During Kyoto’s vibrant Gion Festival, Kameya Yoshinaga presents a refreshing way to cool down with their signature shaved ice and exclusive festival sweets. On July 15 and 16, visitors can savor these seasonal treats at the main store and at the iconic Tsukihoko and Shijo Kasahoko floats along Shijo Street.
For travelers exploring Kyoto in summer, this is a perfect chance to enjoy traditional Japanese confections that capture the spirit of the festival. The limited-time offerings combine historical charm with delicious flavors, making them ideal souvenirs or a special treat amid the festival’s lively atmosphere.
About Kameya Yoshinaga’s Gion Festival Offerings
Kameya Yoshinaga, a renowned Kyoto confectioner founded in 1803, is famous for its classic sweet “Ubatama.” This year, they transform it into a delightful shaved ice dessert called “Ubatama Ice,” featuring fluffy shaved ice topped with black sugar syrup made from Hateruma Island sugar, soft black sugar bean paste, and chewy rice dumplings. Customers can add condensed milk to taste. The shaved ice is served at the main store’s front space from around 5 PM to 9 PM on July 15 and 16 for ¥1,000 (tax included). After July 17, it will be available in the store’s café for ¥1,540.
In addition to the shaved ice, limited-edition sweets are sold near the festival floats Tsukihoko and Shijo Kasahoko. Among them is the special “Chimaki,” a set of three wrapped rice cakes made from uirou (a traditional sweet rice jelly) wrapped carefully in bamboo leaves. Priced at ¥1,700 (tax included), this sweet is traditionally enjoyed for good luck and protection during the festival. Other exclusive treats include “Yoi-yama Dango,” soft bite-sized dumplings filled with white miso paste, and “Hoko Chofu,” a smooth mochi wrapped in a delicate dough, all available only during the festival period.
Highlights
- Ubatama Ice: shaved ice with black sugar syrup and traditional sweets for ¥1,000 (tax included) during the festival, ¥1,540 at the café afterward.
- Chimaki: three-pack bamboo leaf-wrapped rice cakes for ¥1,700 (tax included), sold at Tsukihoko and Shijo Kasahoko floats.
- Additional limited festival sweets like Yoi-yama Dango and Hoko Chofu, perfect for souvenirs.
- Festival atmosphere enhanced by traditional float decorations and Gion festival music.
Menu and Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kameya Yoshinaga Gion Festival Offerings |
| Menu / items | Ubatama Ice (shaved ice with black sugar syrup and sweets), Chimaki (3-pack bamboo leaf-wrapped rice cakes), Yoi-yama Dango, Hoko Chofu, Summer Festival Sweets |
| Location | Kyoto, Japan (Kameya Yoshinaga Main Store; Tsukihoko and Shijo Kasahoko floats along Shijo Street) |
| Address | 17-19 Kashiyacho, Shijo-dori Aburanokoji Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto |
| Period | July 15, 2026 (Wed) – July 16, 2026 (Thu), 17:00–21:00 (approximate times for shaved ice and sweets sales) |
| Price | Ubatama Ice ¥1,000 (tax included); Chimaki (3-pack) ¥1,700 (tax included); Ubatama Ice at café from July 17 ¥1,540 (tax included) |
