Kyoto's Ever-Popular Onigiri (Rice Ball) Shop You Can't Miss
Near the bustling Shijo Kawaramachi (四条河原町) shopping district in Kyoto, you'll find KYOTO ONIMARU, a mouthwatering onigiri (Japanese rice ball) shop. This place is so popular that you'll often see long queues of people waiting to get their hands on these delicious treats. Inside, bamboo baskets display an array of colorful and fragrant onigiri, each one more tempting than the last.
📍 7 Otabimiyamotocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8003, Japan
A Variety of Flavors from Nagoya
Hailing from Nagoya, KYOTO ONIMARU boasts over 20 different onigiri flavors. They're made fresh daily to ensure top-notch quality and taste. The rice is cooked using traditional methods with stone pots and Binchotan charcoal (a type of charcoal traditionally used in Japanese cooking), infusing it with a rich, aromatic flavor. You'll find everything from classic Japanese fillings to innovative Western-inspired creations, seasonal specials, and Kyoto-exclusive options.
Freshness and Affordability
The staff here work diligently to restock the onigiri, ensuring every customer gets the freshest and warmest rice balls. Prices are very reasonable, ranging from 180 to 680 yen per onigiri, making it a great value for the quality. The onigiri are also quite sizable — usually, one to two are enough for most women.
Enjoying Onigiri at the Shop
If you have some time, head to the second floor to enjoy your onigiri at a leisurely pace. They offer complimentary tea and a microwave for heating, adding a touch of homey comfort to your dining experience.
Must-Try Onigiri: Personal Favorites
My personal favorite is their Spam onigiri. It features thick slices of grilled ham paired with fluffy tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) and shiso leaves (perilla), all brought together with a perfect dollop of mayonnaise. It's leagues ahead of any convenience store onigiri you've ever had. The rice is moist and chewy, with a natural sweetness that'll keep you coming back for more.
Other Popular Choices
Other standout items include the tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) onigiri and the yuzu sansho (Japanese pepper) onigiri. The tamagoyaki onigiri is topped with a generous portion of fluffy omelet, offering a rich and satisfying flavor. The yuzu sansho onigiri is a Kyoto-exclusive item priced at just 180 yen. It features tiny sardines inside, providing a refreshing taste that's simply irresistible.
Luxurious Onigiri Combinations
Additionally, KYOTO ONIMARU offers luxurious combinations that can serve as a complete meal. Options like shrimp tempura onigiri, eel onigiri, and salmon avocado onigiri are sure to make your mouth water. They even have onigiri with fillings like Brie cheese, cream cheese, chestnut sweet potato, and shiso miso (traditional Japanese fermented soybean paste), making for an eye-popping array of choices.
This onigiri shop is a must-visit on your Kyoto itinerary. Whether you're after a quick bite or a satisfying meal, KYOTO ONIMARU offers an authentic taste of Japan that's hard to beat. Forget about those lackluster convenience store rice balls – give these a try instead. Don't be surprised if you find yourself, like me, buying extras to freeze and enjoy later!