic Japanese-style highball made with Dewar’s White Label blended whisky and soda water. |
¥715 |
| House Wine (Red/White) | ハウスワイン（赤／白） Available in red or white, served by the glass. |
¥660 |
| Main Dishes | ||
| Chicken Spice Curry | チキンのスパイスカレー Aromatic curry with a rich, savory-sweet base of onions and tomatoes, paired with tender Japanese chicken simmered in a blend of select spices. Main dish only (À la carte). |
¥990 |
| Chicken Spice Curry Drink Set | スパイスカレー＋ドリンク Chicken spice curry plus your choice of drink: Coffee (Hot/Iced), Tea (Hot/Iced), Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice. |
¥1,540 |
| Chicken Spice Curry Full Set | スパイスカレー＋ドリンク＋ケーキ（フルセット） Chicken spice curry with drink and cake. Cake options: 10-Minute Mont Blanc (Chestnut/Matcha/Seasonal), Premium Fresh Tiramisu, or Seasonal Shaved Ice. |
¥2,530 |
| Pork Keema Dry Curry | ポークキーマカレー Mildly spicy minced pork sautéed with onions, simmered with concentrated tomato and seasonings, then enhanced with the café’s original spice blend. Main dish only (À la carte). |
¥990 |
| Pork Keema Dry Curry Drink Set | キーマカレー＋ドリンク Pork keema dry curry plus your choice of drink: Coffee (Hot/Iced), Tea (Hot/Iced), Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice. |
¥1,540 |
| Pork Keema Dry Curry Full Set | キーマカレー＋ドリンク＋ケーキ（フルセット） Pork keema dry curry with drink and cake. Cake options: 10-Minute Mont Blanc (Chestnut/Matcha/Seasonal), Premium Fresh Tiramisu, or Seasonal Shaved Ice. |
¥2,530 |
| Desserts | ||
| Classic Pudding | クラシックプリン Showa-style firm caramel custard pudding, slowly steamed and baked to preserve its pure, natural flavor and rich aroma. |
¥660 |
| Classic Pudding Drink Set | クラシックプリン ドリンクセット Classic pudding plus one drink of your choice (Coffee Hot/Iced, Tea Hot/Iced, Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice). |
¥1,232 |
| Chocolate Terrine Affogato | テリーヌアフォガード Rich chocolate terrine topped with vanilla ice cream, served with a shot of hot espresso poured over for a luscious finish. |
¥880 |
| Chocolate Terrine Affogato Drink Set | テリーヌアフォガード ドリンクセット Chocolate terrine affogato plus one drink of your choice (Coffee Hot/Iced, Tea Hot/Iced, Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice). |
¥1,452 |
| Earl Grey Basque Cheesecake | 紅茶バスチー Dense and creamy Basque cheesecake baked and infused with fragrant Earl Grey tea, balancing aromatic tea notes with a rich, creamy cheese flavor. |
¥825 |
| Earl Grey Basque Cheesecake Drink Set | 紅茶バスチー ドリンクセット Earl Grey Basque cheesecake plus one drink of your choice (Coffee Hot/Iced, Tea Hot/Iced, Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice). |
¥1,397 |
| Limited-Time Dishes (10:00–15:00) | ||
| Croque Monsieur (French-Style Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich) (Available 10:00–15:00) | クロックムッシュ Inspired by the authentic French classic, this Croque Monsieur is made with house-made béchamel sauce, toasted bread, ham, and cheese, then topped with more béchamel and cheese before being baked until golden and crisp. Sprinkle with pepper to taste. |
¥1,320 |
| Croque Monsieur Drink Set (Available 10:00–15:00) | クロックムッシュ ドリンクセット Croque Monsieur plus one drink of your choice (Coffee Hot/Iced, Tea Hot/Iced, Iced Oolong Tea, Iced Orange Juice, or Iced Grapefruit Juice). |
¥1,870 |
For takeaway cakes and baked goods, please visit the adjacent shop to the west, KYOTO KEIZO OKASHI.
All prices include tax.
Menu prices and items are subject to seasonal availability and changes without notice.
10-Minute Mont Blanc: A Dessert Experience Up Close
Once seated, we didn’t hesitate for a moment—it was the very reason for our visit. We immediately ordered the signature 10-Minute Mont Blanc along with a hot Americano for each of us. After taking our order, the staff warmly invited us to follow them through the courtyard at the back of the café to the glass-walled pastry workshop. With a smile, they said, “Here you can watch the Mont Blanc being made, and feel free to take photos or videos.”
Through the clear glass, the cheerful, skilled pastry chef began assembling the dessert: first came a pre-baked meringue base, slow-baked earlier for three hours until perfectly crisp, topped with a generous layer of rich Chantilly cream, and finished with delicate strands of chestnut purée, piped into a soft, nest-like dome. This captivating scene—known online as the “Mont Blanc Thread-Piping Video”—has become a social media sensation on Instagram and TikTok. The combination of live craftsmanship and instant gratification draws countless visitors who queue up just to capture this photogenic, must-try treat.
When the freshly made Mont Blanc was served at our table, it came with a multilingual card in Japanese, Chinese, and English reminding us to enjoy it within ten minutes for peak flavor and texture. At its crispiest, the meringue’s airy crunch pairs perfectly with the fragrant cream and chestnut purée; past that point, the texture gradually softens. Paired with the mild bitterness of a hand-brewed Americano, the sweetness is beautifully balanced.
Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO – Main Store Information & Access Guide (Kyoto, Japan)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 293 Gokumachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto 604-8331 (Near Nijo Castle) |
| Access |
|
| Business Hours | 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last order at 6:00 PM); closed on irregular days |
| Budget | Approx. ¥1,000–¥1,999 per person (including tax) |
| Seating | Approximately 59 seats, including counter seating, sofa seating, and garden-view seating |
| Payment Methods | Major credit cards accepted (Visa / MasterCard / JCB / AMEX), QR code payment (PayPay, etc.); e-wallets not accepted |
| Smoking Policy | Completely non-smoking indoors |
| Phone | 075-821-0303 (Domestic calls within Japan) |
KYOTO KEIZO Branch Information (Kyoto, Japan)
In addition to the flagship Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO in Kyoto’s Sanjo-kai Shopping Street—famous for its live-prepared, time-sensitive 10-Minute Mont Blanc—the brand also operates Coffee & Sweets KYOTO KEIZO and KYOTO KEIZO OYATSU. The OKASHI branch specializes in takeaway cakes and baked goods, beautifully packaged for gifts, while OYATSU focuses on freshly made tarts—especially the popular seasonal fruit tarts—and offers limited in-store seating. From thoughtful souvenirs to immersive dessert experiences, each location reflects the brand’s meticulous attention to detail and flavor.
| Store Name | Description | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee & Sweets KYOTO KEIZO (Dessert Specialty Shop) |
A specialty shop for takeaway cakes and baked goods, offering a wide variety with beautifully designed packaging. Access: Located within the Sanjo-kai Shopping Street, close to the main store. Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays (open if it falls on a public holiday). |
291 Gokumachi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto – View on Google Maps |
| KYOTO KEIZO OYATSU (Tart Specialty Shop) |
Specializes in tarts, with seasonal fruit tarts being the most popular. Primarily for takeaway, but offers limited seating on the second floor. Access: 2–3 min walk from JR Nijo Station (二条駅). Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Closed on irregular days. |
1-16 Jurakumawari Minami-machi, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto – View on Google Maps |
📍 All three locations are situated in and around the Sanjo-kai Shopping Street near Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan, making it easy for dessert lovers and travelers to visit multiple locations in one trip.
📌 Useful Tips for Visiting Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO
- Arrive early on weekends and busy afternoons—entry tickets may be required due to high demand.
- Visit the OKASHI branch for a cake-based variation of the 10-Minute Mont Blanc. This version has a different texture from the main store’s and is ideal as a take-home gift.
- Check out seasonal specials: Autumn (September–November) Japanese Chestnut 10-Minute Mont Blanc, Spring (March–May) Sakura/Strawberry Mont Blanc, Matcha Mont Blanc, and refreshing shaved ice varieties in summer.
Conclusion
If I had to sum up my impression of the Sweets Cafe KYOTO KEIZO main store in one sentence, it would be: “Savoring a time-honored dessert inside a century-old Kyoto townhouse.”
It’s more than just a café serving sweets—it’s a moment where the tranquility of traditional machiya architecture, the chef’s delicate craftsmanship, and the flavors of the present converge into a fleeting yet fulfilling experience. Much like the 10-Minute Mont Blanc itself, the experience may be fleeting, but the memory lingers long after.
Beyond the beautiful setting and exquisite desserts, the staff radiate warmth and enthusiasm, clearly passionate about what they do. Their cheerful energy made our visit all the more enjoyable. Is it worth making a special trip? For us, it’s an unequivocal yes.