If you’re looking for a healthy lunch to take with you on a hike in Kurama or anywhere else in Kyoto, stop by Onigiriyasan for some of the best rice balls in town. They’re healthy, cheap and delicious!
Onigiri on display – image © Chris Rowthorn
Onigiriyasan is an unassuming little shop a few meters east of Eizan Demachiyanagi Station. It’s an essential stop before getting on the Eizan Line to head north to visit Kurama or other stops in the Kitayama Mountains. A crew of friendly obasans (aunties) make a variety of excellent onigiri (rice balls) every day and they’re a great change from the factory-made offerings at the convenience stores.
Sozai on display – image © Chris Rowthorn
In addition to onigiri, they also sell a small selection of healthy sozai (ready-made dishes) like steamed spinach, kabocha (pumpkin) salad, bean salad, tofu and so on. They also make a few dozen bentos every day. It’s all very healthy. We stop here to get some healthy food when we’ve been eating too much fried food while out on the road doing research.
Onigiriyasan – image © Chris Rowthorn
The sign is only in Japanese. Look for the vending machine. And, it’s just a few steps away from a convenience store.
Name in English:
Onigiriyasan
Name in Japanese:
おにぎり屋さん
English address:
53 Tanaka-kamiyanagi-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区田中上柳町53
Opening hours:
7am-6:30pm
Price: cheap
Non-smoking area: No (takeout only)
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Demachiyanagi Station, Keihan Main Line and Eizan Line
Reservations:
No Reservations
Telephone: 781-0399
Website: none
Near To Here:
Onigiriyasan is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
