As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the birthplace of much Japanese history and culture, and that is reflected in its food. From buzzing yatai food stalls to seasonal festival foods, street food lovers will be able to enjoy both traditional and modern dishes across the city.
We’ve created a three-day Kyoto itinerary for first-time visitors in the past, but this time, we’re focusing on Kyoto’s street food.
If you’re looking for ideas on where to eat the most delicious street food in Kyoto and what kind of street food to try, keep reading!
5 best spots for Kyoto street food
- Nishiki Market
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Gion Festival
- Motomiya Festival
1. Nishiki Market
Well-known for a reason, Nishiki Market is a rite of passage for people visiting Kyoto for the first time. Its dozens of vendors sell everything from matcha products and wagyu beef to seafood skewers, ensuring that there’s something tasty for everyone to try!
But if you’d like to take out the guesswork, why not try a guided tour? We have two byFood original Nishiki Market experiences to suit your preference.
Nishiki Market and culture walking tour in Kyoto
Try out five different types of local Kyoto food in the Nishiki Market area, including local home-cooked meals, tofu skin, hamo tempura, minced beef cutlet and a probiotic drink.
Once you’re full, step on out to the Gion neighborhood, where you’ll learn the rich history of the district with our English-speaking guide. This tour wraps up in three hours, making it a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Kyoto Nishiki Market tour with 7-course lunch
For those who have a bigger appetite, go on this tour of Kyoto street food at up to ten different vendors. Taste the flavors of Kyoto as you take in the sights, smells and history of Nishiki Market.
Plus, our guide will give you some insight into the lives of each vendor and craftsman, giving you a little dose of inspiration along the way.
2. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Lining the way to the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple are the shop-filled streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Offering both traditional foods like yudofu, dashi-simmered soft tofu dipped in ponzu or vinegar, and modern creations like wagyu cheese rice burgers, these busy streets are one of the best places to chow down on street food in Kyoto.
For more ideas on what to eat at Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, follow along with Shizuka as she finds out what street food specialties the area has to offer!
3. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
A classic sightseeing spot, Arashiyama is also great for eating street food. After wandering through the bamboo forest and snapping some photos, head to the shopping street for two of Kyoto’s most famous dishes: yuba tofu skin and matcha.
A warming yuba soup is perfect for cold winter days and a matcha parfait from ARINCO is equally light and sweet.
4. Gion Festival
As one of the largest and most famous summer festivals in Japan, Kyoto’s Gion Festival, spans nearly the entire month of July, hosting events celebrating with lively dances, ornate floats and, best of all, mouth-watering street food.
Although you can have a blast at any of the evening events, we recommend the Yoiyama period on the 15th and 16th when the streets shut down to make room for all the food stalls. Be sure to arrive hungry!
5. Motomiya Festival
Another summer festival in Kyoto with ample street food is the Motomiya Festival at Fushimi Inari. Taking place on July 21st and 22nd, this is a chance to see Fushimi Inari like never before. Traditional artists will paint paper lanterns that are then hung around the main shrine area, illuminating the spot at night for festival goers.
You can also watch the taiko drum ceremonies and participate in the dancing at night, too. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head over to the food stall area for a well-earned meal of delicious Kyoto cuisine.
9 best street foods in Kyoto
- Double wagyu triple cheese rice burger
- Han-namagashi
- Deep-fried conger eel
- Kyoto tofu age-fu
- Sasamaki fu manju
- Deep-fried fish cakes
- Snoopy dorayaki
- Melon and mango soda floats
- Mitarashi dango
1. Double Wagyu triple cheese rice burger
Stacked with tender wagyu beef and three melted cheeses — including a delightfully smoked gouda cheese — this rice burger takes the rice bun trend to the next level by making it a Japanese-American fusion you won't be able to resist as you’re walking through the streets of Kyoto.
2. Han-namagashi
Literally translating to “half-fresh sweets,” han-namagashi refers to raw Japanese sweets, or wagashi, that are jelly-like in consistency. You can find them in both traditional and non-traditional motifs, but the eye-catching designs mean that these sweets make perfect omiyage souvenirs for any jealous friends back home.
3. Deep-fried conger eel
Deep-fried in tempura batter, the crispy deep-fried anago conger eel is the perfect savory snack between meals. Conger eel is commonly eaten in the summer and can be enjoyed on a skewer or on top of a bowl of rice — compared to unagi freshwater eel, anago is known for its tender, delicate meat and mild flavor.
4. Kyoto tofu age-fu
Tofu is one of Kyoto’s specialties, and you can easily find a few different tofu dishes at every sightseeing spot in the city. One dish you have to try while there? Fried tofu, or tofu age-fu. Marinated with soy sauce for an unexpectedly juicy bite, you won’t have tried tofu like this before. Look for varieties with cheese to add even more flavor.
5. Sasamaki fu manju
If you’re looking for a pillowy soft sweet treat, add sasamaki fu manju to your list. Selling two different varieties, the Leaf Kyoto Mall online shop specializes in these steamed wheat buns, infused with mugwort for a green tint on the outside and filled with sweet red bean paste.
Alternatively, follow Shizuka’s footsteps through Nishiki Market and buy them fresh from a local stall.
6. Deep-fried fish cakes
Found at Nishiki Market and other seafood-laden destinations, deep-fried fish cakes are a yummy street food that’s sure to appeal to tourists of all ages. Be sure to try out the different types of fish cake, including ones with potatoes, butter, cheese, and more.
The byFood host Shizuka can certainly vouch for the deep-fried fish cakes wrapped around quail’s eggs!
7. Snoopy dorayaki
Also located right in Nishiki Market, Snoopy Chaya sells adorable, kid-friendly Japanese sweets with the lovable Snoopy stamped on top; reach for an updated Japanese classic, the dorayaki pancake, filled with chestnut puree and stamped with the adorable face of Snoopy.
And if you’re hungry for more, don’t worry. The shop has full meals on the menu too, including curry with rice in the shape of Snoopy’s head and more!
8. Melon and mango soda floats
For a refreshing drink to wash all the street food down, try out a melon or mango soda float. These fizzy drinks are topped with vanilla ice cream, adding a sweet creaminess to the soda that’s instantly nostalgic and indulgent.
9. Mitarashi dango
Hear us out: there is almost no street food more classic in Kyoto than mitarashi dango. For the best mitarashi dango, head to the outskirts of Nishiki Market until you see shops that sell flat, well-grilled dango. The different shape allows for dango that’s chewy in the middle, but bouncy and well-cooked.
To keep your culinary Kyoto experience going, read about the best food markets in Kyoto or plan your to-do list with our 3-day Kyoto itinerary.
Kyoto street food FAQs
What kinds of street food can I find in Kyoto?
From crispy tempura to savory takoyaki, Kyoto offers a wide array of street food options to tantalize your taste buds.
Where are the best places to find street food in Kyoto?
Head to Nishiki Market or Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka for a foodie paradise filled with delectable street food stalls serving up local specialties.
If you want to be guided through one of Kyoto’s best street food spots with an expert local guide, book your place on this private Nishiki Market food tour. You won’t regret it!
How much does Kyoto street food typically cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of food you choose, but you can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred yen to a couple of thousand yen for a satisfying snack or meal.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Kyoto street food?
Absolutely! Kyoto is known for its vegetarian-friendly cuisine, so you'll have no trouble finding delicious plant-based street food options to enjoy.
For a few more vegetarian or vegan options in Kyoto, check out our Kyoto vegan guide.
Do I need to speak Japanese to order street food in Kyoto?
While knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful, many street food vendors in Kyoto are accustomed to serving international visitors and have English menus or signage available.
But, if you want to impress them or your fellow diners at a restaurant, take a look at our must-know Japanese phrases!
Is it customary to tip street food vendors in Kyoto?
No need to tip! In Japan, tipping is not a common practice, so you can simply enjoy your street food without worrying about leaving a gratuity. In fact, if you leave any money behind, the stall vendor will likely chase you down the street to return it to you.
