Kyoto may be known for its refined cuisine and historic dining experiences, but it also offers plenty of affordable options for travelers on a budget. It’s actually easier than you think to grab a cheap, delicious meal here without breaking the bank – and save your budget for other Kyoto adventures.
Kyoto’s Best Budget Bites in Central Areas
Downtown Kyoto
Kyoto Ramen Koji: Located on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station building, Kyoto Ramen Koji is a great spot to try different regional types of this famous noodle dish. The ramen “street” features eight different ramen shops, each with its own regional style of ramen. Prices vary, but most bowls are under 1,000 yen. See it on Google Maps.
Porta Dining: Just beneath Kyoto Station, you’ll find Porta, an underground shopping and dining complex. Porta Dining offers a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Japanese, with plenty of affordable options. See it on Google Maps.
Honke Daiichi Asahi: Known for its rich, savory broth and flavorful pork slices, Honke Daiichi Asahi is one of the most popular ramen shops in Kyoto, located not far from Kyoto Tower. Its simple but delicious menu makes it a great option for budget-conscious travelers: a hearty bowl of ramen costs just around 800 yen. Be prepared to wait in line, though – this shop draws a crowd, but the food is well worth it. See it on Google Maps.
Street Foods, Markets & More
Nishiki Market
Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a bustling shopping street where you can find little bites to enjoy on the go. The market offers a wide range of street food, including everything from seafood to sweet treats. It’s a popular spot for tourists, so you’ll probably have to deal with some crowds, but there are some inexpensive items unique to the market, like octopus with boiled quail egg, as well as fried seafood and vegetables on skewers, soy milk donuts, and even wagyu. Be sure to try some of Kyoto’s tsukemono (pickled vegetables) while you’re there, too! You can find out more about Nishiki Market here.
Shinkyogoku and Teramachi Shopping Streets
Located near downtown Kyoto, these pedestrian shopping streets are another great place to find cheap eats. Stroll through the area and you’ll come across vendors selling taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste or custard), sandwiches, crêpes stuffed with various fillings, and other treats.
Convenience Store Meals
For a truly budget-friendly option, you can’t go wrong with a convenience store meal. Japanese convenience stores, or konbini, are famous for their high-quality takeout options, and Kyoto’s are no exception. You’ll find a wide selection of bento boxes, healthy onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and salads, all priced around 500-1000 yen.
Pick up a meal from 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson, and enjoy it as a picnic along the banks of the Kamo River or in one of Kyoto’s beautiful parks. It’s a great way to eat like a local while keeping costs down.
Tasty Chain Restaurants
Kyoto is home to several universities, which means the city is also filled with affordable dining options that cater to students, including a variety of Japanese chain restaurants serving low-priced and hearty Japanese food, like rice bowls and curry. These chains can be found at a number of locations in Kyoto:
Matsuya: Matsuya is one of Japan’s most beloved fast food chains, known for its cheap and filling gyudon (beef bowls). You can get a meal here for as little as 400-600 yen, so it’s a perfect stop if you’re on a budget. Matsuya also offers curry, set meals, and seasonal specials.
Yoshinoya: Another famous gyudon chain, Yoshinoya has been serving up beef bowls for over a century. A bowl of their signature beef over rice costs around 400-500 yen, and they also offer variations with vegetables or grilled chicken.
Sukiya: Like Matsuya and Yoshinoya, Sukiya is another chain specializing in gyudon, though it also offers options like curry and donburi (rice bowls). Meals at Sukiya are usually priced between 300-600 yen.
Coco Ichibanya: If you’re craving Japanese curry, Coco Ichibanya is the place to go. This curry chain allows you to customize your meal by choosing the spiciness level and adding toppings like cheese. Prices start at around 600 yen, and portions here are quite generous.
Ootoya: If you’re in the mood for something a little more substantial, Ootoya offers teishoku (set meals) that come with rice, miso soup, and a main dish. While slightly more expensive than the gyudon chains, a home-style meal at Ootoya still costs around 1,000 yen.
Nakau: Specializing in udon and rice bowls, Nakau offers a range of affordable meals that cater to both noodle and rice lovers, plus curry and breakfast sets. Most dishes are priced between 300-800 yen.
Tips for Budget Dining in Kyoto
Best Times to Visit Markets and Shops for Discounts: Many supermarkets and department stores offer discounts on bento boxes and ready-made meals in the late afternoon or evening, usually after 7 p.m. This is a great way to score delicious food at a fraction of the original price.
Using Convenience Stores and Supermarkets for Low-Cost Meals: As mentioned above, convenience stores offer a wide range of cheap and tasty options. Supermarkets often have freshly made sushi, tempura, and other items at low prices as well.
Local Websites and Apps: To find the best budget restaurants in Kyoto, use local websites like Tabelog and Gurunavi. These platforms allow you to search for restaurants by price range, location, and cuisine.
Kyoto’s food scene doesn’t have to be expensive. With restaurants like the ones on this list, you can still enjoy some tasty local food, and save your money for other Kyoto experiences.
