Savor Japanese Chestnut Sweets in Kyoto
Japanese cuisine embraces the changing seasons. Autumn, in particular, is packed with delicious seasonal ingredients. One of these is the Japanese chestnut. With their rich aroma and elegant sweetness, Japanese chestnuts are incredibly popular as sweet treats.
This fall, chestnut producers from across Japan will gather in Tamba, Kyoto, to compete for the best Mont Blanc cake. This is a must-see event for chestnut lovers, allowing you to savor the flavors of autumn in Japan.
Some may think Kyoto must be packed with tourists, however, only a few areas are crowded. In fact, there are hidden gems in Kyoto that few people know about. Escape the hustle and experience the "real Kyoto" in a relaxed, peaceful setting - the best way to enjoy Kyoto.
"Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" is currently underway. Thousands of visitors from around the world visit every day, creating a buzz. Kyoto is easily accessible from the Expo site. Travel the world at the Expo, then enjoy Japanese chestnut sweets in Tamba; a luxurious autumn trip awaits you here in Japan.
Enjoy Kyoto at the Expo - Kansai Pavilion Kyoto Zone
"Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan" features a lineup of pavilions where you can experience the future, representing 165 countries, regions, and international organizations.
Each pavilion is so captivating, it's hard to know where to begin, but a must see is the Kansai Pavilion. Nine prefectures - Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui, and Mie - gather together to showcase their respective cultures and attractions under the theme of "Kansai, a Place of Shining Life: Its Eternal History and Present."
One of the highlight within the Kansai Pavilion is the Kyoto Zone. The moment you step inside, you'll be captivated by its unique worldview, with a distinguished appeal. Created by an artist with ties to Kyoto, the space is covered from wall to floor in kimono tiles (Kyoto roofing tiles), creating a minimalist yet dignified tranquility.
"Kimono tiles" are unique tiles that utilize Kyoto's traditional roof tile making techniques and are combined to resemble kimono patterns. This time-honored material is elevated to new heights of beauty through a modern sensibility, creating a space where tradition and modernity beautifully blend.
The theme of the Kyoto Zone is "ichiza konryu" (一座建立): to establish (konryu) a space where heart-to-heart communication takes place between host and guest (ichiza). Demonstrations and hands-on events are planned to encourage visitors to interact with exhibitors, fostering the very experience of unity.
The exhibits change throughout the event, allowing you to discover new aspects of Kyoto every time you visit. From September 1st to 21st, the theme will be "Life," and from September 22nd to October 13th, the theme will be "Tourism." Visitors can learn about Kyoto and gain travel inspiration before visiting, further enhancing their enjoyment of their trip.
In addition, a food festival titled "KYOTO FOOD EXPO" will be held in the multi-purpose area adjacent to the Kansai Pavilion for six days from October 1st to 6th. On the 1st and 2nd, there will be a tea-tasting experience, on the 3rd and 4th, Kyoto sake, beer, gin, and other alcoholic beverages, and on the 5th and 6th, there will be booths promoting Kyoto's fascinating cuisine. Why not take this opportunity to experience Kyoto's culinary culture?
Exquisite Mont Blanc cake in Kyoto
In addition, in conjunction with the Expo, Kyoto Prefecture will host the "National Mont Blanc cake Competition" on October 18th and 19th, bringing together famous Japanese chestnut-producing regions as part of the "Washoku and World Food Summit," which connects Kyoto and the world through food. Since its launch in 2023, the competition has always garnered significant attention, and this year marks its third year. This year's competition will take place in Kyotamba Town, located in central Kyoto.
Kyotamba Town is known as a "treasure trove of food, " producing Tamba chestnuts and black soybeans, as well as being Kyoto's premier dairy farming region. Tamba chestnuts, with their large, sweet flavor, are a signature autumn delicacy that has long supported Kyoto's traditional Japanese confectionery culture. Its elegant, rich sweetness will have your cheeks melting with just one bite. This Mont Blanc cake, made with these exquisite Tamba chestnuts, is a must-try delicacy.
The competition will feature a wide variety of Japanese chestnut Mont Blanc cakes from Kyotamba Town and all over Japan, competing in skill and taste. Which Mont Blanc cake will be crowned the winner? Of course, you can purchase and enjoy the Mont Blanc cakes on the spot.
"Kyotamba Marche 2025" will also be held on the same day! In addition to tasting dishes and sweets made with seasonal local ingredients, there will be a wide variety of programs, including pop up stores of local products, workshops, and even a treasure hunt where you can win local specialties.
Spend a luxurious autumn day surrounded by beautiful mountains, savoring Mont Blanc cakes and local ingredients, shopping, and experiencing the unique charms of Kyotamba. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience for sweet lovers and those wanting to experience Japanese culinary culture.
Kyotamba Marche 2025
Stage event: Saturday, October 18, 2025, starting at 11:00
Shop booth: Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: Free
Location: Children's Square, Kyoto Prefectural Tamba Nature Park (110-7 Sone Kuzuregeshiyo, Kyotamba-cho, Funai-gun, Kyoto Prefecture)
Website: https://www.kyotamba.org/kyotamba-marche/
From Expo to Kyoto: A Journey Connecting the Future and Tradition
After experiencing the future at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, be sure to extend your trip to Kyoto. While the glamorous tourist spots are fun, lesser-known areas offer special experiences where you can encounter Kyoto's long-cultivated culture and seasonal flavors.
Enjoy the exquisite Mont Blanc cake of Kyotamba, a market featuring local ingredients, and a relaxing time surrounded by abundant nature. Combining the Expo with Kyoto will make for a luxurious trip where you can enjoy cutting-edge technology and tradition, urban life and nature all at once.
Discover your own "unforgettable autumn" in Japan.
