Tabelog ratingHoused in a historic two-story wooden building near the Katsura Imperial Villa, Okashi Tsukasa Nakamura Ken (御菓子司 中村軒) has been a Kyoto institution for generations. It is celebrated for two things above all: its historic mugite-mochi and its magnificent summer kakigori (shaved ice).
The signature mugite-mochi is a must-try, featuring a thick, exceptionally springy mochi rice cake filled with a robust, coarse red-bean paste (tsubu-an) cooked in a traditional kamado hearth. In summer, the kakigori draws crowds. Reviewers consistently praise the Uji Milk Kintoki (matcha, milk, and red bean) and Oshima Milk Kintoki (brown sugar, milk, and red bean) for their generous portions of high-quality anko and the thoughtful 'follow-up' syrup served on the side, ensuring intense flavour to the last spoonful. Other seasonal sweets like sakuramochi (cherry blossom mochi) and kurimochi (chestnut mochi) are also highly regarded, as is the polite service.
Criticisms are minor and infrequent. Some visitors find certain items a little too sweet for their palate. During peak season, especially in summer, queues are common and service can occasionally be slow. A few reviewers have noted the kakigori's ice texture can be slightly dense. While not cheap, most guests agree the prices are fair for the quality and generous portions.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥420–¥430 for a mugite-mochi and ¥1,280–¥1,380 for the popular Uji Milk Kintoki kakigori. The typical spend for a visit is between ¥1,000 and ¥1,999.
- Getting There: The shop is an 11-minute walk from Katsura Station on the Hankyu Kyoto and Arashiyama Lines. Alternatively, take a city bus to the "Katsura-Rikyu-mae" stop.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Be prepared to queue, especially during summer weekends and around the opening times of the nearby Katsura Imperial Villa.
- Payments: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (transportation IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments are all accepted.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Parking: Free parking is available for about 10 cars.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
