Sabou Kirara: Giant Shiratama Dumplings

Sabou Kirara (茶房 雲母) has built its reputation on one thing: exceptionally large, made-to-order shiratama dumplings. These glutinous rice balls, often the size of golf balls, are served warm. This creates a striking temperature and texture contrast against the cold anmitsu, ice cream, or syrup they are served with, an experience that sets it apart from typical dessert shops.

Virtually every review praises the warm, bouncy, and chewy texture of the dumplings. Popular orders include the Uji Shiratama Cream Anmitsu, which comes with matcha syrup and ice cream, and the Shiratama Fruits Cream Anmitsu. Guests also consistently single out the attentive service, noting that staff hand out menus to those in the queue and provide hot hojicha tea, small pickles as a palate cleanser, and a finishing kombu tea.

The main drawback is the wait. Queues of one to two hours are common, sometimes stretching to three. The shop may also stop admitting new customers well before its official closing time. The space is small, and payment is cash only.

A typical visit costs between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥1,000–¥1,300 for the Uji Shiratama Cream Anmitsu and approximately ¥1,200–¥1,300 for the Shiratama Fruits Cream Anmitsu. Despite the wait, most visitors consider it excellent value for the generous portions, handmade quality, and thoughtful service.

• Location: A 10-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kamakura Station, located on a residential street.
• Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Be prepared to queue, often for 1–3 hours at busy times. The shop may close its line to new customers earlier than the posted closing time.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Seating: There are 32 seats, including a small four-seat terrace. The entrance has steps and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Children: Children are welcome.
• Language: Staff have limited English, but the menu has pictures and is easy to point at.
• Smoking: The entire premises are non-smoking.
• Parking: No parking is available.