Kyoto Limited Edition！Locals Recommend “5 Must-Buy Souvenirs Around Kyoto Station in 2015”

Travel Center / General Report

What’s the best souvenir to buy in Kyoto? Maybe asking the locals is the way to go. The Japanese website “Kyoto de Kurashou” selected “5 Must-Buy Souvenirs Around Kyoto Station in 2015”, offering a reference for readers who are struggling with what to buy.

The selection of these souvenirs was based on the following three criteria: 1. Can be stored at room temperature, 2. Exclusive to Kyoto, 3. First appearance on the “Kyoto de Kurashou” website. Five recommended souvenirs located inside or around Kyoto Station were chosen.

▲ A must-buy for matcha lovers — “Kyochafure.” (Photo / from The CUBE Kyoto Station Building Mall official website)

1. Kyoto Tsuruya Tsurusou “Kyochafure”
The long-established Kyoto Tsuruya Tsurusou is well known for traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) and also for its fresh seasonal wagashi inspired by Kyoto’s four seasons.

The recommended “Kyochafure” combines Uji matcha with matcha chocolate, offering a moist, soft texture and rich matcha-chocolate flavor. It’s a popular item at the shop.

Where to buy:The CUBE Kyoto Station Building Mall 1F
Price: 3 pcs for 450 yen

▲ Taste the essence of cherry blossoms with “Kyono Hagoyomi.” (Photo / fromNene’s Tabekiki)

2. Kyoto Maruten Sugiyama “Kyono Hagoyomi” (Kyoto Flower Calendar)
Although Sugiyama is famous for its yokan (sweet bean jelly), its “Kyono Hagoyomi,” which has a discernible cherry blossom flavor, is also a popular item. Made in a Swiss roll style with filling in the middle, it comes in three flavors: cherry blossom, matcha, and yuzu.

Sugiyama
Address: 720 Nishikouji-cho, Kuromon-nishi-iru, Kitsugyo-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

▲ Midori Suien Shimizu’s konpeito comes in multiple flavors！(Photo / fromMidori Suien Shimizu official website)

3. Midori Suien Shimizu “Konpeito”
When it comes to konpeito (Japanese star-shaped sugar candy) in Kyoto, you can’t miss Midori Suien Shimizu. Established in 1874, this store has nearly 150 years of history. Over time, it has introduced various limited-edition items according to the seasons and festivals. The shop also offers exquisitely designed sugar jars, making your sweet experience even more classically elegant.

Where to buy:JR Kyoto Isetan B1

▲ Pure rice ginjo sake with different bottle designs for each season. (Photo / fromShoudoku Brewery official website)

4. Shode Shuzo “Seasonal Junmai Ginjo Design Bottle – Summer Playfulness”
This junmai ginjo sake comes in seasonally themed bottle designs. The summer edition features a light blue bottle adorned with playful goldfish — so charming you’ll want to keep the bottle even after the sake is gone!

Where to buy:JR Kyoto Isetan, B1

▲ Popular product from Kamowarabien: “Soy Sauce Powder.” (Photo / fromKamowarabien official website)

5. Kamowarabien “Gourmet Soy Sauce Powder”
Established in 1856, Kamowarabien not only offers an upscale kaiseki dining experience, but its recently launched “soy sauce powder” is compact, versatile, and has become a beloved souvenir that’s great for both gifting and personal use.

Where to buy:JR Kyoto Isetan, B1