It is a common myth that dining in Japan’s ancient capital will drain your wallet. While high-end kaiseki and premium sushi will cost a pretty penny, you can easily enjoy unforgettable meals for under $10 USD. When you factor in zero tipping and complimentary green tea, eating well in Kyoto is significantly cheaper than in New York, London, or Paris. Here is your ultimate guide to budget-friendly dining in Kyoto.
Budget Tips
- Lunch Deals: Top-tier fine dining spots offer lunch sets for a fraction of their dinner prices.
- Eat Local: Traditional Japanese dishes are almost always cheaper than Western cuisine.
- Noodles & Rice: Ramen, soba, udon, and donburi (rice bowls) are the ultimate cheap, filling staples.
- Order Set Meals: Look for teishoku (set meal) or higawari (daily special) to save money over à la carte ordering.
- Depachika Dining: Visit the basement food halls of Daimaru or Takashimaya for high-quality, discounted takeaway meals.
- Bakery Breakfasts: Grab cheap pastries or sandwiches from local bakeries for hotel breakfasts or park picnics.
- Standing Bars: Look for tachigui (standing restaurants) near train stations. Noodle and rice bowls here start around ¥300 ($2.50).
Top Cheap Spots
Kyoto Station Area
Eat Paradise This bustling food hall on the 11th floor of the Kyoto Station building features a mix of inexpensive local eateries and a few pricier options. It is a great starting point for budget travelers arriving by train.
Kyoto Ramen Koji Located in the station complex, this themed food alley brings together eight regional styles of ramen from across Japan. It allows you to sample diverse, rich broths without ever leaving the station area.
Downtown Kyoto
Ganko The set meals at this massive downtown sushi specialist are remarkably cheap and incredibly filling. While they specialize in sushi, they also serve almost every other type of Japanese comfort food imaginable. Located near the Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge.
Ootoya This modern, healthy Japanese teishoku (set meal) chain offers excellent value for money. The full English picture menus make ordering completely stress-free. Conveniently located near the Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge.
Warai What is more fun than cooking your own food? This spot lets you grill and eat okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes packed with toppings) right at your table. It is a highly interactive and budget-friendly dining experience.
Kerala The lunch sets at this popular Indian restaurant are both tasty and affordable, and they even include chai or coffee after your meal. It is located right in the heart of downtown Kawaramachi, just north of Sanjo.
Southern Higashiyama
Hisago This cozy noodle and rice joint is the perfect place to refuel while exploring the Southern Higashiyama district. It is located just a five-minute walk from the famous Yasaka Shrine.
Yagura Situated opposite the Minamiza kabuki theatre on Shijo, this noodle shop specializes in nisshin soba (soba noodles topped with smoked herring). You can also find all the standard soba and udon classics here.
Asuka This homey, friendly teishoku restaurant serves all the usual rice and noodle favorites in a welcoming atmosphere. It is located on Sanjo, within easy walking distance of Chion-in Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, and the Okazaki museum district.
FAQs
Is Kyoto expensive for food? No, Kyoto can be very affordable. While high-end kaiseki dining is pricey, you can easily eat delicious, filling meals at local restaurants, noodle shops, and food courts for under $10 USD per person.
What is the cheapest traditional food in Kyoto? The most budget-friendly traditional foods are noodle dishes like ramen, soba, and udon, as well as donburi (rice bowls). Additionally, eating at tachigui (standing eateries) near train stations offers meals starting around $2.50 USD.
How much should I budget for food in Kyoto per day? A strict budget traveler can eat comfortably for $20 to $30 USD a day by sticking to convenience stores, street food, and cheap noodle shops. A moderate budget allowing for sit-down dinners and cafe visits is around $40 to $50 USD per day.
What is a “teishoku” and why should I order it? A teishoku is a Japanese set meal that typically includes a main dish, a bowl of rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. It is highly recommended for budget travelers because it is almost always significantly cheaper than ordering the items à la carte.
Where can I find cheap sushi in Kyoto? For affordable sushi, look for conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi) restaurants or large chain specialists like Ganko in downtown Kyoto. Ordering the lunch sets or daily specials at these spots will keep your bill very low.
Are convenience stores good for cheap meals? Yes. Japanese convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer high-quality, fresh food. You can easily put together a filling meal of onigiri (rice balls), fried chicken, and a salad for just a few dollars.