Nishiki Market

What to know

Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," this lively retail market specializes in all things food-related, from fresh seafood and produce to knives and cookware. It's an excellent place to discover seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

The market has a pleasant yet bustling atmosphere that invites visitors to explore the variety of culinary delights Kyoto is famous for. Shops range from small, narrow stalls to larger two-story establishments. Most specialize in a particular type of food, and nearly everything sold is locally produced and sourced.

Some shops offer free samples or sell ready-to-eat dishes and skewers. There are also a few small restaurants and food stands serving prepared food. Some are sit-down establishments, while others consist of just a couple of stools and a counter. They usually focus on one type of food and are often attached to a store of the same specialty. Remember to avoid eating while walking, as it is considered bad manners and a nuisance to local shoppers.

The market has a history spanning several centuries, with many stores run by the same families for generations. It began as a fish wholesale district around 1310, when the first shop opened. Later, a wider variety of shops moved in, transforming the area from wholesale to retail. Today, it remains an important market for Kyoto and is often crowded with locals and tourists alike.

Nishiki Market runs parallel to and one block north of Shijo Avenue. It is within a five-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line (4 minutes, 220 yen from Kyoto Station) or from Karasuma or Kyoto-Kawaramachi stations on the Hankyu Line.