Kyotachibana

For sakura mochi, one customer recalls the gentle saltiness of the leaf and the understated elegance of its mostly white appearance. The sweet they describe, bought on an earlier visit, lets the ingredients speak rather than relying on bright colours. It makes an appealing choice for a spring tea break. Another sakura sweet, the four-piece Hannari Sakura Komochi, is noted for its soft mochi wrapped around cherry-blossom bean paste, with a pale pink hue showing through. It may suit anyone looking for individually wrapped sweets or wanting to enjoy the flavour of cherry blossom a little at a time.

The shop’s featured Kai-awase Monaka may look bite-sized, but one customer found it satisfyingly filled with bean paste and mochi. Its charming appearance makes it an eye-catching gift, as well as a sweet to enjoy with tea.

There are also examples of the shop helping customers choose seasonal fresh wagashi for a particular occasion. One customer ordered a kinton inspired by autumn leaves for a tea gathering. Another requested Minazuki in black, white and matcha, packed in a chosen quantity, and was able to ask for gift wrapping. Kyotachibana is in Shimogamo Minamishibamachi, Sakyo-ku. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:30; closed on Sundays.