Nishiki Market
Taste your way through Kyoto's Kitchen on this historic 400-year-old market street
Nishiki Market's history dates back over 400 years to the Edo period when it began as a fish wholesale district. The market benefited from underground spring water that kept seafood fresh, and by the early 1600s it had received official permission from the Tokugawa government to operate as a fish market. This establishment as an authorized market gave Nishiki legitimacy and helped it become the primary supplier of ingredients to Kyoto's nobility, temples, and high-end restaurants specializing in Kaiseki cuisine.
The market evolved beyond fish to encompass all aspects of Kyoto's traditional food culture. The narrow 390-meter covered arcade, running one block north of Shijo Street, houses approximately 130 shops and stalls, many family-operated for multiple generations. These vendors specialize in Kyoto's distinctive cuisine including pickled vegetables (tsukemono), dried foods, tofu products, seafood, Japanese sweets, tea, cookware, and seasonal specialties. The market became known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' for supplying both professional chefs and home cooks with the highest quality traditional ingredients.
Today, Nishiki Market serves dual roles as a working market for locals and a culinary tourism destination. While it maintains its function as a supplier of traditional Kyoto ingredients, the market has adapted to tourism by offering ready-to-eat items, tastings, and English-speaking vendors. Despite modernization, many shops preserve centuries-old techniques for making pickles, preparing fish, and crafting traditional sweets. The market provides an authentic window into Kyoto's food culture and the ingredients that define its distinctive cuisine.
Key Highlights
- Over 400-year history as Kyoto's primary food market
- 390-meter covered arcade with approximately 130 specialty food shops
- Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' - source for Kaiseki restaurant ingredients
- Famous Kyoto specialties: tsukemono pickles, yuba tofu skin, wagashi sweets
- Fresh seafood, seasonal produce, tea, cookware, and kitchen goods
- Ready-to-eat items and tastings available at many stalls
- Free to enter and browse, pay per item purchased or tasted
- Located in heart of downtown Kyoto near shopping and temples
Access Information
Location
Nishikikoji Street, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (between Teramachi and Takakura streets)
Nearest Stations
- • Shijo Station (Kyoto Metro Karasuma Line) - 3-minute walk east to market entrance
- • Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway) - 2-minute walk west to market entrance
- • Karasuma Station (Hankyu Railway) - 4-minute walk to market
Opening Hours
Most shops: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Individual shop hours vary - some open earlier, others close later. Many shops closed Wednesdays or irregular holidays. Best to visit 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM when most shops are open. Some shops closed on Sundays or New Year holidays.
Admission Fee
Free to enter and browse market. Individual items priced separately - prepared foods ¥200-¥1,000, tastings ¥100-¥500, specialty products vary widely. Cash preferred though some shops accept cards. Budget ¥2,000-¥5,000 for sampling and purchases.
How to Get There
From Kyoto Station
Take Karasuma Line subway north to Shijo Station (5 minutes, ¥220), exit 10, walk east on Shijo Street 2 blocks, turn left into Nishiki Market covered arcade (total 10-15 min from station)
15 minutes
From Gion/Higashiyama
Walk west along Shijo Street for 15 minutes to Kawaramachi area, then enter market arcade from east end
15 minutes
From Osaka
Take Hankyu Railway to Kawaramachi Station (40 minutes from Umeda, ¥400), exit station, walk 2 minutes west on Shijo then north into market
50 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
What to Try
Must-try items: grilled seafood on skewers, tsukemono pickles (free tastings), fresh yuba (tofu skin), kyo-wagashi sweets, takoyaki, matcha soft cream, Japanese knife-cut pickles. Many shops offer small portions perfect for trying. Look for shops with English signs for tourist-friendly tastings.
Best Visiting Times
Visit 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM when all shops are open and prepared foods are fresh. Weekday mornings less crowded than afternoons and weekends. Avoid lunch rush (12:00-1:00 PM) when the narrow arcade gets packed. Late afternoon (4:00-5:00 PM) some shops start closing.
Photography Etiquette
Photography of shop fronts and general market atmosphere is acceptable. Always ask permission before photographing vendors or inside shops. Some traditional shops prefer no photos. Focus on capturing the overall arcade atmosphere rather than close-ups of products without permission.
Shopping Tips
Bring cash - many small shops don't accept cards. Free tastings available at pickle shops and some others. 'Try before you buy' culture - vendors encourage tasting. Prices generally not negotiable. Souvenir-appropriate items: packaged pickles, tea, Japanese knives, chopsticks, wagashi sweets.
Market Etiquette
Don't eat while walking in the narrow arcade - find standing areas or seating at shop fronts. Dispose of trash properly in bins provided by vendors. The market is narrow - move aside to let locals through. Rush hours get very crowded - be patient and courteous.
Local Specialties Explained
Tsukemono: Kyoto-style pickled vegetables (many varieties for tasting). Yuba: Delicate tofu skin used in Kaiseki. Kyoto vegetables: Unique heirloom varieties like Kyo-ninjin carrots. Kyo-wagashi: Traditional sweets for tea ceremony. Saba-zushi: Mackerel sushi specialty.
Souvenir Shopping
Best edible souvenirs: vacuum-packed pickles (last weeks), Japanese tea, dried bonito flakes, packaged wagashi sweets. Kitchen items: Japanese knives, ceramic dishes, chopsticks, bamboo utensils. Many shops ship internationally for larger purchases like knives.
Combining Activities
Located in downtown Kyoto between department stores and traditional shopping streets. Easily combine with Teramachi covered arcade, Pontocho dining alley, and nearby temples. Allow 1-2 hours for leisurely browsing and tasting. Perfect before lunch (sample, then dine nearby) or afternoon activity.
FAQ
What time should I visit Nishiki Market?
Most shops open around 10-11am and close by 5-6pm. Arriving mid-morning (10-11am) offers fresh selections before crowds build. Afternoon (2-4pm) can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Some stalls close on Wednesdays or Sundays, so check if visiting on those days.
Can I eat while walking through the market?
While eating while walking (tabearuki) is common among tourists, it's considered impolite in Japanese culture. Many vendors now provide small eating areas or encourage visitors to step aside. When sampling food, pause near the stall rather than walking. This shows respect and keeps the narrow arcade clear.
What unique Kyoto foods should I try?
Must-try items include tsukemono (pickled vegetables), yuba (tofu skin), fresh nama-fu (wheat gluten cakes), yakitori skewers, and tako tamago (octopus with quail egg). Seasonal specialties vary throughout the year. Many vendors offer free samples. Don't miss the unique pickle varieties Kyoto is famous for.
Do vendors speak English?
English ability varies widely. Popular stalls frequented by tourists have basic English or picture menus. Pointing and gestures work well. Many products have price tags. Cash is preferred at most stalls, though some accept cards. Knowing basic Japanese phrases helps but isn't essential.
Can I bring luggage or large bags?
The covered arcade is narrow and gets very crowded. Large luggage or backpacks make navigation difficult and can bump into displays or other visitors. Use coin lockers at Kyoto Station before visiting. Small bags are fine but wear them in front during crowded times.
How long should I spend at the market?
A complete walk-through sampling and shopping takes 60-90 minutes. Food enthusiasts and those purchasing ingredients might spend 2 hours. The market is about 400 meters long but moving slowly through crowds and stopping at stalls extends the time. Don't rush; savoring is part of the experience.
What should I buy as souvenirs?
Packaged pickles travel well and make authentic souvenirs. Japanese kitchen knives, tea, sansho pepper, and shichimi spice blends are popular. Some shops ship internationally. Sweets like yatsuhashi and fresh mochi are good if consuming soon. Ask about refrigeration needs for perishables.
Are prices negotiable at the market?
No, prices are generally fixed. This isn't a haggling market. Prices are fair and quality is high. Some vendors offer discounts if buying multiple items or at closing time, but don't expect negotiation. Asking for discounts may be considered rude.
Is the market wheelchair or stroller accessible?
The narrow covered arcade has level flooring but gets extremely crowded, making wheelchair or stroller navigation challenging. Side-by-side walking is often impossible during busy periods. Early morning visits might be more manageable. Consider visiting with minimal equipment if possible.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, many vegetable pickles, fresh produce, and yuba (tofu skin) are vegetarian/vegan. However, dashi (fish stock) is used in many products that appear vegetarian. Ask about ingredients if dietary restrictions are strict. The language barrier can make confirming ingredients challenging.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Amanohashidate
One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, a natural 3.6km pine-covered sandbar connecting both sides of Miyazu Bay, traditionally viewed upside-down between one's legs.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
An ethereal pathway through towering bamboo stalks creating a serene, otherworldly atmosphere, one of Kyoto's most iconic and photographed natural landscapes.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that create stunning tunnels along mountain trails, this is one of Kyoto's most iconic and photographed sites
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
A Zen temple renowned for its elegant gardens and understated beauty, representing the refined aesthetic of Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy.
Gion District
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, where traditional wooden machiya houses line atmospheric streets and the ancient arts of geiko and maiko continue to thrive.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Vibrant vermillion shrine with massive torii gate and spectacular gardens featuring cherry blossoms, azaleas, and water lilies across four distinct sections.
Ine Funaya Boat Houses
A picturesque fishing village where traditional funaya boat houses line the bay, with boats stored on the ground floor and living quarters above, creating a unique waterfront townscape.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple featuring a stunning three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf, set in a classical Japanese garden