When guiding visitors who have come to Kyoto for sightseeing, they often request to see “something quintessentially Kyoto.” However, this can be surprisingly difficult to define.
Broadly speaking, anything traditional and Japanese can be considered “quintessentially Kyoto,” but “something quintessentially Kyoto” likely also implies something unique to Kyoto, something with history or tradition.
This makes it even more challenging.
In this article, a WAGOKORO writer who lives in Kyoto will introduce some long-established and beloved local gourmet foods, souvenirs, and spots in the popular tourist areas of Kyoto and Uji cities. These recommendations are easy to visit even for first-timers.
We hope this guide will be useful for your gourmet tour, souvenir shopping, and food stroll during your visit to Kyoto.
*The contents of this article are as of October 2023.
The published contents are subject to change, so please contact each facility in advance for official information.
【Kyoto’s Long-Established Restaurants】Recommended Gourmet Spots
【 Nanzenji Junsei】When in Kyoto, Try Yudofu and Yuba! Experience Kyoto after Visiting Nanzenji Temple
If you visit Nanzenji Temple, one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto, which features the Suirokaku※ aqueduct, why not try Yudofu at “Nanzenji Junsei”?
Stepping into the grounds of the teahouse restaurant “Nanzenji Junsei” located in front of Nanzenji Temple, you’ll find a about 3,960 square meter Japanese garden, making you feel as if you’ve entered another world, far removed from everyday life.
Within this serene setting, you can savor their specialty Yudofu (Tofu), along with Yuba (Tofu skin), Dengaku, seasonal vegetable tempura, and Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, all while enjoying the traditional Japanese atmosphere of the buildings, including a stone gate and a drawing room designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
Indulging in a light meal of Yudofu while gazing at the Japanese garden is a perfect way to enjoy a bit of luxury during your sightseeing break.
※Note: Suirokaku – Inspired by Roman aqueducts, it was built as part of the Lake Biwa Canal and is still in use today. It is located on the grounds of Nanzenji Temple.
| Name of the Spot | Nanzenji Junsei |
| Address | 〒606-8437 Nanzenjimon, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | A 5-minute walk from “Keage Station” on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Kyogoku Kaneyo】Enjoy Japan’s Best Unagi! Experience the Exquisite Fusion of Kyoto-style Tamagoyaki and Unagi by Kinshi-don
Kyogoku Kaneyo, a long-established unagi restaurant, has been serving the same unchanged flavors since its founding, amidst the rapidly changing and developing Kawaramachi area.
Step into the alley from Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, one of the bustling central areas in Kyoto, frequented by local students and tourists during the day, and you’ll be greeted by the presence of an impressive Taisho-era wooden building and the enticing scent of grilled unagi.
The recommended dish is the ‘Kinshi-don,’ which has the softness of Kyoto-style tamagoyaki and the savory scent of Edo-style grilled unagi creating an irresistible combination.
On the last Monday evening of every month, the ‘Kaneyo Yose’ event is held, where you can enjoy Rakugo performances for the price of a bowl, and makes long lines of visitors.
| Name of the Spot | Kyogoku Kaneyo |
| Address | 〒604-8034 456 Matsugae-cho, Rokkaku-dori, Shinkyogoku Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・5-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, “Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station” ・6-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Main Line, “Kyoto Kawaramachi Station” ・7-minute walk from Keihan Main Line, “Sanjo Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Sushi Otoha】Winter Delight! Enjoy Steamed Sushi in Kyoto’s Chilly Weather
Sushi Otoha is located in Shinkyogoku, the same as 【Kyogoku Kaneyo】.
It’s close to Shijo Street, where in winter, you’ll see a steamer set up emitting billows of steam right outside the shop.
The specialty here is ‘steamed sushi,’ which is sushi rice mixed with various toppings such as chopped anago (conger eel) and simmered shiitake mushrooms, served warm from the steamer.
This dish, resembling chirashi sushi but enjoyed warm, is a seasonal delicacy in the Kansai region and may be unfamiliar to those living in the Kanto region (East Japan).
In Kyoto’s chilly winter, there’s an interesting way of joy in warming up from the core with a bowl of steamed sushi.
With its old-school storefront along Shinkyogoku, Sushi Otoha operates year-round as a regular sushi restaurant beyond just the winter season.
| Name of the Spot | Sushi Otoha |
| Address | 〒604-8034 456 Matsugae-cho, Rokkaku-dori, Shinkyogoku Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・8-minute walk from Keihan Main Line, “Gion Shijo Station” ・1-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Main Line, “Kyoto Kawaramachi Station” ・10-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, “Shijo Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Uosaburo】A Long-standing Traditional Restaurant Patronized by Feudal Lords, Bearing the Scars of the Battle of Toba-Fushimi
Established in 1764 (since the first year of Meiwa), ‘Uosaburo’ is a Kyoto cuisine restaurant recognized as a true traditional establishment, boasting over 200 years of history.
During the Battle of Toba-Fushimi, which sparked the Boshin War where forces of the former Bakufu forces clashed with those of the new government forces, Uosaburo served as the official kitchen for the Imperial Army.
Today, bullet marks from the conflicts between the Shinsengumi stationed along Kyomachi Street and the Satsuma Domain troops armed with firearms are still visible on the outside of the restaurant.
Experience the sake of Fushimi, renowned as one of Kyoto’s premier sake districts, along with Kyoto vegetables and rich history at Uosaburo.
Combine it with your visit to Fushimi for a taste of traditional Kyoto cuisine spanning over 200 years.
| Name of the Spot | Uosaburo |
| Address | 〒612-8083 187 Kyomachi 3-chome, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・1-minute walk from Keihan Main Line, “Fushimi Momoyama Station” ・2-minute walk from Kintetsu Kyoto Line, “Momoyama Goryo-mae Station” ・10-minute walk from JR West Nara Line, “Momoyama Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
Now, up until this point, we’ve been introducing places with the concept of ‘quintessential Kyoto.’
In response to the sentiment that ‘it wouldn’t be easy if every day of a Kyoto trip involved very traditional Japanese cuisine’ (at least, that’s what we heard), let’s now introduce some long-established shops with a slightly different flavor.
【 Capital Toyo-tei Honten】Kyoto’s Western-style Cuisine! A Popular Local Flavor Since the Meiji Era
Located on Kitayama Street in the northern part of Kyoto City, ‘Capital Toyo-tei Honten’ represents Kyoto’s classic Western-style dining.
True to Kyoto’s tradition, this restaurant has been serving Western cuisine for over 125 years.
‘Capital Toyo-tei Honten’ has a rich history of popularizing Western food among Kyoto locals and is known for its authentic flavors.
A standout menu item is their famous ‘Whole Tomato Salad’ as part of the appetizers.
It features a chilled whole tomato carefully peeled and placed on top of a tuna salad, creating a striking dish.
Another popular choice is the ‘Hundred-Year Western-style Hamburg Steak,’ served wrapped in aluminum foil with beef stew sauce, known for its juicy and substantial serving.
For dessert, they offer the ‘Hundred-Year Pudding,’ made with milk from Miyama in the remote northern mountains of Kyoto, along with a variety of cakes. From appetizers to mains and desserts, it guarantees a satisfying meal.
Within a few minutes’ walk, you’ll find attractions such as the main shop of ‘Kyoto Kitayama Maruburanshu,’ famous for its souvenirs at Kyoto Station, the Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden, and the Kamogawa River.
A 20-minute walk will also take you to Kamigamo Shrine, making it a recommended spot for a refreshing break during your stroll!
| Name of the Spot | Capital Toyo-tei Honten |
| Address | 〒603-8053 2-3 Kamigamo Iwagakakiuchi-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Japan |
| Direction | ・5-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line, “Kitayama Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【Kyoto’s Long-Established Shops】Recommended Souvenir and Walking Foodie Spots
【 Ichiwa (Ichimonjiya Wasuke)】 Enjoy ‘Aburi Mochi’ as a Treat after Your Shrine Visit! Relax at Imamiya Shrine’s Teahouse.
Kyoto is renowned for its numerous shrines and temples, many of which feature teahouses and specialty sweets near their entrances.
Among them, one particularly famous item is the ‘Aburi Mochi’ (grilled rice cake) at Imamiya Shrine.
In front of Imamiya Shrine, there are two shops offering Aburi Mochi, one of which has been in business since the early Edo period. The one I’m introducing today, ‘Ichiwa (Ichimonjiya Wasuke),’ has been operating since the year 1000, making it one of the oldest establishments in Kyoto, surpassing a millennium in business.
It’s truly remarkable to see such enduring traditions in Kyoto!
Ichiwa (Ichimonjiya Wasuke) specializes in ‘Aburi Mochi,’ small rice cakes grilled and topped with miso. It’s a delightful treat with a sweet and savory flavor that seems endlessly addictive, and unique to this shop.
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and try it!”
| Name of the Spot | Ichiwa (Ichimonjiya Wasuke) |
| Address | 〒603-8243 69 Murasakino Imamiyacho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・4-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus stop “Imamiya Jinja-mae” ・9-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus stop “Bukkyo Daigaku-mae” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Kamo Mitarashi Chaya】Was It Originally Intended as an Offering Stuff (Yakuyoke Doll) for Shimogamo Shrine, the Birthplace of Mitarashi Dango!?
Adjacent to Shimogamo Shrine stands the venerable sweet shop, ‘Kamo Mitarashi Chaya,’ in operation since 1922 (Taisho 11).
If you’ve ever thought, ‘Mitarashi dango are everywhere,’ you may need to reconsider. Did you know that Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) is the birthplace of the Mitarashi dango?
During the Kamakura period, Emperor Go-Daigo, on a pilgrimage, scooped water from Mitarashi Pond, where a large bubble followed by four smaller bubbles emerged from the bottom. This event is said to have inspired the arrangement of one and four small dango that are a little bit separated at ‘Kamo Mitarashi Chaya’.
Originally crafted as Yakuyoke dolls among the parishioners, intended as offerings to the shrine, “Kamo Mitarashi Chaya” reportedly developed its own sweet sauce, thereby creating the prototype for today’s typical Mitarashi dango.
| Name of the Spot | Kamo Mitarashi Chaya |
| Address | 〒606-0816 53 Shimogamo Matsunoki-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・15-minute walk from Keihan Line and Eizan Electric Railway, “Demachiyanagi Station” ・9-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus stop “Bukkyo Daigaku-mae” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
In this article, we will introduce information about the history and events of Shimogamo Shrine and others.
【 Demachi Futaba】Extraordinary Long Lines! A Must-Try ‘Daifuku’ If You Visit Kyoto
In the bustling shopping district of Demachi, which is lively with locals, there’s a longstanding Japanese confectionery shop that draws an unusually large crowd—‘Demachi Futaba.’
Whether passing by around 9 AM in the bustling morning or around 5 PM in the bustling evening, there is always a continuous long queue.
The famous ‘Nadai Mame-mochi’ from ‘Demachi Futaba,’ beloved by both locals and students alike, transcends generations, known for its friendly and gentle flavor of daifuku.
People from all over the world flock here in search of these delightful treats.
The turnover is fast, so even if the line is long, you’ll usually get your item within about 30 minutes.
| Name of the Spot | Demachi Futaba |
| Address | 〒602-0822 236 Seiryu-cho, Demachi-dori, Imadegawa-agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・15-minute walk from Keihan Line and Eizan Electric Railway, “Demachiyanagi Station” ・9-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus stop “Bukkyo Daigaku-mae” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Ajari-mochi Honpo Kyogashitsukasa Mangetsu Honten】The quintessential Kyoto confectionery! A classic Kyoto souvenir.
When it comes to the quintessential Kyoto wagashi souvenir, it has to be ‘Ajari-mochi’ from ‘Ajari-mochi Honpo Kyogashitsukasa Mangetsu Honten.’
Nowadays, it is available in department stores in Osaka, Tokyo, and other cities, but if you’re visiting Kyoto, you should definitely get it from the main store.
The outer dough is soft yet chewy and long-lasting, and the sweetness of the anko filling is addictive.
Whether for yourself or as a gift, ‘Ajari-mochi’ is a top recommendation that is sure to delight people of all ages.
At the main store (Honten), ‘Mangetsu,’ which shares its name with the store, is sold exclusively on weekends and holidays.
It often sells out by early afternoon, so we highly recommend visiting in the morning!
| Name of the Spot | Ajari-mochi Honpo Kyogashitsukasa Mangetsu Honten |
| Address | 〒606-8202 Marukoji Street, Imadegawa-agaru Sakyo Ward, Kyoto-shi Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・8-minute walk from “Demachiyanagi Station” on the Keihan Kamoto Line and the Eizan Electric Railway ・8-minute walk from “Mototanaka Station” on the Eizan Electric Railway Eizan Main Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten】One of the famous souvenirs, Yatsuhashi, is synonymous with Kyoto!
Yatsuhashi has solidified its position as ‘the quintessential Kyoto souvenir,’ and there are multiple manufacturers.
Among them, ‘Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten’ is a venerable wagashi shop with over 300 years of history, said to have started as a teahouse in 1689 (Genroku 2) during the early Edo period.
It was established for people visiting the grave of Yatsuhashi Kengyo, a famous koto (Japanese harp) player.
It’s delightful to enjoy ‘Yatsuhashi,’ which is said to be shaped like a Koto which is a Japanese traditional instrument.
Additionally, another popular wagashi ‘Hijiri,’ a nama-yatsuhashi filled with sweet red bean paste, is also a great choice. Nama-yatsumashi is different from normal yatsuhashi, and it fills Anko with a soft chewy covering.
Furthermore, across from ‘Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten,’ you will find ‘Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi Honten’ and the ‘Origin of Yatsuhashi,’ allowing you to enjoy a comparison tasting.
| Name of the Spot | Ajari-mochi Honpo Kyogashitsukasa Mangetsu Honten |
| Address | 〒606-8392 6 Sannōchō, Shōgoin Sakyo Ward, Kyoto-shi Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・1-minute walk from “Kumano Jinja-mae” bus stop on Kyoto City Bus ・9-minute walk from “Jingu-Marutamachi Station” on the Keihan Oto Line ・15-minute walk from “Higashiyama Station” on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details
【Kyoto’s Long-Established Shops】 Recommended Spots by Locals
【 Inoda Coffee Honten】Enjoy Kyoto Coffee Culture! A Local Chain Frequented by Residents
To experience Kyoto coffee culture, you can’t miss the gathering spot for locals, ‘Inoda Coffee Honten.’
While there are various shops nearby for a break after shopping at Nishiki Market, Daimaru, or Takashimaya, the main store (Honten) in Sanjo is recommended if you want to savor a retro atmosphere that feels like a time slip.
A place where you’d want to dress up a bit.
Be sure to drop by between your sightseeing at Teramachi, Shinkyogoku, and Nishiki Market.
Regular coffee in paper cans (ground only) makes for a delightful souvenir or seasonal gift!
| Name of the Spot | Inoda Coffee Honten |
| Address | 〒604-8118 140 Doyucho, Sakaimachi-dori Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・7-minute walk from “Karasuma Station” on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line ・7-minute walk from “Karasuma Oike Station” on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line and Tozai Line ・12-minute walk from “Shijo Station” on the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line ・13-minute walk from “Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station” on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line ・13-minute walk from “Sanjo Station” on the Keihan Main Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Imobou Hirano-ya Honten】Affordable for Its Location! The Place to Enjoy Kyoto Famous Potato Dishes
Located in Maruyama Park behind Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka-san), ‘Imobou Hirano-ya Honke’ boasts a history of 300 years dating back to the mid-Edo period.
The unique flavor has been passed down through generations from the first proprietor, Gontayu Hirano, who served the Shoren-in Temple.
In the capital where ingredients from all over the country gather, the combination of ebiimo (shrimp yam) and dried cod creates the famous dish ‘imobou.’
While Gion is great, visiting Yasaka Shrine and then enjoying the hidden Kyoto specialty of potato dishes at ‘Imobou Hirano-ya Honke’ is also a delightful experience.
| Name of the Spot | Imobou Hirano-ya Honke |
| Address | 〒605-0071 Maruyama Park, Gion, Higashiyama Ward Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan (North side of Yasaka Shrine) |
| Direction | ・6-minute walk from “Gion” bus stop on Kyoto City Bus ・11-minute walk from “Gion-Shijo Station” on the Keihan Main Line ・13-minute walk from “Higashiyama Station” on the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line ・14-minute walk from “Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station” on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Hakuun-an】Fucha Cuisine in Obaku-san Manpuku-ji! Savoring Shojin Ryori with a View
Hakuunan-an, established as a grave (tatchu) at the main temple of the Obaku sect, Manpuku-ji, is a long-standing establishment of Fucha cuisine, also known as Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine).
This cuisine, heavily influenced by temple cooking, is a distinctive style of Kyoto cuisine with strong remnants of Chinese culinary heritage, exclusively found in the Obaku sect’s Fucha cuisine.
Reservations are required, and they accept orders for ‘Fucha cuisine’ starting with one person.
We highly recommend experiencing the remarkable satisfaction of a two-soup, six-dish menu that does not include any meat.
| Name of the Spot | Hakuun-an |
| Address | 〒611-0011 30 Nishinoura, Gokasho Uji-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・5-minute walk from JR West Nara Line “Obaku Station” ・10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line “Obaku Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Tsuen Chaya】When it comes to Kyoto, it’s all about Uji tea! Its history and prestige are unparalleled.
Even in Kyogen, there exists a play titled ‘Tsuen,’ but the venerable Tsuen Chaya (tea house) dates back to 1160 (the first year of Eiryaku in the Heian period), making it truly ancient.
Featured in the novel ‘Miyamoto Musashi’ by Eiji Yoshikawa, ‘Tsuen Chaya’ stands beside Aburi Mochi Ichiwa in front of Imamiya Shrine, operating regularly as one of Japan’s oldest tea houses.
Located modestly at the eastern end of Uji Bridge, this establishment with its formidable history accommodates only about three groups at a time.
Yet, enjoying Uji’s famous ‘nishi-cha soba’ while gazing at the Uji River is an exceptional experience.
It is a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Uji.
| Name of the Spot | Tsuen Chaya |
| Address | 〒611-0021 1 Uji Higashiuchi, Uji-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・Right in front of “Uji Station” on the Keihan Uji Line |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
【 Hanayashiki Ukifune-en】After visiting Byodoin Temple, enjoy a meal while overlooking the Uji River
Beyond the World Heritage Site of Byodoin Temple, up along the stone-paved path by the Uji River, you’ll discover the traditional Japanese inn and restaurant, Hanayashiki Ukifune-en.
From here, you can enjoy the changing scenery of To-no-shima Island and the Uji River, experiencing the four seasons of Kyoto’s Uji area.
Interestingly, you can also stay overnight here and even indulge in an open-air bath along the Uji River.
After savoring Kyoto cuisine, you might find yourself craving something hearty like steak. Just across the stone-paved path is ‘Steak Kappo Hanayashiki,’ where the meat dishes are equally exquisite.
Founded in 1894 (the 27th year of the Meiji era), which may seem recent, Yamamoto Senji, who was assassinated at the age of 39 after working tirelessly as a representative delegate for the Labor and Farmers Party to establish a democratic nation, is also locally renowned as the young proprietor of “Hanayashiki”.
| Name of the Spot | Hanayashiki Ukifune-en |
| Address | 〒611-0021 20-21 Ujitogawa, Uji-shi, Kyoto, Japan |
| Direction | ・15-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line “Uji Station” ・16-minute walk from JR West Nara Line “Uji Station” |
※Information is subject to change. Please contact the facility for details.
In Conclusion
Now that I’ve introduced some recommended traditional gourmet spots in Kyoto, have you found the ‘Kyoto-style cuisine’ you were looking for?
While there are many wonderful restaurants within Kyoto city, just a 30-minute train ride north or south can lead you to different specialties: sake in Fushimi, Fucha cuisine in Obaku, tea in Uji, and ume (plum) in Joyo.
Each area has its own unique local products and dishes, along with tourist attractions. So, on your next visit to Kyoto, be sure to explore the deeper aspects of Kyoto and enjoy all it has to offer!
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