In Search of… Marmite

The Deep Kyoto Guide to Import Stores

Living abroad, we all have one little something we miss from home, the absence of which makes our life seem less than complete. For me that thing I crave is Marmite; those little brown jars of nutritious yeasty goodness. A by-product of beer brewing (further evidence of the coolness of beer) this delicious goop is packed with B vitamins and has a uniquely funky taste. It is often used in soups, sandwiches, sauces, and as a hangover cure but as Paul Hartley’s The Marmite Cookbook shows there is no end to its versatility. I have to tell you, I love the stuff. And what is more I love Kyoto, partly because Marmite is so readily available here. Kyoto is blessed with many import stores so whether you are after Marmite or other intrinsic ingredients for that favorite dish, you shouldn’t have a problem. Here is a short guide to help you find those stores:

Jupiter. There used to be a great Jupiter store in the underground Porta shopping complex in front of Kyoto Station. Unfortunately, this has now closed and lovers of import food will have to trek all the way up to the Kitaoji branch of Aeon Mall to find it. Last time I checked they didn’t have Marmite, but they did have a good selection of confectionary and coffee, plus the usual cereals, imported booze and ingredients for Mexican, Italian & Asian cuisine.

Aeon Mall is directly connected to Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line and Jupiter is on the first floor of Aeon Mall, right by the main entrance. Here is a MAP.
Open everyday from 10:00 ~ 21:00
Tel: 075-491-3751

Yamaya. Since I first wrote this post in 2008, the number of Yamaya stores in Kyoto has increased exponentially and there are now several dotted about the city. These stores serve the usual range of import goods but sadly no Marmite! They do have a very good cheese board though and I’m partial to their packet curries too. Here are some of the more conveniently located stores:

Yamaya in Rakuhoku Hanyu Square (this is in the basement) MAP
Open: 10:00 – 21:00
Tel: 075-707-0731

Yamaya on Karasuma (a short walk from Karasuma/Oike Station) MAP
Open: 10:00 – 22:00
Tel: 075-254-4733

Yamaya Oike/Takasegawa (not far from Kyoto City Hall) MAP
Open: 10:00 – 22:00
Tel: 075-252-5050

Maki. On the east side of Higashioji Dori and just south of the Eiden Mototanaka railway crossing is a little shop called Maki, brimful of goodies, and yes (fanfare of trumpets!) they actually have Marmite! In addition they have a very impressive cereal selection and apparently, the cheapest cheese in Japan.
Open: 10:00 ~ 22:00
Closed on Wednesday and Sunday
Tel: 075-781-3670
MAP

Meidi-Ya. Finally, we come to the queen of all import stores here in Kyoto: Meidi-Ya. This store is centrally located on the north side of Sanjo Dori, between Kawaramachi and the Kamo River. They have pretty much everything you need, including Marmite or even if you are that way inclined it’s far inferior (but cheaper) Australian cousin Vegemite.
Open: 10:00-19:00
Tel: 075-221-7661
MAP

This article updated in June 2025. 
Text and images by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.