Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. She also loves to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea.
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If you are looking for somewhere to experience the unique food culture in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is definitely the best place to visit. This bustling market has a history of over 400 years and is home to approximately 130 stalls and shops selling a wide variety of tasty local specialties.
Not only locals, but also tourists from around the world flock to the market to enjoy fresh seafood, locally-grown vegetables, and Kyoto’s traditional foods that can only be found here! This complete guide will help you get an idea of the historic shopping street with all the information you need!
▼Book our Kyoto Food and Drink Tour at Nishiki Market!
Check out the guided walking tour for foodies, which takes you to the best spots in Kyoto to enjoy some local foods. We will explore Nishiki Market and try some local street foods such as Yuba (tofu skin), Hamo (sea eel) tempura, Obanzai (local small dishes), and more during the tour. Let’s stroll through the market and learn its history while the local knowledgeable guide leads the way!
1. Where and What is Nishiki Market?
Nishiki Market (“錦市場” in Japanese) is one of the most famous and busiest markets in Kyoto. Originally opened as a fish market during the Edo period (1603 – 1868), this lively market has served as a popular shopping district among locals for centuries. It is located a bit north of Kyoto Station.
This shopping area stretches about 390 meters along Nishiki-koji Street, a stone-paved narrow street that crosses central Kyoto from east to west. Stalls and shops at Nishiki Market offer an endless array of food options, including Kyoto’s traditional specialties as well as reasonably priced delicious sweets.
2. What to try at Nishiki Market
Once you arrive at Nishiki Market, the most important thing is to decide what to choose from the wide range of food options that the market has to offer. Here are some of our favorites that we recommend you should try when visiting!
Takotamago
Takotamago is a popular street food that is exclusively available at the shop known as “Kai” in Nishiki Market. “Tako” means an octopus, and “Tamago” means an egg in Japanese. As you can imagine from the name, it is basically a small octopus that has its head stuffed with a boiled quail egg! The octopus is perfectly cooked with a slightly sweet soy sauce, and the addictive taste is quite rich. You may be surprised by the unique appearance at first, but the taste is unforgettable and pairs well with white rice and alcoholic drinks! They also specialize in selling a variety of traditional delicacies such as “Furikake” (dry seasoning for rice) and appetizers that you can use to make traditional Japanese dishes on your own at home!
Where you can find: Kai
Shrimp Tempura Skewer
Along with Sushi and Ramen, Tempura is probably one of the most beloved Japanese foods around the world. Nishiki Hirano is a friendly stall that offers more than 50 different types of handmade traditional Japanese side dishes. They are best known for the super long, tasty Shrimp Tempura skewer which is available for 390yen. Enjoy the plump texture of the fresh shrimp covered with the crispy coating of tempura. Don’t forget to try their freshly made rolled omelet which is perfect to take home and enjoy as a side dish!
Where you can find: Nishiki Hirano
Yuba
Yuba is a traditional regional specialty that has been eaten in Kyoto from ancient times. It is basically tofu skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk. This thin soy milk layer has a creamy taste and a unique texture. Yuba is also rich in nutrients, including protein, soy isoflavones, and iron which are beneficial to your health.
Nishiki Market is home to many popular Yuba shops which have a long history. If you want to try delicate Yuba at Nishiki Market, visit YUBAKICHI, which has produced delicious Yuba products since opened in the late 18th century. They offer a variety of Yuba and Tofu products which are made from domestically-grown soybeans and clear underground water in Kyoto region.
Hanayori-Kiyoe is another popular shop that serves delicious “Yuba Korokke” (Korokke is a Japanese side dish which is basically a fried mashed potato with filling ingredients). The coating of Yuba Korokke is crispy, while inside the Korokke is filled with creamy Yuba. They also serve different flavors of Korokke such as Matcha (Japanese green tea), curry, and grilled corn which are reasonably available for around 250yen!
Where you can find: YUBAKICHI and Hanayori-Kiyoe
Hamo: Japanese Pike Conger Eel (Sea Eel)
If you want to try Japanese fresh seafood, but raw fish doesn’t suit your taste, why not try delicious Hamo Tempura at Uoriki? Founded in 1919, Uoriki is a small seafood shop that specializes in selling a variety of seafood dishes. They are particularly popular among international tourists with the incredibly great Hamo Tempura, which is available for 400 yen. Their Hamo tempura is bite-sized and features the freshest Hamo delivered from the Setouchi area, which is best known for its top-quality seafood. The deep-fried Hamo tempura is coated with light batter which features a crispy texture. The dining area is also available in the store.
Where you can find: Uoriki
Traditional Japanese Snacks & Sweets
Nishiki Market offers a variety of traditional Japanese snacks and sweets that you should try while in Kyoto. Terakoya-honpo is a cozy Japanese sweets confectioner which sells delicious handmade “Senbei” (rice crackers) and “Dango” (Japanese sweet rice dumplings). Their rice crackers are carefully baked by hand in-store and flavored with traditional seasonings such as soy sauce and seven flavor chili peppers.
It is also worth trying their delicious sweet rice dumplings which come in different colors and flavors, including Mitarashi (salty-sweet sauce made from sugar and soy sauce), Anko (sweet bean paste), chocolate, chestnut, and more. They make different flavors of rice dumplings for each season, so every time you visit them, you will find new flavors to try!
Where you can find: Terakoya-honpo
Join Our Kyoto Food and Drink Tour
If you are planning your first visit to Kyoto, but don’t know where to start, check out our popular food and drink tour at Nishiki Market! This local guided tour will give you a sense of the lifestyle of the people of Kyoto, and the rich history of the city that dates back hundreds of years and is a unique combination of modern and traditional. During the tour, you can enjoy the taste of Kyoto’s specialty food, and explore the shopping arcades, temples, and shrines to learn more about the culture of Kyoto!
3. Where to visit around Nishiki Market
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street (新京極商店街)
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is one of Kyoto’s most famous shopping streets packed with a wide range of shops and restaurants. It is a perfect place for finding memorable souvenirs, browsing the latest fashion trends in Japan, and trying popular street foods and sweets. This shopping street is located about 5 minutes east of Nishiki Market.
Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)
This sacred Shinto shrine, Yasaka Shrine, has a history of 1,300 years, is located in the Gion district, and is home to historic buildings that are brightly lit at night. In addition, it is probably best known for Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s most famous summer festival held in July. Maruyama Park is a peaceful park adjacent to the shrine, and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot during the spring season!
Kamogawa River (鴨川)
Kyoto’s symbolic river runs through Kyoto City from north to south for approximately 31 kilometers. This scenic stream boasts a peaceful atmosphere which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. You can also take a refreshing break along the lovely river banks after enjoying shopping at Shinkyogoku Shopping Street or exploring the Gion District nearby.
Access and Hours at Nishiki Market
Access
Nishiki Market is just one street north of Shijo Avenue in the northern part of Kyoto. Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station(less than a 5 minute ride) and get off at Shijo Station. From Shijo Station, it is about a 5-10 minute walk. If you are up for walking all the way from Kyoto Station, it is about a 30-minute walk.
Hours
Business hours vary from store to store, but typically 9:00 – 18:00
There is so much to see, do, and eat in and around Nishiki Market. To hit all the best spots there during your next trip, book our food and drink tour at Nishiki Market!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Kyoto 10-Hour HIGHLIGHT Private Tour
If you only have a day or two in Kyoto, we offer a full-day tour of the city, enabling you to immerse yourself in and fully enjoy the entire city of Kyoto in just 10 hours!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
Find Other Experience
▶Kimono Rental
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Happy traveling!
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.
Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.
