Train stations aren’t just places to start or end a journey—they can also be home to some fantastic food experiences. Many stations around the world feature hidden culinary gems, from quick grab-and-go snacks to fully-fledged restaurants serving high-quality meals, and Japan's railway hubs are no exception to this. From ekiben (station bento) shops offering beautifully crafted regional specialties to high-end sushi counters and cozy ramen spots, there is no shortage of delicious choices for travelers on the go.
The New York Times recently published a list of train stations around the world where you can enjoy a great meal, and Kyoto Station was one of the featured destinations. They noted that the station is home to over 50 restaurants, and for ramen aficionados, nine of those are dedicated to all things noodles. You can find them at Kyoto Ramen Koji on the tenth floor of the station, and you can learn a little more about the area via the video below. Many of the ramen stores here specialize in regional ramen variants, presenting a fun way to "travel" around Japan in the one spot.
If you're looking for something other than ramen, be sure to take a look at the official Kyoto Station website's gourmet section here. Offerings include restaurants specializing in Japanese foodie favorites like tonkatsu and kushikatsu, other Asian cuisines such as Korean and Chinese, bakeries and dessert cafes, and numerous Western food options including Italian and French fare.
And never fear if you're not passing through Kyoto Station—most of the larger stations in Japan will have a variety of restaurants or ready-to-eat food offerings to try out!
