Tabelog ratingFounded in 1907, Murakami Kaishindo (村上開新堂) is a Kyoto institution, celebrated for its dedication to classic, old-style Japanese baking. The shop's most famous product is its iconic cookie tin (クッキー缶), a hand-packed assortment of eleven different artisan cookies that has become a cult item, commanding a waitlist that can stretch for years. Beyond this rarity, the shop offers a small, refined repertoire of baked goods that favour restrained sweetness and distinct butter and grain notes over more modern, intensely rich styles.
Guests consistently praise the nostalgic presentation and meticulous craft of the cookie tin. Among the individual items available for walk-in purchase, the jam-topped ‘Russian’ cookies (ロシアケーキ) are frequently described as memorably light. Other well-regarded items include the black-pepper-accented galettes bretonnes, dacquoise with caramel-peanut filling, madeleines, and florentines. The polite service and elegant, gift-ready packaging are also common points of praise.
The main drawback is the extreme difficulty in acquiring the cookie tin, which requires a reservation with a wait commonly reported to be between one and two years. Some visitors find the hype disproportionate to the taste, describing the cookies as ‘ordinary’, while others have reported that the shop will not ship orders to overseas addresses.
While the typical spend for a few items is under ¥1,000, the signature tin is a significant expense. Reviewers in recent years paid approximately ¥6,480 for a small tin and ¥8,424 for a large one. Individual items are much more accessible: ‘Russian’ cookies are around ¥230 each, galettes bretonnes about ¥270, and madeleines near ¥260. For those who appreciate subtle, traditional confectionery, the single items offer excellent value, while the cookie tin is a famous Kyoto splurge.
- Getting There: The shop is a 4-minute walk from Exit 11 of Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Tozai Line), or a 10-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Main Line) or Karasuma Oike Station (Karasuma Line).
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome for purchasing individual baked goods. The famous cookie tin, however, must be reserved far in advance, with waits commonly lasting one to two years. The shop itself does not take reservations for visits.
- The Café: Please note that the on-site café has been closed for an extended period. The business operates as a take-out counter only.
- Payment: Credit cards (JCB, AMEX) and cash are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Service: Some staff may speak English. Service is reported to be polite and accommodating to international visitors.
- Parking: No dedicated parking is available, but there are paid car parks nearby.
