Strawberry Expo 2026
in Kyoto’s Umekoji
Experience Report
February 20 – March 22, 2026 | 20 Participating Shops
21 years old (as of March 2026). Currently studying for Kyoto Level 2 Certification. Sweet tooth. Favorite dessert is tart. Claims to be the most cherished member of the Kyoto group. Shy about romance, but dreams of going out for sweets with a woman.
- Strawberry Expo 2026 Overview
- About the Sweets I Tried This Time
- Ranking #5 — Katakata Tsuriwa Bread @ City Tram Cafe
- Ranking #4 — Strawberry Shortcake @ Western Sweets Baikal
- Ranking #3 — Strawberry Hojicha Tea Bags @ HOHO HOJICHA
- Ranking #2 — Strawberry Amazake Smoothie @ Umekoji Fermentation Lab
- 🥇 Ranking #1 — Strawberry Tart @ Café Polum
- Finally
| Dates | February 20 (Fri) – March 22 (Sun), 2026 |
| Edition | 4th event in 2026 |
| Shops | 20 participating shops |
| Official URL | kyoto-umekouji.com |
| Flyer | Download PDF |
| @ichigohakurankai_kyotoumekoji |
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This time, I chose shops and items based on the theme of enjoying strawberry sweets within a total budget of ¥5,000.

A cafe renovated from a retro streetcar. The bread was uniquely shaped like a strap, with a crispy texture reminiscent of grissini (the stick-shaped bread from Italy’s Piedmont region). The flavor deepened with every bite, and the sweet-tart strawberry chocolate coating complemented the firm texture perfectly. Eating it inside the retro tram was all part of the experience. During the Expo season (late February–March), beautiful plum blossoms bloom in Umekoji Park — enjoying it while flower-viewing is highly recommended!

The star strawberries charm with a delightful balance of pleasant tartness and sweetness. The fresh cream was rich yet light, harmonizing beautifully with the strawberries’ sweet-tart flavor. The sponge cake was fluffy and light, melting gently in your mouth. The combination of the airy sponge, delicate cream, and delicious strawberries maintained a perfect balance — a truly sublime taste.

The sweet and tangy aroma of strawberries harmonized beautifully with the fragrant roasted Uji hojicha, creating an exquisite taste. Hearing the staff say, “This hojicha won the Platinum Award at the 2021 Japan Tea Awards,” I was thoroughly satisfied with its flavor. Warm strawberry hojicha is perfect for cold winter days — and with its distinctly Kyoto character, it makes an ideal souvenir for travelers.

This was my first time trying an amazake smoothie. The fresh, refreshing sweetness of strawberries perfectly harmonized with the mellow, deep aroma of their homemade koji amazake — it was truly delicious. Not overly sweet, with a surprisingly refreshing aftertaste, it was very easy to drink. I also loved that it’s made without added sugar, making it a gentle, healthy drink. The shop also offers experiences like making plum wine and koji, so I definitely want to go back!

The tart crust had a wonderful crispy texture, with a rich almond flavor permeating every bite. Topped with lightly sweet, refreshing whipped cream and generously loaded with large, juicy strawberries, it made me feel incredibly happy. The aroma, texture, and tartness harmonized perfectly — an exquisite creation. As someone whose favorite dessert is tart, this was #1 without question! Highly recommended for those relaxing between sightseeing at Kyoto Aquarium and the Railway Museum.
Visiting the “Strawberry Expo 2026,” I was amazed at how each individual strawberry possessed such distinct flavors, aromas, and textures. Every dessert perfectly highlighted the strawberries’ best qualities, offering a unique delight with each bite. Every shop was wonderful, making me eager to try other menu items and new offerings from the shops I visited. Strolling while savoring each shop’s distinctive offerings was a blissful time — a special experience that let me truly feel the winter season in Kyoto.
I also entered the lottery for the “Strawberry Expo 2026.” I can hardly wait for the results!
