
Nishiki Food Market, Kyoto (must see)
The Nishiki Food Market, also dubbed Kyoto’s Kitchen, is a narrow covered marketplace that runs for five blocks parallel to the busy Shijo Street, east of Teramachi Street. Shops here sell all types of food: vegetables, rice, fresh and dried fish, boiled fish paste, meat, dried bean curd, pickles, fragrant spices and sweets, as well as fresh Kyoto delicacies.
The Nishiki market was established in 1310 as a large wholesale venue. Just like the rest of the city, it suffered greatly during the Ōnin Civil War in the 1500s. After the war, the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi reopened it again, this time as a retail market for food and groceries, which has since proven extremely popular.
Most vendors at Nishiki allow customers to sample their products before buying. Some specialty stores run small eateries serving the same specialty fare sold by the store. Most shops in the market are closed on Wednesdays, except the fishmongers. The latter have their day off on Sundays. Besides the fresh produce and seafood, there are stores selling knives, crockery and cookware. The Nishiki market is frequented by the locals looking for authentic stuff, much as by the guests of the city coming to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese marketplace.
Why You Should Visit:
A little bit touristy, but still authentic; you can find any local delicacy here – pickled vegetables, eel, uni, sashimi, takoyaki, matcha ice cream, etc.
Good for tourists who want to see what a typical Japanese arcade shopping market looks like, although it's not the only one in the area.
Tip:
The market has a NO WALK AND EAT policy, meaning you can't buy food to eat while walking.
You can only eat standing in the front of the stall or take it away outside the market boundary.
If you see a line for something, make sure to stop and see what it is. Chances are it is something pretty good.
Beware of the higher prices on special items and gifts, though, as it is a popular tourist spot.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-6pm (varies by store)
Some stores are closed Wednesday or Sunday
The Nishiki market was established in 1310 as a large wholesale venue. Just like the rest of the city, it suffered greatly during the Ōnin Civil War in the 1500s. After the war, the shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi reopened it again, this time as a retail market for food and groceries, which has since proven extremely popular.
Most vendors at Nishiki allow customers to sample their products before buying. Some specialty stores run small eateries serving the same specialty fare sold by the store. Most shops in the market are closed on Wednesdays, except the fishmongers. The latter have their day off on Sundays. Besides the fresh produce and seafood, there are stores selling knives, crockery and cookware. The Nishiki market is frequented by the locals looking for authentic stuff, much as by the guests of the city coming to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese marketplace.
Why You Should Visit:
A little bit touristy, but still authentic; you can find any local delicacy here – pickled vegetables, eel, uni, sashimi, takoyaki, matcha ice cream, etc.
Good for tourists who want to see what a typical Japanese arcade shopping market looks like, although it's not the only one in the area.
Tip:
The market has a NO WALK AND EAT policy, meaning you can't buy food to eat while walking.
You can only eat standing in the front of the stall or take it away outside the market boundary.
If you see a line for something, make sure to stop and see what it is. Chances are it is something pretty good.
Beware of the higher prices on special items and gifts, though, as it is a popular tourist spot.
Opening Hours:
Daily: 9am-6pm (varies by store)
Some stores are closed Wednesday or Sunday
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Nishiki Food Market on Map
Sight Name: Nishiki Food Market
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour
The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and is, without saying, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here. If you would like to walk around Kyoto on your own two feet and enjoy shopping and authentic Japanese cooking, follow this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Gion District Walking Tour
Famed for being one of the most mesmerizing parts of Kyoto, Gion is the area long associated with traditional Japanese entertainment, stunning temples, geisha and local eateries ideal to while away a day in the ancient capital of Japan. The district forms part of the Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood lying north and south of Shijo Street, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Walk on Philosopher's Path
Extending about 2 km along a canal carrying water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, the Philosopher's Path (so called because famed Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, used to walk it as a daily meditation before WWII) is perfect for a leisurely stroll with views that change through the seasons; cherries followed by new green leaves and, then again, the pastel hues of autumn.
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
The Arashiyama district is slightly out of way for tourists – but that just means one can enjoy it more comfortably. While arguably the most popular attraction here is the 'bamboo path' with its magnificent, towering bamboos, you should also enjoy other scenic attractions such as the Ōi River and Mount Arashi, or the Monkey Park, all within walking distance and selected/described in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour
The former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the city of tradition, history and culture. Attesting to this is the central part of the city, replete with historic attractions – centuries-old imperial palaces, castles and shrines that have seen a lot in the turbulent past of Kyoto. The explore the most prominent of them and to feel the breath of antiquity, follow this self-guided walk.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Higashiyama Walking Tour
Kyoto is a city catering for tourists, especially the ones with love of history, religion and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are located in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples of Kyoto, including centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites such as lantern-lit Yasaka shrine and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto
The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...