There is no doubt that Japan has one of the most diverse and interesting cuisines out there, with each prefecture having its own unique dishes. Kyoto is no exception, with its own food and variations on Japanese favourites. Here are some of them, with recommendations on where you can find them.
Nishin Soba
Soba is a common noodle dish in Japan, but Kyoto is especially known for its soba in hot soup, topped with a cooked piece of nishin (herring). In the past, because Kyoto was far from the sea, any seafood obtained had to be preserved for as long as possible. As such, fish like herring had to be cooked in sugar and soy sauce to increase their shelf life, and the fish in the soba noodles today are cooked very much the same way, as part of a long-standing tradition.
To try this simple yet delicious dish when in Kyoto, visit Matsuba. Established in 1861, this restaurant was where Nishin Soba originated from, created by sous-chef Yosakichi back in 1882. Other than the famous soba, you can also duck soba, pork udon, or even just plain soba. There is a main store located in the neighbourhood of Gion, but there is also one at Kyoto Station, so you’ll be able to try some of these tasty noodles before you get on the train.
Address: 192 Kawabata-cho, Shijo-ohashi Higashi-iru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Opening Hours:
Thursday - Tuesday: 11am - 9:30pm
Obanzai
If you like traditional home-cooking, this is the meal for you. Obanzai meals consist of several small dishes, each made with fresh local ingredients, mainly vegetables and tofu. The taste of Obanzai meals are usually light, but they make for a great way to taste many delicious Japanese dishes in one meal.
For something well-established, visit Menami, a family-run business that has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine for more than 70 years. Try their Obanzai Assortment platter, which consists of 5 different dishes that change every day, as well as separate Obanzai dishes that you can order if you want a taste.
For something a little more modern, try Nakashimaya. The ingredients of the Obanzai are harvested from the owner’s own farm, and the dishes here are given a modern twist. You’ll be able to see the top 8 recommended dishes of the day, which also change daily, making every visit a new experience.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Menami:
Sanjo Kiyamachi Building II 1F 96 Nakajimacho, Kiyamachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004
Thursday - Tuesday: 3pm - 10pm
Nakashimaya:
115 Bukkoji-higashi-machi, Bukkoji-dori Tominokoji Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Monday - Sunday: 11:30am - 11pm
Kyozushi
A big fan of sushi? You’re in luck, because Kyoto has its own variation, aptly named Kyozushi - Kyoto sushi. One of its most popular types is the saba sushi, or mackerel sushi, an uncommon but just as tasty fish for sushi.
One of the most popular places to get Kyozushi is Izuju, also located in Gion, known especially for its delicious saba sushi. However, with it being so popular, be prepared to queue before you get your hands on their famous sushi.
Hisago Zushi is another great place where you get Kyozushi. Watch the sushi chefs through the shopfront window before you enter and try some of your own. If the sun is out, you can always order some takeaway and enjoy your refreshing sushi by the nearby Kamo River.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Izuju:
292 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073
Thursday - Tuesday: 10:30am - 7pm
Hisago Zushi:
344-3 Shioyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8027
Thursday - Tuesday: 10:30am - 6:30pm
Yudofu and Yuba
Tofu and beancurd may be some of the simplest and plainest ingredients, but those that come from Kyoto are on a whole other level. These ingredients from Kyoto are especially tasty because of the prefecture’s pure and high quality water that is used in production. They are so special that they even have their own names: yudofu for tofu and yuba for beancurd sheets. Luckily, most restaurants specialising in tofu will serve both dishes.
Yudofu and yuba are often served as a main dish accompanied by several small side dishes, which make for a simple yet healthy and filling meal. You can find it in several restaurants, including Yudofu Sagano located in the Arashiyama area near the Tenryuji Temple, Nanzenji Junsei near the Nanzenji Temple, and Toyouke Jaya near the Kitano Tenmangu shrine, all perfect locations for a good meal during your sightseeing adventure.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Yudofu Sagano:
45 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu, 616-8385
Monday - Sunday: 11am -7pm
Nanzenji Junsei:
60 Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu, 606-8437
Monday - Sunday: 11am - 9:30pm
Toyouke Jaya:
822 Kamiyagawa-cho, Imadegawa-dori Onmaenishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Friday - Wednesday: 11am - 3pm
Kaiseki Ryori
For those with more sophisticated tastes, Kaiseki Ryori is a multi-course meal that has its origins in the elaborate meals that were popular among the elite upper class of society. The dishes are not only made with the freshest of ingredients, but are also beautifully plated. Be prepared: these expensive meals are definitely not for those on a budget!
To try one of the best Kaiseki Ryori meals, make a reservation at the Micheline-starred Kiyamachi Sakuragawa. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner courses, the former at 7,000 yen and the latter at a grand 20,000 yen. However, with dishes prepared with the freshest and tastiest seasonal ingredients right in front of you, these prices are well worth it. The restaurant only has 14 seats, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama is another Kaiseki Ryori restaurant, and this one has three Michelin stars! The plating here is elaborate and over-the-top, and so are the prices, with the lunch course starting at 40,000 yen per person, not including tax and service charge! The prices only go up from there, and there is even a Chef’s ‘Omakase’ Course, a meal that the chef prepares in front of you using the finest ingredients, and a cost that depends on the market price of said ingredients. If you have more than enough money to spare and want to try the best of the best, a meal which includes high grade ingredients like kobe beef and bluefin tuna, then be sure to make a reservation.
Address and Opening Hours:
Kiyamachi Sakuragawa:
491 Kamikoriki-cho, Nijo sagaru, Kiyamachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0923
Monday - Saturday:
Lunch 12pm - 2pm
Dinner 6pm - 10pm
Website
Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama:
58, Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, KYOTO 616-8385
Thursday - Tuesday:
Lunch 11:30am – 3pm (last order at 12:30pm)
Dinner 5pm – 9pm (last order at 6:30 PM)
Website
Shojin Ryori
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have the Shojin Ryori, vegetarian meals originated by Japanese Buddhist monks, created on the belief that they could not harm any sentient living being, thus using no animal products. These simple and humble dishes serve as a great counterpoint to those Kaiseki Ryori, and are perfect for a healthy but fulfilling meal. Considering their origins, most Shojin Ryori restaurants can be found in temples, which means there are plenty of them in Kyoto, the land of temples and shrines.
Located inside the grounds of the Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, you’ll find Shigetsu, a restaurant that specialises in Shojin Ryori. You have options of rice served with 5, 6, or 7 side dishes, each one freshly made and beautifully served, making for a great meal after you’ve explored the temple.
Another restaurant that serves delicious Shojin Ryori is the branch of Izusen Daijin located in the Daitoku-ji Temple. There are the staples of rich and tofu, as well as seasonal ingredients, such as asparagus, mushrooms, and chestnuts. The beauty of this place doesn’t just come from its food; there is also outdoor seating where you enjoy the surrounding zen garden along with your meal.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Shigetsu:
68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385
Monday - Sunday: 11am - 2pm
Izusen Daijin:
4 Murasaki-no-Daitokuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Monday - Sunday 11am - 4pm
Matcha
Kyoto produces some of the best matcha (finely-grounded green tea powder) in Japan, and throughout the prefecture, you’ll find plenty of stores either selling the tea as is, or more commonly incorporated into drinks and desserts.
For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll be spoilt for choice for the many dessert shops and confectionaries that specialise in sweet Matcha treats, which come in all forms. Dip fresh fruits in hot Matcha fondue at Jouvencelle, try authentic Matcha jelly at Nakamura Tokichi, or enjoy a cold Matcha parfait from Saryo Tsujiri; these are just some of the places where you can taste some of the best green tea in the whole of Japan.
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Jouvencelle:
482 Kiyoicho, Yasakatorimae minamihairu, Higashiyama-ward, Kyoto
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Nakamura Tokichi:
Main Store
10 Uji ichiban, Uji-city, Kyoto
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5:30pm
Kyoto Station Store
JR Kyoto Isetan 3rd floor (in front of west ticket gate of JR Kyoto Station)
Monday - Sunday: 11am - 10pm (last order 9pm)
Saryo Tsujiri:
Main Store
Unit 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0074
Monday - Friday: 10am - 9pm (last order 8pm)
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays - 10am - 9pm (last order 7:30pm)
Kyoto Isetan Store
Shimogyo Ward Kyoto Isetan 6th floor
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm (last order 7:30pm)
