Karafuneya Coffee

Sundaes and parfaits have long been mainstay desserts in Japan, whether at trendy cafés or at family-restaurant chains. While many places invent seasonal variations every now and then, one vintage café in Kyoto goes over the top with its eclectic menu.

Founded in 1972, Karafuneya Coffee is a locally beloved joint in the city, with its main branch located in the bustling Sanjo area. It is known for its “full service” policy and for its Dutch cold brew coffee, but what it’s most famous for is its parfaits.

The moment you enter the building, the first thing that catches your eye is a glass case full of food samples, all parfaits and sundaes. The special ones are simply gigantic, adorned with whole pineapples and countless ice cream cones, the largest of which are meant to serve a group of 20 to 25 people.

Karafuneya’s menu features 150 kinds of parfaits and sundaes all year, from chocolate to caramel, mango to peach, matcha to pumpkin. For those feeling adventurous, there are also a few “funny” parfaits, topped with takoyaki, fried chicken, or French fries. Both a dream and a nightmare for indecisive people with a sweet tooth, Karafuneya has got you covered, whatever you’re craving.