The 10 Best Must-Buy Souvenirs in Kyoto, Japan

The “thousand-year capital,” Kyoto. This city has many souvenirs that convey its long history, but surprisingly, people in Kyoto favor new things. So there are lots of souvenirs that blend the old and the new. Picking a certain gift may seem puzzling, but this time, we’ll introduce keepsakes with historical backgrounds to newly arrived ones.

1. Shogoin Yatsuhashi

As Kyoto’s standard souvenir, “Yatsuhashi” has been loved by many people for a long time. A while ago, the cinnamon-tasting, rice cracker style “Yatsuhashi” became popular. But now, the soft “Nama Yatsuhashi” has long exceeded the hard ones. The popular store in the birthplace of such “Yatsuhashi,” Kurodani, is “Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten”.

The “Yatsuhashi” made in the technique originating in the Edo Period, is superb! Even while protecting the ancient technique, they are actively new goods. It’s something that is crucial to the souvenirs in Kyoto. So when in Kyoto, please come buy these “Yatsuhashi”!

2. Otabe Nama Yatsuhashi

The Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten was introduced, but Bijuu Co., Ltd. Otabe that sell “Nama Yatsuhashi” doesn’t fall far behind. This store is known to have made the style of soft, triangular “Nama Yatsuhashi” with sweet bean paste inside. The taste with the ingredients the store has stuck to are a rarity.

It is loved by many people as the common Kyoto souvenir even now. Here, you can enjoy a range from basic mashed sweet bean paste to green tea and chocolate flavored “Nama Yatsuhashi.” Also, in Otabe, you can experience making “Nama Yatsuhashi.” Being able to buy delicious Yatsuhashi and prepare it is very satisfying. So please stop by Otabe!

3. Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi

Various Yatsuhashis have been introduced, but “Honke Nishio Yatsuhashi” is recommended for those who want to buy unique flavors of Yatsuhashi. It’s surprising when you enter the shop! Dozens of flavors are lined up, for example, strawberry, Ramune soda, chocolate banana, roasted sweet potato, and so on.

It’s fun to taste test for a favorite. It’s normal for a box of Yatsuhashi to be a little expensive, but this store sells Yatsuhashi in small packets and at a reasonable price. So you can buy many different flavors. It’s fit for when you give out souvenirs to a lot of people.

4. Nama cha no Ka

“Nama cha no Ka” is the new standard for Kyoto’s gift with its rising popularity. Malebranche is famous for its excellent tasting cakes. They’ve recently sold a new type of sweet favored by the locals and tourists, which is the “Nama cha no Ka.” This sweet was created by a team of tea expert, assessor, and a patissiere.

It’s a langue de chat made by the finest tea with white chocolate filling. A richer confectionery, “Strong Tea Fondant au Chocolat Nama cha no Ka,” is a smooth bite-size cake similar to a chocolate ganache cake. It’s perfect as a reward for yourself or a savory present.

5. Ajari Mochi

It’ll be interesting to look for not only the common souvenirs, but the ones loved by the local people. “Ajari Mochi” is popular as refreshments by the locals living in Kyoto. It’s a fluffy sweet baked with a sweet bean paste filling. The combination of a firm outer layer with a simple rice cake adds an interesting texture.

The quality can be preserved for 5 days at room temperature, and baking it with a toaster is very delicious, so it’s perfect for a gift. They are also sold separately, so it’ll be convenient when choosing. Also, you could buy them at big department stores and train stations in Kyoto, so you wouldn’t have to visit the shop itself. How about buying one while you’re shopping?

 
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6. Abura tori gami

“Abura tori gami” is as famous as Yatsuhashi when it comes to Kyoto’s traditional gifts. The handmade Japanese paper was originally used when pasting gold leaves. But since it could absorb oil well, it came to be used to fix make-up by the geisha. This is said to be the origin of “Abura tori gami”.

You would know when you use it, but the “Abura tori gami” from Yojiya is remarkable in absorbing the oil. It’s cut into small booklets, so it’s a very compact souvenir. Depending on the season, there are limited-time editions like yuzu, so it’s tempting to buy some for yourself.

7. Hoji-cha

When it comes to Japanese culture’s symbol city, Kyoto, tea is very famous. Ippodo is recommended for those who want to buy various Japanese teas like Gyokuro, Sencha, and Matcha. This well-known store was established in 1717, in the Edo Period. In addition to expensive tea like Matcha and Gyokuro, the everyday tea for Kyoto locals, Hojicha, is strongly recommended.

Hoji-cha is a blend of roasted Sen-cha and Ban-cha. By roasting the leaves, it cuts down on the caffeine, so it’s suitable for all times and all generations. There are also convenient tea bags too, so please try it once.

8. Kuro Shichimi

This store, since established 300 years ago, specializes in Kozen and has served as a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency. This store is famous for its “Kuro Shichimi” which is a blend of white sesame seeds, red pepper, green laver, poppy, black sesame seeds, and hemp. This “Kuro Shichimi” will get you wanting to test it on various dishes.

It’s sharp and aromatic flavor passes through your nose. There are also other spices like powdered sansho, which is made with the finest sansho. How about “Kuro Shichimi” or powdered sansho for an eccentric gift?

9. Chirimen Sansho (Ojako)

Yayoi is near the south gate of Yasaka Shrine and is famous for its Tsukudani. The top selling product, “Ojako,” is made by drying the small fish after boiling them in salt water, adding sansho and finally finishing it by hand. It’s a very time-consuming process.

Kyoto was originally not used to eating fish raw, so they had a custom to prepare the fish with salt, miso, and soy sauce. Other than “Ojako,” there are other Tsukudanis with kelp, shiitake mushrooms, and beans. It’s perfect for pasta toppings and rice companion. The Yayoi packages are stylish, so they are also popular among the young people. Bringing back Kyoto’s traditional food culture may be lovely.

10. Kyo Baum

Otabe, which is famous for its Yatsuhashi, selling a popular gift, “Kyo Baum.” The two layers of the Baumkuchen are soy milk and Uji green tea from the established Morihan. Please have a taste of the interesting texture of the outer Matcha Fondant and inner fluffy dough.

The Kyo Baum Premium, sold only in Gion Hanamikoji, has increased the Matcha ratio and has a richer Matcha flavor. The package is also beautifully designed, so it’s a perfect souvenir for your superiors. Please take this rare chance to enjoy this luxurious sweet.

Let’s buy the best souvenirs in Kyoto!

How was the list? Inheriting the traditional ways and shaping it into a new product, Kyoto’s souvenirs are evolving daily. There are many that could not be introduced, but you can find them in the Kyoto station and department stores. Please try tasting them, and actually take them in your hand. There will sure be something to fit you perfectly.