Kyoto’s Unique Souvenirs And The Best Places To Get Them

Kyoto’s Unique Souvenirs And The Best Places To Get Them
Trip101 Editorial
Trip101 Editorial 
Updated
| 5 min read

Kyoto is a popular city in Japan famous for the fantastic Japanese culture, history and natural landscapes it offers. There are also various souvenirs unique to Kyoto which embody the best of the Japanese spirit. Here are some of the best souvenirs you should get for your family and friends when in Kyoto!

Traditional Japanese sweets from Kyoto Yoshinoya

Wagashi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Kyoto Yoshinoya is a Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) store that opened in 1925. There are various Wagashi available at Yoshinoya and among them is the Otogi Zoji where different types of Wagashi are sold in a box.

The Otogi Zoji are available in boxes of 9, 15 and 30. There are also other boxes with 16, 32 or 48 Wagashi inside. These Wagashi are designed to represent the nature in Japan. Cute and delicious, they are perfect as Kyoto souvenirs!

吉廼家 Kyoto Yoshinoya

Address: Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Kita-ku Koyamahigashiono-cho, 54

Access info: 2-minute walk from subway Kitaōji Station, or city bus Kitaooji Bus Terminal bus stop

Opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm

Fixed holiday: No fixed holiday

Contact: +81 75-441-5561

Official URL available only in Japanese

50 choices of Wagashi from Takanoya Sadahiro

Green Wagashi 02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Douglas Perkins used under CC0

Takanoya Sadahiro is a Wagashi store that sells various sweets that illustrate the 4 seasons of Japan. From cute designs such as rabbits to beautiful ones like maple leaves, about 50 choices of Wagashi are available at Takanoya Sadahiro. The Hananoyoi box set allows you to choose any 15 Wagashi. These colourful sweets will definitely be loved by children and they have an expiry date of up to one month, making them perfect as souvenirs.

高野屋貞広  Takanoya Sadahiro

Address: 19-1 Kamitobatōnomori Shibahigashichō, Minami-ku, Kyōto-city

Access info: 15-minute walk from Kyoto Line Kamitoba Station Kintetsu or, an 8-minute walk from Kyoto City bus 18 Route Jizo before the bus stop

Opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm

Fixed holiday: nil

Contact: +81 75-662-6263

Official URL available only in Japanese

Chanoka from Malebranche: the best Matcha Lang de Chat

Matcha and wagashi
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Matsue used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Malebranche is a café in Kyoto where you can enjoy various sweets such as soft cream and parfaits. There are also numerous souvenirs available there and one of the most famous ones is the Chanoka. Sandwiched between two Matcha flavoured Lang de Chat is a layer of white chocolate. The fantastic harmony of bitter biscuit and sweet white chocolate is fantastic! This gift is exclusive to Kyoto and will certainly be loved by your friends.

マールブランシュ Malebranche

Address: Kyoto-city, Kita Ward, Kamigamo Iwagakakiuchicho, 40

Access info: In front of Kitayama Botanic Gardens

Opening hours: 9 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: No fixed holiday

Contact: +81 75-722-3399

Official URL available only in Japanese

Matcha Crackers from Aozashikarari

Kinako dango in Isezakicho
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user akira yamada from used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Aozashikarari is a sweets store which is located in Kyoto Isetan building. It is most famous for the “Aozashikarari”, a cracker filled with paste. There are various flavours such as curry, Kinako (toasted soy bean) and the acclaimed Matcha flavour. There is also an Aozashikarari branch in Osaka, but this Matcha flavour is exclusive to Kyoto so make sure you get it there!

あおざしからり Aozashikarari

Address: Higashishiokōjichō, Shiokoji under Higashishiokoji Karasuma Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-city

Access info: 3-minute walk from Kyoto Station

Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: Irregular

Contact: +81 75-746-4761

Official URL available only in Japanese

Amazing roasted chestnut from Hayashi Mansyodo

sweet roasted chestnuts/Tenshin-amaguri/甘栗
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ai Amo used under CC BY 2.0

Hayashi Mansyodo is a store opened in 1874 and their fantastic roasted chestnuts have been satisfying customers for over 140 years. The Tenshin Amaguri from Hayashi Mansyodo is served in a small bag and this portable sweet is great for a snack. It is also a great choice as a souvenir as you can heat the entire bag up with a microwave, allowing the roasted chestnut to be as good as fresh!

林万昌堂 Hayashi Mansyodo

Address: Kyoto-city, Shiogyo-ku, Shijō Street Teramachi east Nyuru Otabimiyamoto-cho, 3

Access info: 5-minute walk from Kyoto Line Kawaramachi Station

Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: New Year’s Day

Contact: +81 75-221-0258

Official URL available only in Japanese

Marvellous Yatsuhashi from Shogoin Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi 001
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user WordRidden used under CC BY 2.0

The Yatsuhashi is one of the snacks representing Kyoto and is a sweet made from rice flour and cinnamon. The soft skin of the Yatsuhashi is filled with various pastes.

Shogoin Yatsuhashi Main Branch is a shop which was opened in 1689 and the amazing recipe has been maintained over the years. There are various flavours including red beans, cocoa and one of the famous flavours available is chocolate.

聖護院八ッ橋総本店 Shogoin Yatsuhashi Main Branch

Address: Kyoto-city, Sakyo-ku, Shogoinsan'no-cho 6

Access info: 5-minute walk from Keihan Jingu Marutamachi Station

Opening hours: 8 am - 6 pm

Fixed holiday: No fixed holiday

Contact: +81 75-752-1234

Official URL available only in Japanese

Complete your souvenir shopping in 5 minutes: Takumi

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Takumi is a souvenir store located in Kyoto station and unlike other stores which specialise in their own product, you can get a wide variety of food souvenirs from 50 traditional brands from Kyoto. Located at a convenient location, this is the perfect place for those who are rushing for time.

京名菓 匠味 Kyo meiga Takumi

Address B1F, The CUBE Kyoto Station Building

Access info: Directly connect from JR Kyoto station Karasuma exit

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm

Contact: +81 75-365-8614

Find more

The most fashionable candy store in Kyoto! Candy Show Time

Candy
Source: Photo by Flickr user K Tao used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Candy Show Time is a candy store located in the old Murai Bank Gion branch, a building that was built in 1924. This building is one of the Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan.

There are various types of candies available in Candy Show Time which are all hand-made. Flavours such as citrus, milk, and the Kyoto specialty Matcha are available. You can even view the candy-making process at the factory there and this is one of the most fashionable shops in Kyoto for souvenir hunting!

Candy Show Time

Address: 573- 5, Gioncho Minami, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-city

Access info: 3-minute walk from Keihan Line Gion Shijo Station

Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: nil

Contact: +81 75-532-2055

Official URL available only in Japanese

Kyoto-esque café Belamer Kyoto

Matcha Green Tea & White Chocolate Cookies - the matcha green tea in these are not as overpowering in the shortbread cookie recipe. There is a nice balance of flavor. I added almond extract which takes it to a higher level. The texture is like a soft maca
Source: Photo by Flickr user flippinyank used under CC BY 2.0

Belamer Kyoto is a café which blends in well with the historical Kyoto streetscape. Located at the second floor of Belamer Kyoto is a café where you can enjoy various sweets such as roll cakes, chocolates and ice cream.

At the first floor of Belamer Kyoto, a wide variety of exclusive gifts such as Matcha chocolates are available. These luxurious souvenirs are as beautiful as jewellery and are the perfect souvenirs for those who like grand sweets!

ベルアメール京都別邸  Belamer Kyoto

Address: Nakagyo-ku Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Sanjo Sakaimachi east Nyuru north Masuya-cho, 66 (1F Chocolate Shop / 2F Chocolate Bar)

Access info: 392 meters (1286 feet) from Karasuma Oike station

Opening hours: 8 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: Irregular

Contact: +81-75-221-7025

Official URL available only in Japanese

Traditional and creative Yatsuhashi from Izutsu Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi 20160422
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user PekePON used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Izutsu Yatsuhashi Main Branch is a Yatsuhashi store that opened in 1805 and is a store where you can enjoy traditional Yatsuhashi as well as creative ones that incorporate the latest trends.

Among the new releases from Izutsu Yatsuhashi is the “Nama Yatsuhashi Hanano Komachi” which includes 5 flavours - Cranberry; Milky Cheese, Matcha; Cinnamon; and Raisin. These are flavours that have never been tasted before and are perfect for Yatsuhashi lovers. There are also others available such as the Banana Cacao!

井筒八ッ橋本舗 Izutsu Yatsuhashi Main Branch

Address: Kawabatadori Shijonoboru Higashi-Ku, Kyoto-city

Access info: 2-minute walk from Keihan line Gion-Shijo Station

Opening hours: 10 am - 9 pm

Fixed holiday: Irregular

Contact: +81-75-531-2121

Official URL available only in Japanese

A unique chocolate store in Gion: Cacao 365 Gion Branch

Shinko Gion-Manju
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kykk wiki used under CC0

Cacao 365 Gion Branch is a café opened by the renowned brand Malebranche that was introduced above. Located in Gion, this café has a fashionable design and is a great place to enjoy marvellous sweets from Malebranche.

Also available in Cacao 365 Gion Branch are gifts that you cannot get elsewhere, not even in the Malebranche main branch. Among them is the “Nanoka ni Hitotsu no Ao Sora”, a chocolate set. There are 5 usual sets as well as 7 sets that change every day, and this is a delicious and romantic souvenir perfect for that special someone!

加加阿(カカオ)365祇園店 Cacao 365 Gion Branch

Address: 570-150, Gioncho Minami, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-city

Access info: 5-minute walk from from Keihan Line Gion-Shijo station

Opening hours: 10 am - 6 pm

Fixed holiday: Irregular

Contact: +81 75-551-6060

Official URL available only in Japanese

Your favourite Kit Kat in a café

Kitkat Chocolatory Store @ Seibu Department Store
Source: Photo by Flickr user Guilhem Vellut used under CC BY 2.0

Kit Kat originated from England in 1935 and is now one of the most famous brands in the world. Kit Kat Chocolatory is a café opened by Kit Kat with branches in Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto.

At Kit Kat Chocolatory, you can delight in an unbelievable parfait with cream, chocolate sauce, Matcha sauce, Kinako (toasted soy sauce powder) and, of course, Kit Kats. What makes Kit Kat Chocolatory even better is the wide range of exclusive souvenirs available. Apart from the usual Kit Kat flavours, there are ginger, cream cheese, Matcha & Kinako, Strawberry Maple and Ume (sour plum) flavours available there. You can get the “Kit Kat Chocolatory Special Kyoto Assort” where 3 packets of 4 flavours (above mentioned ones excluding cream cheese) are packed in a box. This is the ideal souvenir for sharing with friends!

キットカット ショコラトリー Kit Kat Chocolatory

Address: 79 Tachiurinishimachi, Shimogyo-ku, Daimaru Kyoto B1F

Access info: 1-minute from Hankyu Kyoto Line Karasuma Station, 2-minute walk from Karasuma line Shijo Station

Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm

Fixed holiday: (Closed when Daimaru Kyoto is closed)

Contact: +81 75-211-8111

Official URL available only in Japanese

Souvenirs that will be loved

The most meaningful souvenirs are representative of the place where they come from - these souvenirs introduced definitely showcase the best of Kyoto. They are not only delicious but also pleasing to the eye, so do consider them when travelling to Kyoto!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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