Japanese Local Travel Guide – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hidden Gems Kyoto’s Love for Bread and Onigiri – A Tasty Guide for Travelers
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Kyoto may be famous for its temples and traditional cuisine, but it’s also one of Japan’s top bread-loving cities. In fact, Kyoto has one of the highest bread consumption rates in the country. At the same time, rice balls (onigiri) remain a beloved part of everyday life, with specialty shops offering creative flavors.
For travelers, both bakeries and onigiri shops are perfect for a quick and tasty meal on the go. Whether you’re heading to a temple, catching a train, or just looking for something light, these local eats make your Kyoto trip more delicious and convenient.
Best Bakeries in Kyoto
SIZUYA (志津屋)
Sizuya, founded in 1948, is one of Kyoto’s most famous local bakeries. Its signature item is the “Carne”, a simple sandwich made with ham and onions inside a French bread roll. You can find Sizuya shops throughout the city, including Kyoto Station, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Access & Information
- Address: Multiple branches, including Kyoto Station
- Hours: Typically 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by location)
- Access: Easily accessible inside Kyoto Station and nearby shopping areas
- Website: Official Website
Shinshindo (進々堂)
- Address (main café): 52 Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: Approx. 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM, café hours may vary by branch
- Access: Several locations—e.g., Sanjo-Kawaramachi branch is a 5-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station
- Website: Official Website shinshindo.jp+1
- Sizuya Store map
Shinshindo, established in 1913, is one of the oldest bakeries in Kyoto. Its café near Kyoto University is particularly special because it features furniture designed by Tatsuaki Kuroda, a master wood craftsman and a Living National Treasure. Here you can enjoy freshly baked bread in a unique atmosphere that blends Western café culture with Japanese craftsmanship.
Access & Information
- Address: Main café near Kyoto University, 52 Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Founded: 1913
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (café hours may vary)
- Access: 10-min walk from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line)
- Website:Official Website
Bon Volante (ボン ボランテ)
Bon Volante, located in Marutamachi, has been loved by locals for over 20 years. This cozy bakery is run by a talented female owner who bakes her breads in a traditional wood-fired oven, giving each loaf a rustic flavor and warmth. From crispy croissants to hearty country-style breads, Bon Volante offers simple yet soulful tastes that reflect the spirit of Kyoto’s everyday life.
Access & Information
- Address : 229-1 Kamōnobori‐dōri, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Hours : 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and throughout August
- Access : About a 10-minute walk from Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Station
- Website: (Official site not located; believed to be a charming, locally beloved bakery) Bura-Bura
Rabbit Bagel (ラビットベーグル)
Rabbit Bagel is a small, charming bakery in Kyoto that specializes in chewy, flavorful bagels. What makes it special is the use of local Kyoto ingredients—stone-ground Uji matcha and sweet red bean paste delivered from a long-established wagashi shop. These Kyoto-inspired flavors sit alongside classic plain bagels, making it a perfect stop for travelers who want to taste both tradition and modern comfort food in one bite.
- Address : 369 Masuyachō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto-shi
- Hours｜営業時間: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; no regular closure noted
- Access｜アクセス: Approximately 3-minute walk from Keihan Jingu-Marutamachi Station
- Website｜公式サイト: Rabbit Bagels Official
Onigiri in Kyoto: 4 Must-Visit Rice Ball Shops for Travelers
Discover the best onigiri in Kyoto! From Demachiyanagi to Gion and Nishiki Market, explore 4 must-visit rice ball shops loved by locals and travelers alike.
Okome Jiman Onigiri-ya （お米自慢 おにぎり屋さん）
Okome Jiman Onigiri-ya Kyoto – Fresh Rice Balls Near Demachiyanagi
Okome Jiman Onigiri-ya Kyoto – Fresh Rice Balls Near Demachiyanagi station.
Located near Demachiyanagi Station, this cozy little shop takes pride in serving freshly made onigiri crafted from carefully selected rice. A favorite among students and locals, it offers classic fillings such as salmon and plum, alongside seasonal specials that reflect Kyoto’s changing flavors. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite before heading out to explore northern Kyoto, such as Kurama-dera or Kifune Shrine.
Access & Information
- Address: Tanaka kami-yanagimachi 53, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 7:00am to 6:30pm
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station
2. Ao Onigiri (青おにぎり)
Ao Onigiri Kyoto – Famous Home-Style Rice Balls Near the Philosopher’s Path
Line up for Kyoto’s beloved “Blue Onigiri.” Handmade, nostalgic rice balls with simple, hearty flavors. Best accessed by Kyoto City Bus at “Kinrin Shako-mae.” Since opening hours vary, it’s best to drop by while exploring nearby spots like the Philosopher’s Path, Eikando, or Honen-in.
“Blue Onigiri” may be small in size, but it has earned a big reputation. Known for its nostalgic, home-style rice balls, this shop attracts both locals and travelers who are willing to wait in line for a taste. Each onigiri is handmade with care, offering simple, hearty flavors that feel like a comforting hug in food form.
Access & Information
- Address: Tanaka Satono-uchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (evening only)
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Eizan Railway Mototanaka Station
Kyoto Gion Omusubi-ya Sankaku (京都ぎをんおむすび屋 さんかく）
Omusubi-ya Sankaku Gion – Photogenic Rice Balls in Kyoto’s Historic District
Taste delicious rice balls wrapped in fragrant nori at “Sankaku” in Gion. A traditional wooden storefront makes it perfect for a light meal during sightseeing.
In the heart of the Gion district, “Sankaku” serves beautifully wrapped rice balls in fragrant nori (seaweed). With a wide variety of fillings and the charm of its traditional wooden storefront, this is both a tasty stop and a photogenic one. Perfect for a light meal while wandering through Gion’s historic streets.
Access & Information
- Address: Gion-cho minamigawa 533, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (approx., please confirm)
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
Chuou Beikoku Nishiki-ten Omusubi Sabo（中央米穀錦店 おむすび茶房）
Omusubi Sabo Nishiki Market – Fresh Onigiri in Kyoto’s Kitchen
Inside Nishiki Market, Omusubi Sabo offers freshly milled rice balls with Kyoto-style fillings. Grab a quick snack while exploring Kyoto’s lively food market.
Right inside Nishiki Market—known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”—you’ll find this rice specialty shop that also serves freshly made onigiri. Using rice milled in-house, they offer Kyoto-style fillings you won’t find elsewhere. The lively market atmosphere makes it a fun spot to enjoy a quick, authentic snack as you stroll through the stalls.
Access & Information
- Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
Conclusion
Next time you’re in Kyoto, skip the fancy meal for a moment and try a fresh loaf of bread or a handmade rice ball. You may find that these quick, local eats leave you with some of the tastiest memories of your trip.
