Kyoto’s Largest Traditional Food Market

We always make sure to visit the local markets in a city, and Nishiki Market is a must in Kyoto. The locals call it “Kyotot’s Kitchen,” which runs between Teramachi and Shinmachi. The market has a lot of traditional shops, which give a glimpse of what a traditional shotengai (shopping street) must have looked like.

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What is the Nishiki Market famous for?

As they call it also “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” you can guess that it is famous for its food. The market specializes in everything related to food – from fresh seafood (even whale meat) to various produce, kitchenware such as knives, and more. It is the best place to find seasonal food.
Worth to visit, especially if you want to experience the unique food culture in Kyoto.

Is the Nishiki Market old?

The Nishiki Market has a history of over 400 years. Around 130 stalls and shops go down the alley. The history dates back to the 14th century, the Edo period (1603-1868). It was initially a fish market, like the Tsukiji in Tokyo, and it transformed into what it looks like today over the centuries.

Until some decades ago, the shops were exclusively owned by families, geared toward local people who wanted to buy ingredients for their home cooking. With the massive influx of tourists, the shops adapted to serving food on the spot to some extent, and some companies entered the market, too.

Read also: Things You Should Eat When in Japan

How big is Nishiki Market?

If you are coming by train, the Karasuma Station is the nearest to the west entrance. Kawaramachi Station is the closest to the east entrance. Both stations are served by the Hankyu-Kyoto Line.

Coming by subway, the Shijo subway station is near the west entrance, and the Karasuma Line stops here.

What to try at the Nishiki Market?

When we arrived at the market, we didn’t know what to try first and, as usual, wanted to try it all 😀
There is a wide variety of foods to choose from, and it can feel overwhelming. Below are a few tips from us, but in the end, it is about your preference.

• Takotamago – is the most famous street food item and is exclusively sold at the shop known as “kai.” Tako means octopus, and tamago means egg. As you imagine, it is a small octopus with its head stuffed with a hard-boiled 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, but the taste is unforgettable. If you had to choose only one food, this would be it.

• Shrimp Tempura Skewer – tempura is one of the most beloved Japanese foods around the world. You can enjoy the plump texture and fresh shrimp in the beloved crispy tempura coating.
• Yuba – it is a traditional regional specialty. It has been eaten in Kyoto forever. It is tofu skin that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk. This thin soy milk layer has a creamy taste and a unique texture.
• Traditional Japanese snacks – The Nishiki market is the right place to try traditional sweets and snacks. Anything from dango to senbei can be found here. We recommend sweet rice dumplings, which come in different colors and flavors. We also recommend anything from the category of machta sweets, as Uji in Kyoto is the first place where green tea was first cultivated in Japan!

Check out also their official website for more information – https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/ 

All in all, Nishiki Market is a must-visit place if you are planning to visit Kyoto, both for the tasting and the cultural experience. If you are meeting up with someone, make sure to meet before entering the market, as it is pretty crowded. Before leaving don’t forget to buy some beautiful souvenirs. And remember to respect the rules of the market. Be kind and patient toward others when you’re exploring the Nishiki Market!
We hope you enjoy your waddle.

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