As one of the oldest foods in human history, the humble bread is a staple in many cuisines around the world. While rice is widely eaten in Japan, you may be surprised to learn that Kyoto is sometimes referred to as a ‘city of bread’, with locals consuming more bread on average than anywhere else in the country.
First held in 2015, the Kyoto Bread Festival now draws over 40,000 visitors annually, a testament to just how popular bread is in the city. The event features 20 bakeries, cafés and hotels from Kyoto and beyond, offering a plethora of baked goods from classic loaves, baguettes and shokupan (fluffy milk bread) to croissants and even burgers. Keep an eye out for unique Japanese sweet treats, such as fruit sandwiches and matcha-flavoured pastries.
As the festival takes place at the historical Kamigamo Shrine, it's also a great opportunity to explore this Unesco World Heritage Site. Oh, remember to bring cash, as electronic payments are not accepted.