Sei-en is a Japanese café built in 1885 and it is located near Rokkakudo Temple, one of the famous temples in Kyoto. It has a very simple design both on the outside and inside. Neither grand nor luxurious, the cafe accurately depicts the long history it holds.

The café is best known for its dessert called Kohaku Nagashi - Agar with toppings such as honey and red beans. The Kohaku Nagashi served at Sei-en changes every month and describes the seasons in Kyoto. Shown in the photo is the May theme, Matcha. The soft Agar is topped with delicious Matcha syrup and red beans, creating a fantastic harmony of sweetness in the mouth!

Zen Café is a café opened by the famous Japanese sweets store Kagizen. Found near the Gion area, Zen Café has a Kyoto-esque atmosphere with a nice Japanese-style garden. The exterior is far from eye-catching and is instead more like a hideout found in the Kyoto area - only those who know the place will have the opportunity to appreciate it.

Zen Café is best known for its Kuzu Mochi, a type of Mochi made from arrowroot. The jelly-like Mochi is topped with Kinako (toasted soybean powder) and brown sugar syrup. Zen Café is perfect for those who like a quiet and relaxing café compared to a lively one.

Kuromame Saan Kitao is found near the Kyoto Nishiki Market, sometimes known as “the kitchen of Kyoto”. Many locals do their grocery shopping there and it is also a popular tourist destination.

Kitao, a shop which handles beans and sugar, was opened in 1892. Kuromame Saan Kitao is hence best known for its Kuromame (black bean) dishes. The first storey sells various beans and sweets, while the second storey is the café. Apart from traditional Japanese sweets, the café sells Japanese cuisine based around black beans.

Furthermore, at Kuromame Saan Kitao, you can try milling the black beans! When you order the Warabimochi or Kuromame Mitarashi Dango, whole black beans will be given to you and you will get to mill them using the huge millstone provided. The sweet scent of the freshly milled black beans will send your senses tingling!

It is a great place for a rest after exploring Kyoto, and children will definitely be interested in the black bean milling experience.