🛍️ Murakami Kaishindo村上開新堂

Murakami Kaishindo, located in Kyoto, is a long-established Western-style confectionery shop founded in the 40th year of the Meiji era (1907). Among the row of traditional Japanese buildings, its Western-style white wall structure stands out prominently. Upon entering, one is transported to a world that blends Japanese and Western styles from the Showa modern era. The interior decor from that time, including flat glass doors, arched display windows, high ceilings, marble columns, and tiled floors, has been beautifully preserved. Murakami Kaishindo primarily sells baked sweets and confections. Made by skilled artisans, the nostalgic and simple flavors are its hallmark. Best-selling items include "Russian Cake," "Madeleine," which features a gentle sweetness from a large amount of almond flour and honey, "Dacquoise," which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and "Brittany Butter Cookies," known for their rich buttery and salty flavor. The most popular gift item is the "Cookie Jar," which consists of 11 different cookies and requires advance reservations due to its high demand. At the back of the sales area, there is also a café offering limited menu items. In this modern Japanese-Western fusion space, retro Scandinavian furniture, locally crafted tableware and glassware, a tin counter, and individual rooms adorned with Japanese paper create a unique atmosphere. (Note: The café is temporarily closed until autumn 2025.)

The striking white wall architecture that blends Japanese and Spanish styles is rich in history. You can purchase handmade baked goods, such as traditional snacks called 焼菓子 (yaki-gashi), crafted by artisans who preserve ancient methods. The famous "cookie jar" comes in two sizes, large and small (reservation required). In the café, you can enjoy limited menu items like "French chocolate mini cake" and "roasted tea chiffon cake."