Blend Kyoto
April 13, 2021
‘Blend Kyoto’ is a new stylish coffee-specialty shop with an interesting concept and owner near Kyoto Gyoen National Park.
On a walking distance from Tanimachi line’s Tanimachi-9-chome Station is Mitomi, a tiny little café/shop that sells delicious and fancy Monakas.
The shop is located in a residential area, in what seems a garage sized space renovated into a small shop. When the shop is closed the shutter goes down, completely hiding it, hence it might be a little hard to find if you arrive before opening time.
Once the shop is open, a stylish, modern Japanese exterior appears, complete with noren (curtains at the entrance of a shop).
The exterior is simple with a blue grayish concrete finish that matches well with the beige colored noren and wooden bench.
Walking past the noren you will enter a tiny little shop that only features an antique wooden wainscot paneled counter with a brass extension and a small wooden drawer in the back.
Similar to the exterior, the interior walls, floor and ceiling also have a blue-gray concrete finish. In the back of the shop behind the brass part of the counter is a smooth brass door that leads to the kitchen where the monaka are carefully prepared.
The size of the cafe is as big as a one car garage.
Mitomi’s has a simple menu, tea and of course, Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet usually made of azuki bean jam filling, sandwiched between two thin crisp wafers made from mochi. However, Mitomi sells their own unique style of Monaka each with a different filling and look.
When you enter their shop, you will find a number of their current seasonal selection of Monakas displayed neatly on the counter with the menu next to it. The flavors and the style of the monakas will change every season, giving the customers something to look forward to every season.
From left to right (2022/05):
- Cream-cheese mochi, blueberry, mint
- Red bean paste, poppy seeds
- Matcha mochi, large grain azuki beans, salted kelp
- Milk mochi, choco, cocoa nibs
- Black sesame mochi, caramelized walnut
- White miso mochi, black fig, rum
Unfortunately, since monakas stay fresh and crunchy for only 15 minutes after preparation, you can’t bring them home. However mitomi has got you covered and sells a do-it-yourself kit that you can buy and make your own monakas at home. This is a nice alternative of course but honestly it will not come close to the ones they prepare fresh at the shop.
Mitomi proves you don’t need a large space to make a stylish and delicious product. Their monakas are some of the best you can find in Kansai area and flavors change every season so get over to Mitomi asap and try some, you won’t regret it.
Access to Mitomi
Hours: 12:00～18:00, SAT/SUN 11:00 ~ 18:00
Closed*: Monday, Tuesday
Nearest Stations & Exit:
Tanimachi 9chome Station, exit #5 See map at bottom of page
*We always recommend checking the opening hours & holidays on the official website or instagram of the establishment.
Hours: 12:00～18:00, SAT/SUN 11:00 ~ 18:00
Closed*: Monday, Tuesday
Nearest Stations & Exit:
Tanimachi 9chome Station, exit #5 See map at bottom of page
*We always recommend checking the opening hours & holidays on the official website or instagram of the establishment.
Access from Tanimachi Line - Tanimachi9Chome Station
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