Takomasu — Local services in Kyoto

Takomasu in Nishiki Market is Japanese street food at its finest!

We stopped by around 6 PM with no reservations—just craving some casual, authentic street bites. Right on the corner, we spotted Takomasu, a takoyaki stand offering six flavors: Original, Sweet, Wasabi, Spicy, and two others I forgot lol.

The Wasabi immediately caught my eye, so I went for it—and yes, they accept cards (major win).

Watching them make the takoyaki right in front of you is part of the fun—it takes about five minutes, perfect for snapping a quick video. The result? Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with a juicy, tender octopus center. The wasabi sauce was a standout—flavorful but not nose-burning, just the right kick.

Pro tip: Eat it fresh at the stand! Not only is it piping hot, but it’s also the respectful way to enjoy street food in Japan (no walking-and-eating here). Plus, trash cans are rare, so it helps keep the market clean.

If you’re wandering Nishiki Market, this is a must-try snack—quick, delicious, and full of...

Conveniently located yet reasonably cheap, with seats, and tasty. Kyoto can get pricey at times but with an abundance of takoyaki options this place manages to keep it low priced. The set of 8 for 500yen is at least 100 yen if not more cheaper than elsewhere nearby. For 350 yen you can get a set of 4 takoyaki which are deep fried and then set in dashi soup stock, which is a delicious way to have them on a cold night. Despite most stores in this area having no outdoor seating, some are provided here for you to eat, and they open reasonably late while the rest of the arcade is still open. Run by a mum and pop type...

It’s my first try having Takoyaki but I know enough about it to know this is not right. The dough is way too wet and soggy on the inside. It’s undercooked and watery. I would avoid this place at all costs. I’ve confirmed my hunch based on other reviews and online to know this should’ve been crispy and light and airy on the inside. This was a mushy goop. I picked out only the tiny pieces of octopus and tossed the rest. In two weeks in Japan I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad meal/snack. This was such a waste of money. Avoid and don’t make the same mistake I did and have to live with...