Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is renowned for its rich history, stunning temples, and vibrant food culture. While the city is often associated with expensive kaiseki dinners and Michelin-starred restaurants, there are plenty of affordable and delicious culinary experiences to be had. Here’s a guide to 10 cheap and good food options in Kyoto, all under 1,000 yen:
1. Nishiki Market: A Culinary Paradise
Nishiki Market is a lively and bustling market street lined with hundreds of food stalls and shops selling a vast array of fresh produce, seafood, and prepared foods. It’s a great place to sample Kyoto’s street food culture and try some of the local specialties.
- Tofu Donuts: These fluffy donuts are made with tofu, giving them a unique and savory flavor. They can be found at various stalls throughout the market, with prices starting at 150 yen.
- Grilled Mackerel: Freshly grilled mackerel is a popular snack in Kyoto and can be found at many stalls in Nishiki Market. Prices typically range from 200 to 300 yen.
- Pickles: Kyoto is known for its variety of pickles, and you’ll find an assortment of them at Nishiki Market. They’re a great way to add some sour and salty flavors to your meal. Prices vary depending on the type of pickles.
2. Gion Corner: Authentic Geisha Food
Gion Corner is a small food court located in the heart of the Gion district, famous for its geisha culture. The food court offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes at affordable prices.
- Oden: This hearty stew is made with various ingredients such as daikon, konjac, and tofu, simmered in a flavorful broth. A bowl of oden at Gion Corner costs around 150 yen.
- Kyo-Fu: This is a type of Kyoto-style tofu that is soft and has a delicate flavor. It’s often served with a dipping sauce and costs around 200 yen.
- Gyu-Nikomi: This is a beef stew that is slowly simmered in a savory broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cold day. Prices start at 300 yen.
3. Pontocho Alley: Lively Dining District
Pontocho Alley is a narrow pedestrian street lined with traditional wooden buildings that house a variety of restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to experience Kyoto’s nightlife and enjoy some delicious food.
- Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers are a popular street food in Japan, and you’ll find many yakitori stalls in Pontocho Alley. Prices typically range from 100 to 200 yen per skewer.
- Ramen: There are several ramen shops in Pontocho Alley, offering bowls of flavorful ramen at affordable prices. The average cost of a bowl of ramen is around 800 yen.
- Okonomiyaki: This savory pancake is made with flour, cabbage, and various other ingredients. It’s a filling and delicious meal that can be found at several eateries in Pontocho Alley. Prices start at around 500 yen.
4. Kiyamachi Street: Tempura Heaven
Kiyamachi Street is known for its many tempura restaurants, where you can enjoy freshly fried tempura at low prices. Tempura is a Japanese dish consisting of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
- Ebi Tempura: Shrimp is a classic tempura option and can be found at many restaurants on Kiyamachi Street. Prices typically start at around 200 yen per piece.
- Vegetable Tempura: A variety of vegetables, such as sweet potato, eggplant, and lotus root, can also be tempura-fried. They’re often sold in sets or as individual pieces, with prices ranging from 100 to 200 yen each.
- Tempura Don: A bowl of rice topped with tempura is a popular choice among locals. Prices typically range from 500 to 800 yen.
5. Nishijin Textile Center: Culinary Oasis
The Nishijin Textile Center is a complex dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional Nishijin textile industry. However, the center also houses a food court that offers a variety of affordable and authentic Japanese dishes.
- Sushi: The sushi counter at the Nishijin Textile Center offers fresh and delicious sushi at reasonable prices. Prices typically range from 100 to 200 yen per piece.
- Udon: Udon is a thick wheat noodle soup that is popular in Japan. The Nishijin Textile Center’s food court has several udon shops, with prices starting at around 500 yen.
- Donburi: Donburi is a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables. There are several donburi options available at the food court, with prices ranging from 500 to 800 yen.
6. Kurama-dera Temple: Hieizan Tofu
Kurama-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Mount Kurama, just outside Kyoto. The temple is famous for its Hieizan tofu, which is said to have been developed over 1,000 years ago.
- Hieizan Tofu: This tofu is known for its smooth texture and rich flavor. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes such as soups, stews, and salads. Prices typically range from 200 to 300 yen.
- Hieizan Tofu Ice Cream: A unique twist on tofu, this ice cream has a smooth and creamy texture with a subtle tofu flavor. It’s a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Prices start at around 300 yen.
7. Sagano Romantic Train: Scenic Dining Experience
The Sagano Romantic Train is a scenic train that runs along the Hozukyo Ravine, offering breathtaking views of nature. The train also has a dining car that serves a variety of local specialties and bento boxes.
- Bento Boxes: The bento boxes offered on the Sagano Romantic Train are filled with a variety of delicious Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, and sashimi. Prices typically range from 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
- Matcha Green Tea: The dining car also serves fresh matcha green tea, a traditional Japanese beverage made from finely ground green tea leaves. Prices start at around 500 yen.
8. Kamogawa River: Picnic Perfection
The Kamogawa River is a scenic spot in Kyoto and a popular destination for picnics during warm weather. You can buy food from nearby convenience stores or supermarkets and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the riverbank.
- Bento Boxes: Convenience stores in Kyoto sell a variety of bento boxes filled with different combinations of Japanese dishes. Prices typically range from 500 to 800 yen.
- Onigiri: Onigiri are rice balls that are often filled with various ingredients such as umeboshi (pickled plum), tuna, or salmon. They’re a popular and affordable snack or meal. Prices start at around 100 yen.
- Dango: Dango are soft and chewy rice dumplings that are often served with a sweet sauce. They’re a classic Japanese dessert and can be found at many convenience stores. Prices typically range from 100 to 200 yen.
9. Fushimi Inari Shrine: Inari Sushi Feast
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The shrine also has many food stalls that sell a variety of snacks and meals, including inari sushi.
- Inari Sushi: Inari sushi is a type of sushi made with vinegared rice that is wrapped in deep-fried tofu pouches. It’s a popular and affordable snack that can be found at many food stalls at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Prices typically range from 100 to 200 yen per piece.
- Udon: There are also several udon shops at Fushimi Inari Shrine, offering bowls of fresh and flavorful udon. Prices typically range from 500 to 800 yen.
10. Kinkaku-ji Temple: Golden Pavilion Lunch
Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto. The temple has a teahouse that serves a variety of traditional Japanese meals and sweets.
- Benkei Mochi: Benkei mochi is a type of mochi (rice cake) that is filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s a popular snack that can be found at the teahouse at Kinkaku-ji Temple. Prices start at around 200 yen.
- Matcha Green Tea: The teahouse also serves fresh matcha green tea, a traditional Japanese beverage made from finely ground green tea leaves. Prices start at around 500 yen.
Here are four useful tables:
| Restaurant | Dish | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nishiki Market | Tofu Donuts | From 150 yen |
| Gion Corner | Oden | 150 yen |
| Pontocho Alley | Yakitori | From 100 yen per skewer |
| Kiyamachi Street | Ebi Tempura |
