5 Photogenic Gourmet Treats and Souvenirs in Kyoto: Instagram-Worthy Sweets and Street Food

Speaking of Kyoto, it's a "treasure trove of photogenic scenes" where historic townscapes fuse with exquisite gourmet food. This time, we've carefully selected and introduce special photogenic gourmet treats and souvenirs that you can eat, photograph, and take home.

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1. Nakamura-ken: "Mugitemochi" as a Companion for Strolling Gion

The mugitemochi of the long-established Japanese sweets shop Nakamura-ken, with its pale soybean-flour color and simple form, is full of charm. Taking handheld photos with the cobblestones or a townhouse in the background makes for a shot just like a scene from a period drama. The soft morning light beautifully brings out the texture of the Japanese sweet. The autumn-foliage season is an especially picturesque combination.

* Access: About a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Katsura Station.

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2. % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama: A Luxurious Shot of Bamboo Grove and Coffee

A cafe with beautiful minimal design, standing close to the bamboo grove of Arashiyama. The white cup and the dark-roast latte art glow golden amid the dappled sunlight. A composition of cupping the cup in both hands at the terrace seats is especially popular. The soft morning light from 9 to 10 a.m. is the best photo opportunity. The spring fresh-green season is also a breathtaking view.

* Access: About a 3-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station.

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3. Ito Kyuemon: A "THE Kyoto" Shot With a Matcha Parfait

The matcha parfait of this long-established shop with its main store in Uji has an overwhelming presence thanks to its contrast of deep green x gold. Shooting the tall glass from an angle looking up slightly from below makes the beauty of its layers stand out. The trick is to make use of the natural light streaming in through the lattice windows of the shop and raise the exposure a little. In the summer new-tea season, the colors become even more vivid.

* Access: About a 5-minute walk from Uji Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line / JR Nara Line).

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4. Chokyudo: The Visually Beautiful "Four Seasons of Kyoto" Nerikiri

The nerikiri (molded sweets) expressing the flowers and scenery of the four seasons are truly edible art. The delicate pastel-colored craftsmanship instantly boosts the photogenic level just by being placed on white washi paper or a wooden tray. Overhead (flat-lay) shooting from directly above is by far recommended. The lineup that makes you want to visit each season -- cherry-blossom motifs in spring, maple-leaf patterns in autumn -- is also a charm. A gem that's also appreciated as a souvenir.

* Access: About a 5-minute walk from "Marutamachi Station" on the Subway Karasuma Line.

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5. Kyoto Tower Sando: Colorful Photogenic Appeal With "nikiniki" Nama-Yatsuhashi

The "Carre de Cannelle" of "nikiniki," located inside Kyoto Tower Sando directly connected to Kyoto Station, is nama-yatsuhashi shaped into flowers and animals. The colorful lineup of pink, light blue, and yellow is instantly photogenic just by lining them up and shooting from above. Since access is excellent, the nice point is that you can buy souvenirs and shoot on the last day of your trip. The warm lighting of the evening brings out the colors even more.

* Access: About a 2-minute walk from the Karasuma Central Exit of "Kyoto Station" on the JR line.

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Did any of these gourmet treats catch your eye? By all means, when you visit, take a lovely photo and share it along with your memories.