The Ultimate Guide to Nishiki Market: Explore Kyoto's Kitchen
During my two years as a graduate student in Kyoto, I was captivated by the traditional atmosphere of the ancient city. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting temples and shrines and taking walks on weekends. Among my experiences in Kyoto, Nishiki Market became an indispensable part of my life.
Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen, has a history of over 400 years. The sight of fresh fish, Kyoto vegetables, and local ingredients and crafts crowding the market is truly a world of Kyoto cuisine. As a student, I was often overwhelmed by the market's energy but frequently visited in search of delicious food.
Nishiki Market added so much color to my memories of Kyoto, from my regular ingredient shopping to selecting souvenirs for friends and sometimes guiding my family on food tours. The unique atmosphere of shops lining the narrow alley still makes me enthusiastically tell my friends about the Kyoto-like ambiance I felt there.
Walk-and-eat gourmet food that lets you experience Kyoto, traditional crafts showcasing artisanal skills, and the lively market atmosphere - it's no exaggeration to say that Nishiki Market concentrates the charms of Kyoto. It's the perfect spot for both souvenir hunting and enjoying local gourmet food.
In this article, I'll introduce you to the allure of Nishiki Market, including its history, highlights, recommended shops, and surrounding spots, drawing from my own experiences.
After reading this article, I'm sure you'll be able to fully enjoy the charms of Nishiki Market. Please use it as a reference to create wonderful memories in Nishiki Market, just like I did!
If you are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Table of Contents
・What is Nishiki Market
・Why Nishiki Market is Popular Among Travelers
・How to Access
・Highlights of Nishiki Market
・Recommended Spots Around Nishiki Market
・Tours to Fully Enjoy Nishiki Market
・Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nishiki Market
What is Nishiki Market
Let me first explain what Nishiki Market is all about.
Nishiki Market is located in the heart of Kyoto and has a history of over 400 years. Affectionately known as "Kyoto's Kitchen" by locals, it continues to support the daily food life of citizens even today.
Nishiki Market is packed with a wide variety of products, including fresh fish, vegetables, fruits, side dishes, and souvenirs.
This market, stretching about 400 meters with about 130 shops, exudes a unique charm that mixes the vibrancy of a market with the elegance of Kyoto, making it a spot like no other.
Differences from Osaka's "Shopping Streets"
There are many shopping streets like Nishiki Market in other areas of Kyoto and in Osaka. Osaka, in particular, is known for its thriving shopping street culture, led by the longest shopping street in Japan, "Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street."
Both Kyoto and Osaka share a common point in that their shopping streets originally started as markets dealing with food items like fish and produce.
However, while Nishiki Market has continued to support Kyoto's food culture, Osaka's shopping streets have developed somewhat differently.
True to Kyoto's tradition-valuing nature, Nishiki Market still sells many traditional Kyoto foods and crafts.
On the other hand, Osaka's shopping streets are characterized by a chaotic mix of tradition and modernity, in a good way.
Especially in Osaka, where there's a culture of seeking "good things at low prices," you'll find not only cheap vegetable and fruit shops but also reasonably priced drugstores, clothing stores, and discount stores, giving a much livelier impression.
It's interesting to experience and appreciate the charm of each shopping street while feeling these differences.
Nishiki Market Trivia
Let me share some trivia about Nishiki Market.
The history of Nishiki Market dates back to around 1600, during the Edo period. It initially developed as a fish market and later expanded to handle produce and processed foods as well.
After World War II, it also took on the character of a shopping street for general customers, and now it has become one of Kyoto's representative tourist spots.
In fact, after the war, when the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market was established, many shops from Nishiki Market relocated there.
However, Nishiki Market continues to be bustling with people as a market supporting the local food culture.
Why Nishiki Market is Popular Among Travelers
So, why is Nishiki Market popular among travelers?
First and foremost, it's the abundance of delicious walk-and-eat gourmet food. Actually, Kyoto doesn't have many walk-and-eat spots compared to other tourist destinations. In this context, Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy a variety of walk-and-eat gourmet foods, is a very precious existence.
Another big attraction is the availability of Kyoto-specific ingredients and souvenirs. The sight of products condensing Kyoto's flavors, such as Kyoto pickles, yuba (tofu skin), and Japanese sweets, crowding the market is truly impressive. You'll surely enjoy selecting gifts here.
In this way, Nishiki Market is a place that concentrates elements that travelers seek: enjoying walk-and-eat food and experiencing Kyoto's food culture firsthand.
As a student, I always visited Nishiki Market with excitement, overwhelmed by the market's energy. I hope you too will have such a special experience at Nishiki Market.
How to Access Nishiki Market
Next, let me explain how to access Nishiki Market.
When going to Nishiki Market, I recommend using the train if possible. Buses are often too crowded to board. Subways and trains allow for quick and comfortable travel, so please make use of them.
If you're coming from Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Line subway to Shijo Station. From Shijo Station, it's about a 10-minute walk to Nishiki Market.
For those coming from the Osaka area, I recommend either the Hankyu Railway or Keihan Railway. It's about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station to Nishiki Market.
Highlights of Nishiki Market
Now, let's dive into the highlights of Nishiki Market in detail.
The biggest attraction of Nishiki Market is undoubtedly the abundance of walk-and-eat gourmet foods. Also appealing are the shops selling Japanese sweets and crafts that showcase artisanal skills.
Above all, the emotional buildings, signboards, and shop structures that exude 400 years of history are a must-see. You'll want to snap photos of the old-fashioned atmosphere that remains. I believe this atmosphere is a major charm of Nishiki Market that can only be experienced in Kyoto.
Walk-and-Eat Gourmet Food
Walk-and-eat gourmet food is one of the great pleasures of Nishiki Market. But actually, in Nishiki Market, rather than "eating while walking," the style of "walking after eating" is more common.
Kyoto has strict rules to protect its scenery, and Nishiki Market's passages are narrow with few trash cans, making it somewhat difficult to eat while walking.
Therefore, many people enjoy their food walk by eating at the eat-in corners before moving on to the next shop.
Please enjoy Nishiki Market's delicious gourmet food while keeping these rules in mind. I'll also introduce some recommended shops, so please use them as a reference.
Kyo no Onikudokoro Hiro
Source: Tabelog by moe.grumen
"Kyo no Onikudokoro Hiro" in Nishiki Market is a popular shop where you can enjoy delicious meat dishes. I especially recommend their easy-to-eat fried foods like croquettes and minced meat cutlets, and for lunch, they offer set menus including steaks.
It's delightful to be able to taste fresh meat in the market. This was one of my favorites that I often visited during my student days.
<Store Information>
Address: 217 Kajiya-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8052
Closed: None
Phone: 075-222-1129
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Hours (Saturdays & Sundays): 10 AM–7 PM
Website: https://www.meatshop-hiro.com/shop/nishiki.php
Nishiki Ichiha
Source: Tabelog by Nishiki Ichiha
If you want to taste Kyoto tea sweets in Nishiki Market, I recommend "Nishiki Ichiha". Here, you'll find an array of items irresistible to matcha lovers, such as matcha parfaits and soft serve ice cream. Their unusual menu item, tea-flavored popcorn, is also popular.
The average budget is about 1,500 to 2,000 yen if you order a parfait. The eat-in corner has an unexpectedly calm atmosphere, quite different from the bustle of the market, making you want to linger.
<Store Information>
Address: 210 Kajiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8052
Closed: None
Phone: 075-253-1118
Hours: 11 AM–6 PM
Website: https://nishiki-ichiha.com/
Kyo Tanba
Source: Tabelog by Kyo Tanba
"Kyo Tanba" is another spot you'll want to check out, known for its "Yaki-pon" sweets made with whole chestnuts. It's nice that you can enjoy your purchased items with tea in the store.
Not many people know this, but their eat-in corner is quite spacious. I often took a break here when I visited Nishiki Market. I recommend you use it for a rest between shopping as well.
<Store Information>
Address: 208 Kajiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8052
Closed: None
Phone:075-212-1190
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: http://www.tanba-nouhan.com/
Yamamoto Banba Shoten
Source: Tabelog by @ Wani
Lastly, I'd like to introduce "Yamamoto Banba Shoten", where you can enjoy walk-and-eat foods made with eggs and eel.
Their most popular item is the "Unagi-maki", which is eel wrapped in egg. This shop doesn't have an eat-in corner, so I recommend buying it, eating it right there, and then moving on to the next shop.
<Store Information>
Address: 196 Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055
Closed: Wednesdays, Sundays
Phone: 075-221-4493
Hours: 8 AM–3 PM
Website: http://www.yamamotobanba.jp/
Crafts and Sundry Goods Shops That Let You Feel Kyoto
Along with walk-and-eat gourmet food, another charm of Nishiki Market is its crafts. Items showcasing the delicate craftsmanship typical of Kyoto are perfect for souvenir shopping. Here, I'll introduce three of my recommended shops.
Kitchen Yuzen
Source: Google Map by Stephan Wagener
"Kitchen Yuzen" offers tableware with stylish Kyoto-like designs, and their chopstick selection is particularly impressive.
These items are great for gifts or for yourself. I encourage you to get a piece here that lets you feel the Kyoto dining table.
<Store Information>
Address: Nakauoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8125
Closed: None
Phone: 075-212-3390
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/stores/kitchenyuzen/
SNOOPY CHA-Ya
Source: Google Map by Madeline Wang
If you're looking for a unique souvenir, I recommend "SNOOPY CHA-Ya". It's one of the few character goods shops in Nishiki Market and is famous among Snoopy fans.
The shop is full of items that Snoopy fans drool over, including Kyoto-style original goods that can only be bought here and Snoopy-shaped sweets.
<Store Information>
Address: 1st Floor, 480 Nakauoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8125
Closed: None
Phone: 075-708-7175
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://www.snoopychaya.jp/
Nishiki Marun
Source: Nishiki Market Official Website
"Nishiki Marun" is another shop worth checking out, offering cute Kyoto gift items. They also sell sweets, and their products, which have a Kyoto-like flavor different from the cute items in Tokyo, are popular.
<Store Information>
Address: 180 Higashi Sakana-ya, Nishikikoji Yanaginobaba Higashi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055
Closed: None
Phone: 075-255-3777
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/stores/marun/
Enjoying Kyoto's Fresh Ingredients and Market Atmosphere
Now, let's talk about the fresh Kyoto ingredients you should see at Nishiki Market.
Nishiki Market originally started as a fish market, so even now, there are many shops selling fresh fish, vegetables, and pickles. The unique market scene of local housewives shopping early in the morning, especially before New Year's, is something tourists rarely see.
I think experiencing this local atmosphere is one of the great pleasures of exploring Nishiki Market.
Gazing at the appearance of food ingredient shops that convey Kyoto's food culture to this day, amidst the shops lined up exuding history and tradition, is a strange experience like time travel. Please take your time to observe as much as you can.
If you are interested in Kyoto Shopping Streets, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto Shopping Streets I recommend and how I felt each Kyoto Shopping Streets.
Recommended Spots Around Nishiki Market
After fully enjoying the charms of Nishiki Market, let's extend our feet to the surrounding attractions. There are many attractive spots around Nishiki Market. Here, I'll introduce five of my recommendations.
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
First is "Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine", which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. It's a shrine with a venerable history, said to have been founded at the end of the Heian period.
You can drop by while exploring Nishiki Market, so please visit after enjoying your food walk.
Gion
Gion is another classic spot you might want to visit from Nishiki Market. In this geisha district where the culture of geisha and maiko still thrives, old buildings line up, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time.
If you're lucky, you might see maiko or geisha, but be aware that calling out to them or taking photos is against the rules.
If you want to meet a maiko for sure, I recommend tours like the one below:
Click here for more details: Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour
If you are interested in Gion, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Gion as much as possible.
Pontocho
If you want to taste Kyoto cuisine, I recommend visiting "Pontocho". This area, where long-established restaurants and Japanese-style restaurants crowd the narrow cobblestone alleys, is truly worthy of being called Kyoto's gourmet spot.
At night, lanterns are lit, creating a fantastical scene. I encourage you to savor the delicate flavors representative of Kyoto in this traditional space.
If you are interested in Pontocho, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Pontocho as much as possible.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Next, I'd like to introduce "Shinkyogoku Shopping Street", which is right next to Nishiki Market. This area, which stretches for about 400 meters, has a different charm from Nishiki Market.
Shinkyogoku developed as a commercial area about 150 years ago. Unlike Nishiki Market, there are few shops dealing with fresh fish and produce, but instead, restaurants, theaters, and sundry goods shops line up.
If you're unsure where to have lunch or dinner in Kyoto, I recommend deciding while strolling through here.
If you are interested in Shinkyogoku Sopping Street, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Shinkyogoku Sopping Street as much as possible.
Kamogawa River
Lastly, I'd like to introduce "Kamogawa River", a representative river of Kyoto. Walking along the banks of this river, which shows different expressions with each season, you'll be able to fully appreciate the beauty of Kyoto's nature.
The Kamogawa River is especially exceptional at dusk, with the scenery reflected on the water surface creating a fantastical atmosphere. It's a healing spot that makes you forget the daily hustle and bustle just by strolling. I recommend stopping by at the end of your day.
Tours to Fully Enjoy Nishiki Market
Now, I'll introduce some recommended tours that allow you to thoroughly enjoy Nishiki Market.
"Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour" by Magical Trip
The first tour I'd like to introduce is the "Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour" offered by us at Magical Trip. It's an indulgent tour that allows you to enjoy both a stroll through Gion, Kyoto's traditional area, and a food walk in Nishiki Market in the morning.
It also includes brunch at a restaurant in the market, so it's full of value.
The price is about 45 USD, which is quite reasonable. Why not experience the lively morning market atmosphere guided by someone who knows Nishiki Market inside out? The tour takes about 3 hours.
Click here for more details: Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
"Explore & enjoy lunch at Kyoto's historic food market" by Ninja Food Tours
Source: Ninja Food Tours
The next tour I'd like to introduce is "Explore & enjoy lunch at Kyoto's historic food market" offered by Ninja Food Tours. This tour allows you to enjoy various gourmet foods of Nishiki Market in about 2 hours.
The fee is about 8,200 yen per person, which is a bit high, but the nice point is that you can efficiently visit shops with diverse characteristics.
The time might feel a bit short, but it's a recommended plan for those who want to conquer various tastes in a short time. You're sure to experience the concentrated food appeal of Nishiki Market.
Click here for more details: Explore & enjoy lunch at Kyoto's historic food market
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Nishiki Market
Finally, I'll answer some common questions about visiting Nishiki Market.
What are Nishiki Market's business hours?
Business hours vary by shop, but generally, they're open from around 10 AM to 6 PM. Also, some shops close for extended periods during New Year's and mid-August for the "Obon" holiday.
What languages can I use for shopping?
Basically, shop staff only speak Japanese, so you shouldn't expect foreign languages to be understood. However, some shops can handle simple English. Communication methods like using gestures or pointing to amounts on a calculator will be helpful.
Can I use credit cards?
Unfortunately, most shops only accept cash. I recommend preparing enough cash in advance. A guideline is about 3,000 to 5,000 yen per person.
Can I try samples?
Some shops offer sample services. This is a common sight especially in shops selling pickles and sweets. Even if samples aren't displayed at the storefront, the trick is to not hesitate to ask the staff.
Is it crowded on weekends?
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are very busy with locals and tourists. It's especially crowded around noon, making it difficult even to enter shops. If you want to enjoy shopping at a leisurely pace, I recommend weekdays. The time around 10 AM is often relatively uncrowded.
In this article, I've thoroughly introduced the charms of Nishiki Market, a representative market of Kyoto. This market, with over 400 years of history, is packed with Kyoto's food culture and the energy of its people. It's truly an indispensable spot for Kyoto sightseeing.
I hope you'll use the information introduced in this article as a reference to confirm the greatness of Nishiki Market with your own eyes!
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