Best Food Around Kyoto Station: A Foodie’s Guide

Discover the Best Food Options Near Kyoto Station

Kyoto is known for its rich culinary traditions and amazing food scene. From sushi to ramen, Kyoto offers a wide range of delectable dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

If you’re a foodie visiting Kyoto, then one of the best places to start your culinary adventure is around Kyoto Station. Here, you’ll find a myriad of dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best food around Kyoto Station, highlighting must-try dishes, hidden gems, and insider tips. So, let’s get started!

Savor the Best Sushi at Kizushi

🍣 If you’re a sushi lover, then Kizushi is a must-visit restaurant near Kyoto Station. This Michelin-starred eatery serves some of the freshest and most creative sushi in town. With a minimalist decor and a cozy atmosphere, Kizushi is a great place to indulge in a sushi feast. Be sure to try their signature dishes, such as sea urchin, tuna belly, and eel.

Enjoy a Delicious Bowl of Ramen at Ippudo

🍜 If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful bowl of ramen, then Ippudo is the place to be. This popular ramen chain from Fukuoka has a branch near Kyoto Station that offers some of the best ramen in town. Their pork-based broth is rich and creamy, and their noodles are cooked to perfection. Don’t forget to order some gyoza and beer to complete your meal.

Try Some Local Delicacies at Nishiki Market

🍡 For a more casual and adventurous food experience, head to Nishiki Market, which is located a short walk from Kyoto Station. This bustling market is a foodie’s paradise, where you can find a variety of local specialties, such as tofu, pickles, mochi, and matcha. You can also sample some street food, such as takoyaki, yakitori, and grilled fish. It’s a great place to explore and immerse yourself in the local food culture.

Indulge in a Sweet Treat at Gion Tsujiri

🍵 If you have a sweet tooth, then Gion Tsujiri is a must-visit dessert place near Kyoto Station. This popular matcha cafe has been around for over 150 years and is famous for its high-quality matcha desserts. From matcha parfaits to matcha soft serve, Gion Tsujiri offers a wide range of sweet treats that are sure to delight your taste buds.

Sample the Best Wagyu Beef at Arashiyama Yoshimura

🥩 For a luxurious and unforgettable dining experience, head to Arashiyama Yoshimura, which is located a short train ride from Kyoto Station. This restaurant specializes in wagyu beef, which is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The beef is grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers a picturesque view of the Arashiyama mountains and the Katsura river.

Taste the Best Okonomiyaki at Mizuno

🥞 Okonomiyaki, which is a savory pancake filled with various ingredients, is a popular dish in Osaka and Hiroshima. However, you can also find some delicious okonomiyaki in Kyoto, such as at Mizuno. This cozy restaurant near Kyoto Station serves some of the best okonomiyaki in town, with a variety of fillings such as shrimp, pork belly, and cheese. Don’t forget to try their signature sauce, which is made from a secret recipe.

Sip Some Sake at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

🍶 Sake, which is a traditional Japanese rice wine, is a must-try drink when you’re in Kyoto. One of the best places to learn about sake and sample different varieties is at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, which is located near Kyoto Station. The museum offers guided tours of its sake brewery, as well as tastings of different sake types. You can also buy some sake souvenirs at the museum shop.

Try Some Tofu Dishes at Tousuiro

🥟 Tofu, which is made from soybean curd, is a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine. If you’re a fan of tofu, then you should definitely try some tofu dishes at Tousuiro, which is a restaurant near Kyoto Station that specializes in tofu cuisine. From tofu sashimi to tofu hot pot, Tousuiro offers a range of creative and delicious tofu dishes that are both healthy and satisfying.

Sample Some Kaiseki Cuisine at Gion Sasaki

🍽 Kaiseki, which is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, is a culinary art form that combines seasonal ingredients, exquisite presentation, and delicate flavors. One of the best places to experience kaiseki cuisine in Kyoto is at Gion Sasaki, which is a restaurant located a short walk from Kyoto Station. The restaurant offers different kaiseki menus, each featuring a variety of dishes that reflect the season and the chef’s creativity. It’s a great place to indulge in a fine dining experience.

Discover the Best Yakitori at Torikizoku

🐓 Yakitori, which is skewered and grilled chicken, is a popular snack and drinking food in Japan. If you’re looking for some delicious yakitori near Kyoto Station, then head to Torikizoku, which is a chain restaurant that offers a wide range of yakitori dishes at an affordable price. From chicken thighs to chicken wings, Torikizoku has something for everyone. It’s a great place to enjoy some casual and flavorful dining.

Experience a Teppanyaki Show at Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511

🍴 Teppanyaki, which is a style of Japanese cuisine that involves grilling meat, seafood, and vegetables on an iron griddle, is not just a meal, but also an entertaining show. If you’re looking for a teppanyaki experience near Kyoto Station, then head to Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511, which is a restaurant that specializes in teppanyaki and Kobe beef. The chefs perform impressive tricks and flips while cooking your food to perfection. It’s a great place to enjoy a unique and interactive dining experience.

Taste Some Matcha Ice Cream at Tsujirihei Honten

🍦 Matcha ice cream is a popular dessert in Japan, especially in Kyoto, where matcha is a local specialty. If you’re looking for some delicious matcha ice cream near Kyoto Station, then head to Tsujirihei Honten, which is a dessert shop that offers a wide range of matcha treats, including ice cream, parfaits, and cakes. Their matcha ice cream is creamy, smooth, and rich in flavor. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot day.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Kyoto for food?

The best time to visit Kyoto for food is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the seasonal ingredients are at their peak. Spring is a great time to enjoy sakura-themed dishes, such as sakura mochi and sakura wagashi. Fall is a great time to enjoy dishes made with mushrooms, chestnuts, and persimmons.

What is the traditional breakfast in Kyoto?

The traditional breakfast in Kyoto is called asagayu, which is a rice porridge served with various toppings and side dishes, such as grilled fish, pickles, and miso soup. Asagayu is a simple and healthy breakfast that is perfect for starting your day.

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is a dish that consists of vinegared rice topped with various toppings, such as raw fish, vegetables, and egg. Sashimi, on the other hand, is a dish that consists of thinly sliced raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi. While both sushi and sashimi feature raw fish, they differ in terms of preparation and presentation.

What is the best way to eat ramen?

The best way to eat ramen is to slurp the noodles, which helps to cool them down and enhance their flavor. You can also add some toppings, such as soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, and sliced pork. Don’t be afraid to customize your ramen according to your taste.

What is kaiseki cuisine?

Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that features seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. A typical kaiseki meal consists of several courses, such as appetizers, sashimi, grilled dishes, and soup. Each course is carefully prepared and presented, reflecting the season and the chef’s creativity.

What is okonomiyaki