Kyoto Street Food: What to Eat in the Streets of Kyoto

Wondering what to eat in the streets of Kyoto? In this guide, we highlighted the best street food in Kyoto that we recommend you to try!

When you think of Kyoto, you might picture shrines and temples right off the bat. And rightfully so…Kyoto is home to some of the most iconic religious landmarks in Japan being the first capital.

However, Kyoto isn’t just about shrines and temples. To give depth to your trip to Kyoto, you ought to explore its culinary gifts. From food markets to temple grounds, Kyoto does not disappoint at all.

There are many street foods that Kyoto is known for. On this list, we highlighted the one we recommend you try while you visit the most famous attractions in Kyoto, from Nishiki Market to Fushimi Inari Shrine to Kiyomizu-dera to Arashiyama.

1. Tako tamago or octopus egg

Tako tamago is a skewered baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg. It’s a street crowd favorite. Wherever you go, you will find it, including Nishiki Market.

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2. Dashimaki tamago or rolled egg omelet

It looks simple, but dashi tamago, or rolled egg omelet made with dashi (broth or stock), is a feast to the palate. You can find a lot of these at Nishiki Market too.

3. Inari sushi

This is sushi rice wrapped in deep-fried bags of aburaage (tofu) is a fox’s fave food. Foxes are a symbol of Fushimi Inari, believed to be messengers of Inari.

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4. Tsujiura senbei or fortune cookies

Also found at Fushimi Inari, tsujiura senbei is believed to be the original fortune cookies.

5. Ichiho ame or candied strawberries on stick

Candied strawberries are popular at festivals in Japan. You will find a lot of them at Kiyomizu-dera.

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6. Senbei or rice crackers

You might notice the smell of soy sauce while walking the streets. It could be because of senbei or rice crackers served with different flavors. Whether you want it sweet, salty, or spicy, you have flavors to choose from.

7. Matcha-flavored drinks/snacks

Matcha is all over—believe it or not. Whether it’s soft-serve or cream puffs or cakes or tea, you can find match-flavored drinks and snacks on the streets of Kyoto. At Kiyomizu-dera, there are many of them!

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8. Yatsuhashi or glutinous rice snack

Sold as a souvenir snack, you should try yatshuhashi. This glutinous rice made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon is one of the most popular regional products from Kyoto. You can have it baked or steamed.

9. Mizu-maru mochi 

Also known as raindrop cakes, mizu-maru mochi is a snack for the sweet tooth. It’s made from sugar syrup and roasted soybean powder. You can find it at Fushimi Inari.

10. Korroke or croquettes

If you are in the streets of Arashiyama, be sure to get korroke or croquettes, which is made from potatoes and meat covered with panko breading.

11. Dango or rice balls

Pick up some dango or rice dumplings if you are looking for traditional snacks around Arashiyama.

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12. Taiyaki or fish-shaped cakes

And finally, don’t leave Kyoto without tasking taiyaki. These fish-shaped cakes filled with custard cream and sweet bean paste are a common snack among locals.

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Looking for a fun food tour in Kyoto? Come join us at our Nishiki Market Kyoto Food Tour where we bring you around the best food spots at Nishiki Market and feast on various delicious dishes.

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