Kyoto’s Healthy & Sweet Delights
Vegan Sweets in the Ancient Capital
Kyoto, a city steeped in tradition and culture, is not only renowned for its breathtaking temples and serene gardens but also for its culinary delights. While matcha-flavored treats and traditional Japanese confections have long been a staple for visitors, the rise of veganism has brought about a new wave of innovative and delectable sweets in the city.
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or simply wish to indulge in guiltfree treats, Kyoto is a paradise for anyone seeking to experience the rich flavors of Japan with a vegan twist.
“Return to Your True Self” with Gentle, Creative Vegan Sweets
Located in the heart of Kyoto, AIN SOPH. Journey is a fully vegan cafe-restaurant offering a place where guests can “return to their true selves.” Despite being free from meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, the dishes here are not simply alternative meals but rather creations overflowing with vibrant, creative energy.
Their plant-based cuisine is brought to life with colorful ingredients, aromatic herbs, and spices, creating a heartwarming experience. From 100% vegan burgers and plate lunches to decadent vegan sweets, AIN SOPH. Journey offers a delightful range of options.
“Heavenly Pancake” (¥1980) is a gluten-free treat made from Japanese rice flour. These fluffy, moist pancakes, served with homemade ice cream and seasonal fruits, offer an indulgent dessert experience that feels truly heavenly. For those craving something rich, the New Yorkstyle “Vegan Cheesecake” (¥1080) offers a satisfying, creamy texture using plant-based cheese, perfectly complemented by their homemade strawberry ice cream.
Lunch 11:30-17:00 (L.O. 16:00), Dinner 18:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:00); On lunch-only days: 11:30-16:00 (L.O. 15:00); Closed: irregularly; map D, E-4; https://www.ain-soph.jp/journey-kyoto
“Happiness Spreading Through Connections”
Located near the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto’s Arashiyama, musubi sweets factory is all about nourishing both the body and mind through wholesome eating. The cafe, part of the musubi group, embraces a plant-based approach to their sweets, using only gluten-free ingredients like rice flour and nut powders. musubi’s concept, “taking care of your body and heart through food and movement,” is reflected in every bite of their delightful desserts.
In the cozy, wood-filled, and open atmosphere, you can enjoy the vegan treats alongside freshly roasted coffee, offering a peaceful retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle. The menu features an array of cakes and sweets, many using local Kyoto ingredients, that are so delicious you’d never guess they were vegan.
Highlights include the “Banana Pound Cake with Okara and Rice Flour”(¥930), “Matcha Cake with Kyoto Tofu” (¥1000), “Chocolate Cake with Kyoto Tofu” (¥530) and more.
These healthy, Kyoto-inspired sweets are not to be missed, offering a delightful balance of taste and nourishment.
Cake prices include a drink; 11:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:00); Closed: irregularly on Tuesdays; https://musubi-cafe.jp/sweetsfactory