Lab Masters

🍳 Kyoto-Style Okonomiyaki: The Pre-Inari Power Meal

Before heading to Fushimi Inari for a late-night hike through the gates, you need a good meal.

While Osaka is the famous home of Okonomiyaki, Kyoto puts its own refined spin on this "Japanese savory pancake." It’s the ultimate comfort food grilled on a flat top and layered with cabbage, pork, seafood, etc and that signature tangy sauce with mayonnaise.

Fuelling up with a hot griddle cake is the perfect tradition before navigating the thousands of torii gates under the moonlight to avoid the daytime crowds.

Follow along for more late-night fuel from our Japan food tour 🇯🇵

Want to experience it for yourself? Join us next time or reach out to plan a custom food tour.

🍣 Temarizushi: The Elegant "Geisha Sushi"

Ever wondered why some sushi in Kyoto is shaped like delicate, bite-sized ornaments?
Meet Temarizushi.

Named after Temari, the traditional Japanese hand-embroidered thread balls, this colorful style of sushi was specifically created for Kyoto’s Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko (apprentices). Because of their elaborate makeup and expensive kimonos, eating large rolls or standard nigiri was nearly impossible without a mess. These tiny, perfectly round spheres were designed to be popped into the mouth in one single, graceful bite keeping their lipstick perfectly intact.

It’s a beautiful example of how Kyoto’s food culture has always been shaped by the arts and the refined lifestyle of the Gion district.

Follow along for more elegant bites from our Japan food tour 🇯🇵

Want to experience it for yourself? Join us next time or reach out to plan a custom food tour.