[Kyoto] Yojiya Cafe (Ginkakuji) よじや

2016/07/10

Yojiya よじや is a cosmetics company founded in Kyoto, they have been around since 1904, and are best known for their blotting papers.

Just like many other companies (eg. Chanel, Shiseido) they have established their own cafe based on the brand itself. Yojiya currently has cafes at four different locations in Kyoto and one in Shibuya, but each one has its own particular theme.

Our visit this time to Kyoto we are looking for a more traditional styled tea room, and the Yojiya Cafe near Ginkakuji was exactly what we were looking for.

Exterior

This is what the cafe looks like from the outside. The place was FAR bigger than we thought it would be. The cafe is a Japanese styled building, a great change from what we see all the time in Tokyo.

A small lantern with Yojiya written on it hung out by the doors.

the entrance

Once you enter, there is a beautiful Japanese garden sitting in the middle.

I'm not exaggerating but it is truely gorgeous. Very photo worthy.

The greenery, red umbrella/benches, just screams KYOTO.

Photo credits to mamihime

There is also a small cosmetics shop on the site for anyone who is interested to buy some souvenirs are try their products out!

Interior

The cafe itself is built all around the garden wrapping it in a square shape. Since it is a Japanese styled tea room, the floors are all lined with tatami. A small portable table is used and guests sit on cushions.

Photo credits to ぶーたろう♪

All the rooms are facing the garden have floor to ceiling windows so customers can enjoy the view while having tea! It was really a nice atmosphere to relax in :)

Photo credits to ちかちか星

small baskets are provided to hold your belongings

Photo credits to NYAooo

At the waiting area there was a guest book, so I doodled a bit lol.

Cute napkins imprinted with Yojiya's logo

We wanted to try a bit of everything as usual, so we each ordered something different.

Drinks

よじや製抹茶カプチーノ　Yojiya Matcha Capuccino

Judging from the looks, it is not hard to tell this is one of their signature drinks. A matcha capuccino with the Yojiya logo latte art. I don't know about you, but, isn't her face chic?

& since we're at Yojiya Cafe, isn't this a must order? :D

ゆずフロート　Yuzu Ice Cream Float*

It was summer time and omg I cannot tell you how humid the summers are in Asia. So instead of a hot drink, I ordered a yuzu ice cream float. If you are unfamiliar to yuzu, it is a type of citrus fruit often used in Japanese cuisine. The sourness from the citrus and the sweetness from the vanilla ice cream is a perfect combination to cure the heat on a day like this.

Food

抹茶シフォン　Matcha shiffon Cake

A classic green tea chiffon cake with anko (red bean paste), fresh cream, and a chestnut on the side. It is fluffy yet not too sweet.

ほうじちゃパンナコッタ　Houjicha Panna Cotta

A houjicha flavoured panna cotta. One of my favourite teas, so this was enough to catch my eye. The taste was just what I expected, soft and flavourful, I could not get enough!

よじやセット　Yojiya Set*

This Yojiya set is limited to the Ginkakuji store. The drink iced matcha cappuccino is included along with the monaka set.

Monaka is thin wafers with a red bean filling. The set came with the ingredients all seperate. Green tea ice cream, wafers, and the anko.

Their monaka wafers are made shaped like their signature hand mirrors. Which just adds to the uniqueness and cuteness of this dish.

京あいす（抹茶）　Kyoto Style Ice Cream (Matcha)

Since we were at a traditional japanese styled cafe, we had to order a very "Japanese" dessert as well. This is shaved ice covered with red beans, shirotama, matcha sauce, and lastly sprinkled with some rice crackers.

おあつ三昧　Sweet Set*

And last but not least, this sweets set. The variety of sweets are changed according to the season. On our visit, the selection was a yuzu sorbet, black sugar and red bean cake, and three tea cookies.

Look how cute these look ♥

Verdict

Overall it was a great experience! It was a nice change to relax and have some afternoon tea in a quiet tatami room whilst enjoying the peaceful view. I would highly recommend if you are visiting the area an wanting to try out a more modern twist to a traditional tea house!