Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a lively and historic shopping street in Kyoto, Japan, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” It has been a culinary hub for centuries, offering a vast array of fresh seafood, seasonal produce, traditional Kyoto delicacies, and street food. In addition, the market is also one of the top places in Kyoto to find cookware, handmade knives, and various kitchenware. Most items found at the Nishiki Market are locally sourced and produced.
The narrow, covered market is often crowded with locals and tourists alike, creating a bustling and vibrant market experience. You’ll find vendors giving free food and drink samples throughout the market and stalls selling skewers of various foods for a reasonable price. Stalls at the Nishiki Market range in size, from hole-in-the-wall shops to multi-story shops.
The Nishiki Market opened its first shop in the early 1300’s, originally intended to be a wholesale fish market. While you can still find fresh fish and seafood, the market has evolved beyond a fish market, to a market selling the best of Kyoto’s cuisine.
Kyoto, like much of Japan has a cultural norm of not eating while walking, so find a designated spot before enjoying your food. You can typically find these in the areas you purchase the skewers and other hot food.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: Varies by store, typically 10:00am to 6:00pm
- Varies by store
- Average Time Spent: 30-60 minutes+
- Official Website
Accessing Nishiki Market
The Nishiki Market can be found one block north of Shijo Avenue, and its only about a five minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. Shijo Station can be reached from Kyoto station in less than five minutes on the Karasuma Subway line, and costs 220JPY one way.
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Where to Stay
Kyoto Tower Hotel
The Kyoto Tower Hotel is a centrally located hotel in the heart of Kyoto. With spacious rooms, the Kyoto Tower Hotel is ideal for travelling with families.
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Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located within Kyoto Station, the Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a stylish and modern hotel, with super convenient access to the train lines for easy exploring in Kyoto.
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Gion Elite Terrace
The Gion Elite Terrace is located in the cultural heart of Kyoto, being on a short walk from the Famous Yasaka shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hokan-ji, and some of the historic architecture of Kyoto.
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