[2024] 23 Kyoto food spots to try! Introducing areas such as Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Nishiki Market

Gion area, close to Kamo River and Yasaka Shrine

Shijo Kawaramachi is known as Kyoto's number one downtown area. If you head east across Shijo Ohashi Bridge over the Kamo River, you'll enter Gion, one of Kyoto's five geisha districts. Among them, Pontocho is lined with teahouses and restaurants, giving it a unique atmosphere.

If you walk to the eastern end of Shijo Street, you will see the bright vermilion tower gate of Yasaka Shrine, affectionately known as "Gion-san." This is an area where you can feel the history just by walking.

[Takoyaki] "Pontako Sakura" is a Kyoto-style dish made with octopus and broth.

Located on a corner of Pontocho-dori, "Pontako Sakura" is a restaurant that serves Kyoto-style takoyaki and teppanyaki. The name of the restaurant, "Pontako," means "Pontocho takoyaki." The batter is made by kneading dashi stock carefully made every day from kelp and bonito flakes, and is so delicious even when unglazed.

Takoyaki are grilled through the lattices of the Kyoto townhouse, and the delicious smell of broth tickles your nose as you stand in front of the shop.

The Kyoto-style takoyaki at "Pontako Sakura" is also popular for its wide variety of sauces and toppings. For example, "Ponkamomo" (2 pieces for 550 yen) is a delicious combination of thick and juicy duck loin and a dashi-flavored batter that spreads in your mouth. If you add the mustard that comes with it to your liking, it will have an even more adult taste.

Actually, this "Ponkamo" is not a take-out menu item, but if you tell the owner that you saw it on OnTrip JAL, they will also accommodate take-out.

At "Pontako Sakura," they use octopus that is boiled in a pot in the store every day and cut into large pieces. The octopus stands out in their takoyaki, and you'll definitely be hooked after just one try.

The restaurant also offers wine pairings, so be sure to come and enjoy some takoyaki that you won't find anywhere else.

Pontako Sakura

[Kyoto Namafu] Enjoy traditional food in a pop skewer style at "Gion Kyo Kurara"

Gion Kyo Kurara, a Kyoto namafu specialty store located at the foot of the stone steps of Yasaka Shrine, combines handmade Kyoto namafu with a variety of ingredients and serves them on cute lollipop-like skewers.

Kyo Namafu is made by mixing wheat flour and water with mochi flour and steaming it, and has a characteristic chewy texture. It has a history of being used as one of the ingredients in shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) since the end of the Kamakura period, and is said to have been a valuable source of protein for Zen monks, for whom eating meat was taboo.

The "Kyoto Namafu Skewers" (350 yen each) are made with chewy Kyoto namafu made by craftsmen using traditional methods. The combination of various ingredients such as "agebubuarare" (fried burdock rice crackers) and "dengaku miso" is visually appealing and perfect for eating on the go. The Kyoto namafu is grilled and topped after you order, so you can enjoy it while it's still hot and fresh.

If you want to try a variety of skewers, we recommend the 3-skewer set (1,000 yen), which lets you choose your favorite Kyoto namafu. Pictured are "age bubu arare," "purple sweet potato paste," and "dengaku miso white miso." They look cute and are the perfect size for eating on the go.

The most popular item is the "Age Bubu Arare." It is a colorful skewer of Kyoto namafu covered in bubu arare (small rice crackers made from glutinous rice), and is fried after the order is placed, making it even more delicious. You can choose between "mochi fu" or "shiso fu" for the Kyoto namafu inside. The chewy Kyoto namafu, the crispy texture of the bubu arare, and the warmth of the freshly fried food will have you hooked.

The menu also includes a variety of other items, from sweets like "Bean Jam Yomogi" and "Chestnut Kinton An" to savory dishes like "Dengaku Miso White Miso," "Cheese Fu Cutlet," "Wasabi Isobe Yaki," and "Bacon Wrapped." There are also seasonal skewers, so be sure to check them out at the store.

Gion Kyo Kurara

[Matcha au Lait] An exquisite drink made with carefully selected Uji matcha and milk at "Gion Tsujiri Gion Main Branch"

Gion Tsujiri was founded in 1860 in Uji, Kyoto, as a manufacturer and seller of Uji tea.
During the Meiji period, the company operated as Tsujiri Tea Shop in Taipei, Taiwan, and in 1948 it opened a store in Gion, the home of Yasaka Shrine.

The first floor of the store is "Gion Tsujiri Gion Main Store," which sells take-out menu items and souvenirs, while the second floor is "Saryo Tsujiri Gion Main Store," which offers parfaits and other cafe menu items.

If you want to take out the "Matcha Au Lait" (450 yen) introduced in this article, head to the counter on the first floor.

The "Matcha Au Lait" (450 yen) uses carefully selected Uji matcha, allowing you to enjoy the elegant aroma of matcha and the gentle taste of milk. As a Uji tea specialty store, the richness and aroma of the matcha sets it apart from other stores. The vibrant green color makes it a delicious drink to enjoy with your eyes.

Hot drinks are also available, making it a great accompaniment for your autumn and winter strolls.

Gion Tsujiri Gion Main Branch

Related article

14 souvenirs you can only buy in Kyoto. From Japanese goods to innovative sweets, take home a variety of Kyoto culture!

In addition to long-established stores that preserve traditional techniques, new faces are constantly appearing as souvenirs in Kyoto. In Kyoto, where diverse cultures have been nurtured, you can enjoy a wide variety of new and old products. In this article, we have carefully selected "souvenirs that can only be purchased in Kyoto."

ontrip.jal.co.jp

11 recommended spots for viewing autumn leaves in Kyoto. Introducing light-ups and hidden spots you'll want to visit this fall.

Kyoto is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves are colored red. We have carefully selected 11 places that can only be seen in Kyoto, including fantastically lit up spots and hidden gems. We will also introduce information on the best time to see the leaves.

ontrip.jal.co.jp