Masuo here!
On this trip, I visited Gion Komori, a long-established Japanese-style dessert café in Kyoto’s Gion district.

Tucked away along the scenic Shirakawa River, this traditional machiya-style café serves up some of the finest matcha warabi mochi in Kyoto. From the tranquil tatami seats with garden views to the delicate aroma of matcha—every moment was a refined experience.

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What to Expect Upon Arrival

I arrived right at opening time on a Friday (11:00 AM). Since it was a weekday, I was seated immediately.
Despite the spacious 124-seat interior, the place quickly filled up within 30 minutes—proof of its popularity. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arriving early is highly recommended.

I was seated in a tatami room with a garden view. It truly felt like slipping into a serene slice of Kyoto.

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Must-Try: Matcha Warabi Mochi

While the warabi mochi parfait was tempting, I opted for the matcha warabi mochi (¥1,400).

The mochi was soft, glossy, and dusted with intense matcha powder. It had the perfect chewy texture and melted beautifully in the mouth. Adding the provided kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) made it even more indulgent.

Most visitors seemed to be enjoying either the parfait or matcha warabi mochi, which makes sense—you come to Kyoto craving that deep matcha flavor.

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Know Before You Go

• Cash only—no credit cards accepted.
• Each guest is required to order at least one item.
• Expect no reservations and limited seating for groups.

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Souvenirs & Takeout

At the entrance, you’ll find a charming selection of Kyoto sweets, perfect for souvenirs:

• Fresh warabi mochi (consume the same day)
• Matcha Baumkuchen
• Traditional baked sweets

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Gion Komori – Basic Info

• Name: Gion Komori (甘味処 ぎをん小森)
• Address: 61 Motoyoshi-cho, Gion Shinbashi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
• Access: 5-min walk from Keihan Line Gion-Shijo Station
• Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Last order 18:30)
• Closed: Wednesdays (plus occasional irregular days)
• Payment: Cash only
• Reservations: Not available
• Instagram: @gion_komori

As of June 2025. Please check the official site for updates before visiting.

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Summary

If you’re looking for an elegant matcha dessert in a traditional setting, Gion Komori is the place.
The peaceful ambiance, garden view, and melt-in-your-mouth warabi mochi make it a must-visit when exploring Gion.