Best Eats In Kyoto Station

Discover the Best Culinary Delights in Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is a bustling transportation hub that offers an array of dining options for visitors and locals alike. From traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors, this station is home to some of the most delicious eateries in the city. In this guide, we’ll explore the best eats in Kyoto Station that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Top Picks for Best Eats in Kyoto Station

Soba noodle soup at Hiroki 🍜

Hiroki is a popular soba noodle shop located in the underground shopping area of Kyoto Station. The restaurant offers a variety of soba noodle dishes, including their signature soba noodle soup, which is made with a rich and flavorful broth and topped with tender slices of beef.

Conveyor belt sushi at Musashi 🍣

Musashi is a beloved sushi restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with their conveyor belt system. Diners can grab plates of sushi as they pass by, or they can order freshly-made sushi from the chefs behind the counter.

Katsu curry at Wako 🍛

Wako is a Japanese restaurant chain that specializes in katsu curry, a popular dish that features breaded and fried pork cutlets served with a savory curry sauce and rice. Their katsu curry is one of the best in Kyoto, and it’s the perfect comfort food on a chilly day.

Ramen at Kyoto Ramen Koji 🍜

Kyoto Ramen Koji is a food court-style establishment that features multiple ramen shops under one roof. Visitors can sample different ramen flavors from various vendors and find their new favorite bowl of noodles.

Matcha soft serve at Tsujiri 🍦

Tsujiri is a renowned tea house that specializes in matcha green tea and desserts. Their matcha soft serve is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The soft serve has a rich and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the ice cream.

Introduction

Kyoto Station is a bustling transportation hub that welcomes millions of visitors each year. Aside from its convenient location and impressive architecture, Kyoto Station is home to some of the best eats in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a leisurely dining experience, Kyoto Station has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best eats in Kyoto Station and help you discover some hidden culinary gems.

Kyoto Station is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. The station is a transportation hub that connects to various modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis. Visitors can easily access Kyoto’s top attractions from Kyoto Station, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Gion District.

Aside from its transportation hub status, Kyoto Station is also a popular shopping destination. The station has several shopping areas, including the underground shopping mall, Porta, and the upscale Isetan department store. Visitors can find an array of souvenirs, fashion items, and specialty goods in these shopping areas.

But what sets Kyoto Station apart from other transportation hubs is its diverse dining options. From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, Kyoto Station offers an impressive selection of culinary delights. Visitors can sample traditional Japanese cuisine, international flavors, and fusion dishes that combine the best of both worlds.

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best eats in Kyoto Station that are worth trying. We’ll provide detailed explanations of each eatery, what they’re known for, and what makes them unique. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about dining in Kyoto Station and offer some tips for getting the most out of your culinary adventures.

Best Eats in Kyoto Station

Soba noodle soup at Hiroki

Hiroki is a soba noodle shop located in the underground shopping area of Kyoto Station. The restaurant has been around for over 30 years and is known for its delicious soba noodle dishes. Hiroki uses high-quality buckwheat flour for their soba noodles, which gives them a unique texture and flavor. Their soba noodle soup is a must-try, as it’s made with a rich and flavorful broth and topped with tender slices of beef.

Hiroki is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and it can get quite crowded during peak hours. However, the wait is worth it for the delicious and authentic soba noodle experience.

Conveyor belt sushi at Musashi

Musashi is a popular sushi restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its conveyor belt system. The restaurant has a long conveyor belt that runs through the entire restaurant, carrying plates of sushi and other dishes. Diners can grab plates of sushi as they pass by, or they can order freshly-made sushi from the chefs behind the counter.

Musashi is known for its fresh and high-quality sushi, as well as its affordable prices. The restaurant is often crowded with locals and tourists, but the lively atmosphere adds to the dining experience.

Katsu curry at Wako

Wako is a Japanese restaurant chain that specializes in katsu curry, a popular dish that features breaded and fried pork cutlets served with a savory curry sauce and rice. Wako’s katsu curry is one of the best in Kyoto, as the pork cutlets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The curry sauce is flavorful and has just the right amount of spice.

Wako has several locations throughout Kyoto, including one in Kyoto Station’s Isetan department store. The restaurant is a popular spot for locals during lunchtime, so be prepared for a wait if you go during peak hours.

Ramen at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Kyoto Ramen Koji is a food court-style establishment that features multiple ramen shops under one roof. Visitors can sample different ramen flavors from various vendors and find their new favorite bowl of noodles. The food court has a lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out to potential customers and the sound of slurping noodles filling the air.

Each ramen shop at Kyoto Ramen Koji has its own unique flavor and style. Some shops specialize in tonkotsu ramen, while others focus on shio or miso ramen. Visitors can try different ramen flavors and find the one that suits their taste buds.

Matcha soft serve at Tsujiri

Tsujiri is a renowned tea house that specializes in matcha green tea and desserts. Their matcha soft serve is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The soft serve has a rich and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the ice cream. Visitors can also try other matcha desserts at Tsujiri, such as matcha parfait and matcha mochi.

Tsujiri has several locations throughout Kyoto, including one in Kyoto Station’s Porta shopping mall. The tea house is often crowded with tourists and locals, but the matcha desserts are worth the wait.

FAQ

What are the best times to visit Kyoto Station for dining?

Kyoto Station is open 24 hours a day, but the best times to visit for dining are during lunch and dinner hours. Lunch hours are typically from 11 am to 2 pm, while dinner hours are from 5 pm to 8 pm. You can expect to find most restaurants open during these hours, and they may offer special lunch or dinner sets that are more affordable than regular menu items.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available in Kyoto Station?

Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan options available in Kyoto Station. Some restaurants, such as T’s Tantan and Veggie Kitchen, specialize in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Other restaurants may offer vegetarian or vegan options upon request. It’s best to check the restaurant’s menu or ask the staff before ordering to ensure that your dietary needs are met.

Are there any budget-friendly dining options in Kyoto Station?

Yes, there are several budget-friendly dining options in Kyoto Station. Food courts, such as Kyoto Ramen Koji and The Cube, offer affordable meals that won’t break the bank. Soba noodle shops, such as Hiroki and Matsuya, also offer reasonably-priced dishes. Look for restaurants that offer lunch sets or meal deals to save even more money.

Is it necessary to make reservations before dining in Kyoto Station?

It depends on the restaurant and the time of day. Some popular restaurants, such as Musashi and Wako, may require reservations during peak hours. It’s best to check the restaurant’s website or call ahead to make sure. For most casual eateries and food courts, reservations are not necessary.

What are some must-try Kyoto specialties that can be found in Kyoto Station?