Kyoto is more than just temples and geisha; it’s also a paradise for food lovers! While it’s known for traditional cuisine like kaiseki, you don’t need to splurge to enjoy delicious bites here. Kyoto street food is fun, tasty, and found in some of the city’s most iconic spots.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to find street food in Kyoto. From croquettes in Arashiyama to octopus skewers in Nishiki Market, there’s something here for every kind of foodie!
Nishiki Market
Food stalls at Nishiki Market | Photo Credits: Tetsushi Kimura on Flickr
Nishiki Market is often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for a reason. It’s a covered food street with over 100 shops and stalls packed into five blocks. Here, you can try a little bit of everything, from traditional Kyoto snacks to unique street food finds.
To get the most out of your visit, consider booking a Nishiki Market food tour. With a local guide, you’ll try Kyoto favorites like soy-milk donuts, yuba (tofu skin), and matcha sweets while learning which vendors locals actually line up for. It’s the easiest way to skip the tourist traps, and taste dishes you’d probably walk past on your own.
1. Tako Tamago (Octopus with Quail Egg)
Tako Tamago | Photo Credits: Ajay Suresh on Wikimedia
Tako Tamago is one of the most eye-catching snacks in Nishiki Market. It’s a whole baby octopus skewered on a stick, and inside its head is a sweet quail egg. The outside is glazed with a soy sauce-based seasoning, giving it a mix of sweet and savory flavor. You’ll find this treat at several stalls throughout Nishiki, and it’s a must-try if you’re adventurous with food!
💴 Price Point: ¥300 to ¥500
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
2. Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
Dashimaki Tamago | Photo Credits: City Foodsters on Flickr
Dashimaki Tamago is a fluffy, savory rolled omelet made with dashi, a type of Japanese soup stock. It’s warm, juicy, and melts in your mouth. Even though it looks simple, the flavor is rich and comforting. You can find it freshly made on a hot griddle at several shops inside Nishiki Market. Locals love it as a side dish, but it makes a great snack on its own too!
💴 Price Point: ¥200 to ¥400
⭐ Rating: 4.8/5
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple during fall | Photo Credits: Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia
The streets leading up to Kiyomizu Temple are filled with snack stalls and souvenir shops. The slope is a bit steep, but that just means you’ll work up an appetite as you climb! Many Kyoto street food favorites can be found here, especially sweet treats!
If you want to enjoy more than just the street food, try going on a Kiyomizu Temple guided tour that also includes stops at Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nara Park. You’ll get to sample local flavors, visit famous landmarks, and see more of the region in one easy, well-planned day.
3. Senbei (Japanese Rice Crackers)
Senbei | Photo Credits: Yusuke Kawasaki on Wikimedia
Senbei are crispy rice crackers that come in many flavors, from salty soy sauce to sweet sugar dusting and even spicy chili! Some vendors near Kiyomizu Temple grill them fresh over charcoal, giving them a warm, smoky crunch. Grab a pack to snack on or bring some home as a tasty souvenir.
💴 Price Point: ¥100 to ¥300 per cracker or ¥500+ per bag
⭐ Rating: 3.7/5
4. Ichigo Ame (Candied Strawberry)
Ichigo Ame | Photo Credits: Harvey Barrison on Flickr
Ichigo Ame is a super satisfying snack. It's a fresh, juicy strawberry coated in a shiny hard sugar glaze and served on a stick. The crunch of the candy layer goes perfectly with the soft, tart fruit inside. You’ll spot these at stalls on the way to Kiyomizudera Temple, just look for a cart with bright red strawberries!
💴 Price Point: ¥300 to ¥400
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
Fushimi Inari
Red torii gates at Fushimi Inari | Photo Credits: Zairon on Wikimedia
Fushimi Inari is famous for its thousands of red torii gates and its connection to the fox spirit, a messenger of the god Inari. Just outside the shrine, there’s a street lined with food stalls offering local specialties, many tied to the shrine’s theme.
5. Inari Sushi (Sweet Tofu-Wrapped Sushi)
Inari Sushi | Photo Credits: Lombroso on Wikimedia
Inari Sushi is a Kyoto classic. It’s made with seasoned sushi rice tucked into pockets of fried tofu called aburaage. The tofu is slightly sweet, and the rice adds a savory balance. The snack gets its name from the Inari shrine, since foxes are said to love tofu! You’ll find Inari Sushi sold at small shops and street stalls near the shrine entrance.
💴 Price Point: ¥300 to ¥500
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5
Arashiyama
Katsura River in Arashiyama | Photo Credits: Geoff Whalan on Flickr
Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo grove and monkey park, but it’s also full of casual food stalls, especially near the train station and riverside. After enjoying the scenic views, treat yourself to some classic Japanese snacks.
To make the most of your time, consider booking an Arashiyama tour. A guided tour helps you visit the main attractions, while also sharing helpful local tips along the way. You’ll still have time to explore on your own, sample local treats, and enjoy the scenic vibe that makes Arashiyama such a favorite spot in Kyoto!
6. Korokke (Japanese Croquettes)
Korokke | Photo Credits: gundam2345 on Wikimedia
Korokke are golden-fried croquettes stuffed with mashed potato and minced meat, or sometimes veggies. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—total comfort food! You’ll find Korokke stands around the Saga-Arashiyama Station area. They’re easy to eat while walking and smell amazing fresh from the fryer.
💴 Price Point: ¥150 to ¥300
⭐ Rating: 4.6/5
7. Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Cakes)
Taiyaki | Photo Credits: ayu oshimi on Wikimedia
Taiyaki are cute, fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste, custard, or chocolate. The batter is similar to pancakes, and they’re cooked in special molds that give them their fishy shape. You’ll spot Taiyaki stalls near Arashiyama’s tourist spots, especially on weekends when foot traffic is high.
If you’d rather make them yourself, try booking a Fushimi Inari wagashi cooking class. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn how traditional Japanese sweets are made, and you get to enjoy your own fresh Taiyaki at the end!
💴 Price Point: ¥200 to ¥400
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5
FAQs About Kyoto street food
What street food is Kyoto known for?
Kyoto is known for unique street foods like Tako Tamago, Dashimaki Tamago, and Inari Sushi. These are local specialties that reflect Kyoto’s cultural traditions and regional flavors. You’ll find many of them in places like Nishiki Market and Fushimi Inari.
What is famous to eat in Kyoto?
Besides street food, Kyoto is also famous for kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal), yuba (tofu skin), and matcha-based sweets. But when it comes to easy eats, Korokke, Ichigo Ame, and Senbei are super popular among visitors.
What is the famous Kyoto street?
Nishiki Market Street is one of the most famous streets in Kyoto for food lovers. It’s lined with over 100 shops and food stalls offering everything from seafood to traditional sweets. It’s often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for good reason!
Ready to taste your way through Kyoto?
If you're a foodie on the hunt for bold flavors or just love snacking while exploring, Kyoto street food is something you don’t want to miss. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and specialties, giving you a chance to taste the city one bite at a time.
So grab your chopsticks, or just your hands, and dive into Kyoto’s tastiest side. You’re in for a flavorful adventure!
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