Travel for Life: Japan Travel: Eating in Kyoto

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Japan Travel: Eating in Kyoto

As a traveler in Japan, you could be worried about simple things such as where to dine or lodge. For example, many people have asked where to buy breakfast in the early morning. It's true that most restaurants don't serve breakfast and won't open until 10 or 11 am.

Also, as a budget traveler, you may want to save money on meals while, at the same time, want to experience real Japanese Foods. If you are such a person, this article may offer some helps for you when visiting Kyoto (京都) area.

Breakfast

Not many eateries serve breakfast (朝食 / ちょうしょく / choushoku) early morning in Kyoto. As a visitor, you may want to plan ahead. Here are some suggestions:

High-end hotels

Try their buffet breakfast

Chain stores

Yoshinoya (吉野家)

Breakfast: 4 am - 11 am (朝食)

納豆定食、焼魚定食、特朝定食
豆腐ぶっかけ飯、鶏そぼろ飯

Nakau (なか卯)

Open 24 hours (Menu)

Yayoiken (やよい軒)

Open 24 hours (朝食)

納豆朝食、目玉焼朝食、銀鮭朝食

McDonalds
Others

本家第一旭たかばし本店 (5 am — midnight 2am)
15 Chain Restaurants and Coffee Shops to Enjoy Japan’s Morning Set

In a Hurry

If you are on the road and don't have much time to eat in a sit-down restaurant, consider bento (弁当 / べんとう) and side dishes sold at the following locations:

Department Stores

At the Department Stores of Japan, most of them have the food shops at their basement, where you can buy bento, sweets, side dishes, etc.
The two food floors below Isetan Department Store are a wonderland of culinary delights. They’re the best high-end supermarket in the Kyoto Station Area.

Read [6] for 7 recommended food items to buy

Train Stations

Read [1] for 15 recommended bento to buy at Kyoto Station

Traditional food markets ^[10-13]

Nishiki Market (錦市場 Nishiki ichiba)

Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.^[11]
As same with Kuromon Ichiba (黒門市場) in Osaka, some shops offer ready-to-eat snacks for take away.^[12]

Convenience Stores^[15]

You can get many kinds of meal there. Not just snacks, there are many meals suitable for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. For example, these are the 3 best meals you can find:^[14]

Bento
Bread
Rice Ball (御握り / おにぎり / Onigiri)

Supermarkets^[18]

Department store basements usually have a small-size supermarket (i.e., place that sells general groceries), but they are usually relatively high in price.
Fresco (Kyoto Area)
Gourmet City
Kyoto Coop