Tabelog ratingYorozu Onkashi Atsurae Dokoro Kashiya (萬御菓子誂處 樫舎) is a nationally recognised destination for traditional Japanese sweets, housed in a historic machiya townhouse in Nara. The experience here is twofold: a shop selling exquisite take-out sweets, and a café where guests can enjoy them fresh. The counter seating is a particular draw, offering a course where the owner prepares seasonal wagashi in front of you, explaining the fine ingredients and techniques involved.
Guests consistently praise the quality, which stems from exceptional ingredients like Yoshino hon-kuzu (arrowroot), Tamba Dainagon adzuki beans, and Wasanbon sugar. The resulting flavours are noted for their restrained, elegant sweetness. Signature items include the kuzuyaki (a springy, steamed kudzu cake; reviewers paid ¥380–¥420), the jiggly warabimochi (ぷるぷる蕨餅; ≈¥500), and seasonal namagashi (fresh sweets). In summer, the Kashiya no Kori (樫舎の氷), a shaved ice dessert with house-made matcha syrup, is a highlight, though it comes at a premium (≈¥2,420). A set of matcha and a seasonal sweet costs around ¥1,210.
While the sweets are lauded, some practical aspects receive mixed reviews. Several guests note the service can be inconsistent, with some finding the owner curt. The historic building, while charming, has its drawbacks: the stairs to the second floor are extremely steep, and the air conditioning can struggle in summer, making the rooms uncomfortably hot. For the quality of the craft, most find it good value, but warn that prices are high for the portion sizes.
- Booking: Walk-ins are welcome for the café, but queues are common. The special counter course requires advance reservation by phone and is highly recommended for the full experience.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR payments are not accepted.
- Access: A 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (Exit 2).
- Seating: There are 13 tatami-mat seats. The stairs to the second floor are very steep and not suitable for guests with mobility issues or strollers.
- Children: Children are welcome.
- Service: English support is inconsistent. Some staff speak Korean.
- Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.
- Parking: Parking is available for three cars in a designated area.
