Nishiki Market — Attraction in Kyoto

Nishiki Market Kyoto (aka Nishiki Ichiba and it is veritably meant brocade market). It is a historical 400 years old market occupied by 130 shops and restaurants selling a wide variety of Japanese food and produce and items such as fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, knives and cookwares, pickles and sushi. Nowadays Nishiki Market is a really popular and must visit market in Kyoto and is constantly packed with tourists and locals alike. The market’s opening hours is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The market is closed on Sundays. Also, One point for you to be aware of is that many shops are closed on Wednesdays. Go other days to avoid disappointment. Usually the peak hours are from 10am to 1 pm.

You can get to Nishiki Market by subway from Kyoto station. It is accessible easily by just a five-minute walk from Shijo Station.

After we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha (thousand Tori), we took the train to Nishiki market. We arrived quite early way before the opening time (9am) and the arrival of the tourists. We strolled leisurely and peacefully through Takomasu, Termachi Street and Shinkyogoku shopping street before we reached Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine located opposite the Nishiki Market entrance. The shrine is dedicated to Tenjin, the god of scholarship. Don’t forget to touch the bronze ox to get blessing for wealth good luck. We were pleased that we arrived early to see the shop owners and staff preparing the food and displays without any distractions. Of course I took plentiful eccentric photographs of the shops and food joyously. We could not try too much food cause we had a reservation at Kyoto Yoshitsugu (a traditional Japanese tea and sweets cafe) at 10am.

There are some shops in the market that are popular amongst tourists and locals.

Kimura Fresh Fish is a shop where you can taste fresh produce like squid, oysters, sea urchin, tuna etc

If you love oysters and dare to try pufferfish then stop by Watahanis, you won’t be disappointed.

Tanaka Keiran is a shop where you can try the famous Tamagoyaki, aka fried egg omelette in square shape. The tamagoyaki is cooked in a rectangular pan called a makiyakinabe or tamagoyakiki. Also don’t miss the eel and egg roll at Ajisaino Toyo.

Although many people like Tako Tamago (aka octopus egg). A hard boiled quail egg is stuffed in the octopus head and then grilled to perfection. Though many people tried and loved the octopus eggs, we find it weird to look at and eat these odd looking octopus.

Karikari Hakase specializes in serving Takoyaki.

If you fancy meat cuisine or snack, then you go to Torisei Takoyakushi. This vendor is well known for serving yakitori (grilled chicken). Also you can try Inumaeya jumbo chicken yakitori at 1000 yen, bone-in chicken 1500 yen.

Last but not least, many people stop by Aritsugu, a knife and kitchenware crafter.

More bonus tips: for a different culinary experience : don’t miss out these 2 tofu shops. Try the yummy soymilk cream croquette and the light and fluffy tofu doughnuts at Konna Monja. Also try the thick hot tofu drink and soy milk hotpot set at Nishiki Soya (if you fancy a vegetarian meal). There is a hidden gem : a Michelin star Gyoza and King fried chicken by Thunder God hidden in the alley. Well try all these restaurants next visit then.

Before we visit the Nishiki Market, we did research on the customary behavior in Nishiki market or other markets or any public places in Japan.

It is considered inappropriate for you eating your food (whether takeaway food or food to be immediately consumed) while you are walking around.

It is rare for you finding a trash bin in the city though littering is a very unacceptable behavior in Japan. So it is advisable that you bring a plastic bag with you when you go out sightseeing or shopping.

Never offer tips to your servers at restaurants because it is viewed as an...

I still remember visiting Nishiki Market in Kyoto with friends. It's "Kyoto's Kitchen," a narrow street with over 100 shops and stalls offering unique foods. We went early to avoid crowds, but it was bustling with locals and tourists. The fresh seafood at Kimura Fresh Fish caught my attention – try everything from tuna to sea urchin, incredibly fresh and flavorful.

One highlight was trying 100 yen sake shots, surprisingly good for the price. We also enjoyed grilled octopus, pickled vegetables, fried tofu, and Japanese crackers flavored with soy sauce to wasabi. The market offers a wide range of snacks: grilled chicken skewers, octopus dumplings, and unique desserts like kuromitsu ice cream. You can easily spend hours grazing on all these local specialties.

I splurged on a 1500 yen wagyu beef skewer, which didn't quite live up to expectations. It was tender but not significantly better than cheaper options elsewhere. However, other dishes like tako-tamago and eel rice bowls were amazing. The atmosphere is lively, with shop assistants calling out and the smell of food drawing you in. It can get crowded, and prices are steep, but it's worth it for the experience and location.

Each stall has its own charm, from family-run to modern fusion dishes blending traditional Japanese flavors with international twists. We spent hours enjoying the vibe and interacting with friendly vendors who shared stories about their food. Remember to eat where you buy, as eating on the go is frowned upon. Many stalls have small seating areas or standing bars where you can enjoy your snacks.

Nishiki Market is an experience you won't forget. It's not the cheapest place, but it's worth visiting for the quality and unique setting. I'd definitely go back and bring friends next time. If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, add Nishiki Market to your list – it's a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more.

The market offers a variety of snacks, making it easy to fill up without breaking the bank unless you splurge on wagyu. The soymilk donuts at Konna Moja are a great sweet treat, light and fluffy with flavors like caramel or kuromitsu. Overall, Nishiki Market is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Kyoto's culinary scene. It's a place where you can spend hours just enjoying the food and atmosphere, and it's definitely worth the visit. The combination of fresh ingredients, unique dishes, and lively atmosphere makes it a standout destination in Kyoto. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just looking for a memorable experience, Nishiki Market is...

A trip to the market is always fun and enjoyable because we get to try different kind of foods and see so many cute things on the way.

Think of Nishiki Market as Kyoto’s little food street — narrow, colorful, and full of tiny treasures. It’s the kind of place you can wander without a plan: the smells of grilled seafood, sweet mochi, and pickled vegetables mix together, the vendors call out friendly recommendations, and the whole alley hums with local life.

What it feels like Narrow covered lane, busy but cozy — not overwhelming if you slow down. Lots of small counters and stalls where you can watch food being made right in front of you. Friendly vendors who often offer small tastes, so you can try before you buy. A mix of modern snacks and old-school Kyoto specialties.

Things to try Pickles (tsukemono) — bright, crunchy, and very local. Fresh seafood or grilled skewers — quick, hot, and satisfying. Yuba (tofu skin) — delicate and uniquely Kyoto. Tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette) — warm and fluffy. Matcha sweets or soft-serve — a perfect cooling stop while you stroll. Wagashi (traditional sweets) — beautiful and great with tea.

Relaxing way to do it Go in the morning or just after lunch to avoid the biggest crowds. SOme stored dont open until 10 am and some even close on Sunday. Pick a few stalls that catch your eye and try small portions rather than filling up fast. Stand at a counter, watch the cook, sip something warm (or matcha ice cream), and just people-watch. If you want a slow break, head to a tiny tea shop or a bench and enjoy a single snack instead of racing through everything.

Practical tips Bring cash — some small stalls don’t take cards. Wear comfy shoes; the lane can get crowded. Be polite and patient when vendors are busy — a smile goes a long way. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample before buying.

Nishiki is relaxed food discovery. It’s less about sightseeing and more about tasting Kyoto—small pleasures, local flavors, and a relaxed, bustling vibe that makes wandering feel like a mini-adventure. Perfect for a slow morning or a...