If you’re looking to discover the best street foods in Kyoto, you’re in for a treat. Beyond its serene temples and beautiful gardens, Kyoto is a paradise for food lovers, with vibrant markets and bustling temple areas offering a wide variety of local snacks. This guide will take you through the best spots to find Kyoto’s most delicious street foods and what to try at each location for an authentic taste of the city.
Which areas of Kyoto have the best street food?
Kyoto’s street food is concentrated in a few key areas that combine great snacks with a sense of the city’s traditional atmosphere. Some of the best spots to explore are Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari, and Arashiyama. Each location offers its own mix of mouthwatering treats, giving you a nice variety as you wander through the city and sample its culinary offerings.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” is a bustling market stretching five blocks with over 100 food vendors. It’s the perfect place to explore a wide variety of traditional and modern Japanese snacks.
What to try in Nishiki Market
- Hamo Tempura: Hamo is a local eel delicacy, and the tempura version at Nishiki Market is crispy on the outside and tender inside. A must-try for seafood lovers!
- Minced Beef Cutlet: Juicy and crispy, these fried beef cutlets are incredibly satisfying. They’re often served with a savory sauce that enhances the flavor.
- Tako Tamago: One of the most iconic street foods here, these skewers feature a baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg—both visually interesting and delicious!
- Dashimaki Tamago: A savory rolled omelet made with dashi (Japanese broth), this is a light and flavorful snack you can easily eat on the go.
How to get to Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is centrally located in Kyoto and is accessible by public transport. Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station or the Hankyu Line to Karasuma Station. From either station, the market is just a short walk.
Kiyomizu Temple
The streets leading up to Kiyomizu Temple are lined with traditional snack stalls, making it a perfect stop for sampling street food after visiting this famous UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to try in the Kiyomizu Temple area
- Ichigo Ame: Strawberries dipped in a thin sugar coating, this sweet treat is a popular choice for anyone craving something fresh and fruity.
- Senbei: These crispy rice crackers come in a variety of flavors, from sweet to savory, and are perfect for munching while exploring the temple grounds.
- Yatsuhashi Cream puffs: A local twist on a classic, these soft cream puffs are made with Kyoto’s famous yatsuhashi (a cinnamon-flavored rice flour confection) dough. Filled with plain or matcha cream.
- Mitarashi Dango: Skewered rice dumplings coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze, this is a simple yet delicious snack.
How to get to Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizu Temple is accessible by bus from Kyoto Station by taking bus number 206 to Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, followed by a short walk uphill.
Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, is another hot spot for street food. The area around the shrine is filled with stalls offering both savory and sweet options.
What to try in the Fushimi Inari area
While the exact street foods available here can vary, you’ll often find a selection of grilled meats, fried snacks, and seasonal specialties. Look for traditional Japanese street foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste or custard).
How to get to Fushimi Inari
Fushimi Inari is easily accessible by train. Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station and get off at Inari Station, which is just a short walk to the shrine’s entrance.
Arashiyama
Nestled on the western edge of Kyoto, Arashiyama is famous for its scenic bamboo forest, but it also offers plenty of delicious street food near the main tourist areas.
What to try in Arashiyama
- Korokke: Japanese-style croquettes filled with mashed potatoes or meat, korokke is a comforting snack, especially in cooler weather. You can also find premium korokke featuring Kobe beef.
- Yuba Cheese: This popular fried dish gets its distinct crispy exterior from yuba (tofu skin) instead of a batter. The meaty fish-cake interior has chunks of melty cheese, offering a rich and unique flavor.
- Matcha Ice Cream: Kyoto is famous for its matcha (green tea), and enjoying it in the form of a creamy ice cream cone while exploring Arashiyama is a delightful treat.
How to get to Arashiyama
To reach Arashiyama, take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it’s a pleasant walk through the area. You can also take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Arashiyama Station, but be prepared for a short walk to get to the food stalls.
Seasonal Street Food
Kyoto’s street food offerings change with the seasons, so you can expect to find different treats depending on when you visit. Some seasonal favorites include:
- Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Ice Cream: Available during the cherry blossom season, this pink-hued ice cream has a delicate floral flavor.
- Shaved Ice: Popular during the hot summer months, shaved ice comes with various syrups and toppings like sweetened condensed milk or red bean paste.
- Roasted Chestnuts: A classic autumn snack, roasted chestnuts are warm, filling, and slightly sweet.
- Oden: This winter favorite is a hot pot dish made with various ingredients like boiled eggs, tofu, and fish cakes simmered in a light broth.
Eating Etiquette in Kyoto
While indulging in Kyoto’s street food is an exciting and delicious experience, it’s important to follow local customs when eating in public. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re being respectful:
- Eat at designated areas: Unlike some other countries where eating while walking is common, in Japan, it’s considered impolite to eat while walking down the street. Look for designated eating areas near food stalls or step to the side to enjoy your snack.
- Dispose of trash properly: Trash cans can be hard to find in public spaces, so it’s a good idea to hold onto your garbage until you find a designated spot to dispose of it. Many stalls will provide bins near their stands for customers.
- Be mindful of noise: Speaking loudly in public spaces is generally frowned upon. Keep your volume low and be mindful of those around you.
- Cash is king: Many street vendors in Kyoto may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry small bills and coins with you when visiting food stalls.
Ready to try Kyoto street food?
Kyoto’s street food is as diverse as its culture, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists on classic dishes. Whether you’re exploring the lively markets or the serene temple paths, the city’s food stalls are ready to treat you to an unforgettable culinary experience. Bring your appetite and dive into the delicious world of Kyoto’s street food!
