If you are visiting Kyoto, Japan one of your first stops should include exploring the Nishiki Market food scene! Located in the heart of downtown Kyoto, the narrow alleyways of Nishiki Market reveal a vibrant food market that has been a culinary hub for centuries.
With hundreds of stalls selling fresh seafood, sweets, and local delicacies, Nishiki Market offers a feast for visitors looking to experience the diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine. Explore the delectable street food of Nishiki Market and discover why it earned its reputation as Kyoto’s kitchen.
During a recent trip to Kyoto, I had the opportunity to sample a TON of Nishiki Market foods. This travel guide shares everything you need to know about the culinary delights of Nishiki Market, plus helpful visit tips you need to know before you visit. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or embarking on a gastronomic adventure, this iconic location promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Kyoto street food culture. If you are wondering what to eat in Kyoto, keep reading for the best food in Nishiki Market!
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What Is Nishiki Market?
The beginning of Nishiki Market, also known as Nishiki Ichiba, started approximately 400 years ago. Kyoto has a large supply of fresh groundwater that was essential for food preservation and cooking at Nishiki Market. In fact, its fresh water supply is one of the reasons it grew from a humble Kyoto fish market to the bustling center of food, drinks, and shopping that it is today.
Nishiki Market sprawls approximately 5 blocks and is affectionately known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” for good reason. From its energetic crowds, the aroma of wafting food, and a variety of colorful souvenirs- it captivates visitors to Japan.
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How to Get to Nishiki Food Market
Nishiki Market is simple to find. Simply use Google Maps to help direct you in Japan.
Directions to Nishiki Market From Kyoto Station:
- Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station.
- From the Shijo Station, follow the signs for the north ticket gate exit.
- It’s a 5 minute walk to Takakura-dori Street.
- Go east on Nishikikoji-dori Street.
- Before you reach Tominokoji-dori, it’s one block north of Shijo Avenue, between Teramachi and Shinmachi.
- You will know you have reached Nishiki Market when you see the colorful ceiling!
15 Best Nishiki Market Foods to Try in Kyoto
Fresh Seafood
Although Kyoto is landlocked, it still has some of the best seafood in the world. Without question, quality seafood is a highlight of Nishiki Market. Vendors offer a diverse selection of fresh fish, shellfish, and other delicacies.
As you stroll through the market, you will see endless seafood options. Some examples include sushi, sashimi, grilled fish skewers, and fried sea bream.
1. Sushi and Sashimi
Without question, sushi is a common food associated with Japan. I can honestly say, the sushi at Nishiki Market surpassed the best sushi and sashimi I have tasted in high-end California restaurants. You will find every variety from fresh uni to beef sushi! So, don’t be afraid to try something new!
2. Grilled skewers (Kushiyaki & Yakitori)
You will smell the aroma of these scrumptious skewers as you meander through Nishiki Market. The word “kushi” refers to the bamboo skewer it’s served on and “yaki” means grilled or fried. No matter what it means in Japanese- it’s delicious.
Kushiyaki are made with vegetables, fish, meat or poultry. I suggest you try them all! They grill skewers over a charcoal flame and serve them with salt (shio) or sweet dipping sauce (tare).
Traditional Japanese Cuisine at Nishiki Market
3. Rice bowls (Donburi)
Popular throughout Japan, donburi are rice bowls that consist of rice, meat or seafood, and vegetables. In particular, Kyoto is well known for its oyako donburi. It’s simply rice topped with a chicken and egg mixture. Since we visited on a rainy day, we enjoyed a bowl of this warm, comfort food.
4. Tempura
One of my favorite Nishiki Market foods is tempura. Hot, steamy, crunchiness in every bite- yum! You can find all sorts of battered items from shrimp tempura to buttered potato tempura and more! Dip those tasty morsels in soy sauce and dig in!
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Local Kyoto Specialties
5. Kyoto-style Obanzai
Obanzai is a traditional Japanese meal of small dishes sourced with local ingredients. Locals carefully craft dishes to prevent waste. Make sure to taste this “soul food” of Kyoto.
6. Tofu (Yuba)
Kyoto is highly regarded for its meticulous tofu production. Therefore, when you visit it’s essential to try tofu or yuba dishes. Before our visit, I had never heard of yuba. I learned Yuba is derived from skimming the cooled surface off of boiled soy milk.
One of our favorite foods at Nishiki Market are yuba cream croquettes. Each bite has a delicious crunchy exterior and warm, gooey center. It’s a subtle, nutty flavor you need to taste to experience. Make sure to try this delicious food Kyoto is known for!
Japanese Sweets and Desserts at Nishiki Market Kyoto
7. Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku)
Next, indulge your sweet tooth with an assortment of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) at Nishiki Market. One of the most common treats is Mochi. You will find soft, chewy mochi in all shapes, flavors and varieties in Japan.
When we visited, I knew I needed to sample the famous mochi with strawberries (ichigo daifuku). When you bite into the soft center, you taste the sweet strawberry flavor and thick bean paste inside. It’s certainly one of the must-try Nishiki Market foods!
8. Japanese Pancakes (Dorayaki)
Another common Japanese dessert is dorayaki. These fluffy, cake-like pancakes are typically made with honey. Inside every bite is a thick, warm layer of creamy bean paste. I liked that these are sweet, but not overly sugary as some typical desserts in the U.S.
9. Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastry)
Taiyaki are filled pastries, similar to dorayaki. However, they have a distinctive fish-shaped exterior. The shape of the Tai (fish) is symbolic of happiness or luck. Interestingly, vendors have been selling these famous pastries in Japan since 1909.
Taiyaki have a crunchier exterior and a denser consistency than dorayaki. Despite their shape, there isn’t any fish or fish flavor inside. You can find them filled with traditional sweetened bean paste, but we liked the cream-filled ones best.
10. Soy Milk Doughnuts
Another must-try location is Konnamanja tofu shop for their soy milk doughnuts. The small, slightly crispy doughnuts are served hot, drizzled with matcha and chocolate. My kids gobbled them down so quickly, I couldn’t even get a photo!
11. Matcha
Sampling matcha desserts was the highlight of my trip to Nishiki Market. There are so many types of dessert utilizing this flavorful green tea powder. Make sure to try matcha ice cream- we tasted our way through a shop that you can select the “matcha intensity”.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Unless you really like a strong matcha taste, choose level A or B.
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Unique Foods at Nishiki Market
12. Pickles and Preserves
Visitors can sample various types of pickled fruits and vegetables. Japanese pickles (tsukemono) are some of the most popular foods in Nishiki Market. You can also try a variety of preserved vegetables (senmai zuke), such as pickled daikon radish (takuan). Or try pickled fruits, including the salty and sweet pickled plums (umeboshi). Visitors can also purchase these pre-packaged to take home as souvenirs.
13. Senbei
Crispy, crunchy, and sometimes spicy- you need to try rice crackers (senbei) at Nishiki Market. This is a delightful cracker that makes a quick snack.
14. Chirimen Sansho
To be honest, at first glance I had no idea what chirimen sansho was. We saw workers handing out samples of the unknown food in Nishiki Market. What looked like dried vegetables, is actually dried white fish mixed with Sansho peppers. People often eat it on top of sushi as a crunchy and spicy condiment.
15. Tako Tamago
If you are looking for a unique Nishiki Market street food- try the octopus stuffed with a quail egg (tako tamago). I wasn’t brave enough to try it after seeing the expression on my nephew’s face after his first bite. He described it as chewy and salty-sweet. Try one if you dare!
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Important Rules of Nishiki Market
Don’t Walk and Eat in Japan
When you visit Nishiki Market, you want to be familiar with some common etiquette. In Japan, locals do not walk and eat. The same rule applies when you order food- you are expected to consume your food at the stall where you bought it. As an American, this is particularly difficult because it’s our nature to snack while we shop. Fortunately, there are tons of signs reminding you to stay put.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Although shops can be very small and crowded, keep an eye out for stairs. Many of the stalls have an upstairs area that is virtually empty.
Deposit Trash Where You Make a Purchase
In Japan, it is customary to throw your trash away where you make a purchase. Since trash cans are not readily available, make sure to throw your trash away before you depart for the next food stall.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Bring a ziplock bag to carry extra trash with you in Japan until you can dispose of it.
Pay Attention to Where Photos Are Allowed
Throughout Nishiki Market signs state whether photography is allowed. Be respectful and do not take photos where they are not wanted.
When to Visit Nishiki Market
- Nishiki Market opening hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
- Some vendors may start setting up their stalls earlier, while others may stay open a bit later into the evening, especially during peak tourist seasons or special events.
- The best time to visit Nishiki Market is on weekdays before 11:00 am or after 5:00 pm for fewer crowds.
- Some shops close on Wednesdays and Sundays, but we found everything open when we visited.
- Weekends, holidays and during Sakura, or cherry blossom season, are especially busy.
- The walkway through the market is approximately 10 feet wide, so get ready to cozy up with other visitors.
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What to Bring to Nishiki Market
Your Appetite
Most importantly, make sure to arrive hungry when you sample Nishiki Market food. We visited at lunch and it was the perfect place to taste and wander. Honestly, you could spend days here and still not try everything!
An Open Mind
Chances are, you will see foods at Nishiki Market that you have never seen or tasted before. Exploring with an open mind is paramount! You might be surprised how unexpectedly delicious some of the flavors are!
Patience
Try to be patient as you peruse the food options at Nishiki Market. The narrow corridors are extremely congested and packed with visitors.
Lots of Cash
Make sure to bring lots of cash when you want to purchase food at Nishiki Market. Many vendors asked for small bills and change, so break large bills before you arrive.
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Nishiki Market: FAQ;’s
What Is the Most Famous Market in Kyoto?
The most famous market in Kyoto is Nishiki Market, which is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. This market is over 400 years old and spans several blocks with hundreds of shops and food stalls today.
What Is Nishiki Market Famous For?
Nishiki Market is a famous Japanese marketplace, boasting a rich history spanning over four centuries. It hosts hundreds of food stalls which offer a wide variety of traditional Japanese foods. In addition, it provides a cultural experience that immerses visitors in it’s bustling atmosphere, narrow alleyways, and vendors offering a glimpse of daily life in Kyoto.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Nishiki Market?
It is free to enter Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan. However, you will want to bring cash in the form of small bills and coins to purchase a variety of snacks, food, beverages and souvenirs when you visit.
Does Nishiki Market Have Souvenirs?
Not only does Nishiki Market have all types of food, but it’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs. In addition to packaged food items, you can find knives, clothing, chopsticks, ceramics, purses, and more at Nishiki Market.
Is Nishiki Market Open on Sundays?
Since Nishiki Market is a small local market run by individual shop owners, the hours and day of operation can vary. It is generally open daily from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Check local holidays for additional closures.
What Are Some Things to Do Near Nishiki Market?
After Nishiki Market, you can continue on to the luxury stores along Shijo-dori shopping street. Explore the lesser known shrine, Nishiki-Tenmangu, at the far end of the market. Walk to restaurant alley in Pontocho or visit the Manga Museum. Or head to Gion to sightsee and try to spot an elusive geisha. One of the best things to do is grab a taxi and drive 10 minutes to the charming Yasaka Pagoda and explore the streets around Ninenzaka.
Seeking Stamps Tip: Unsure where to go? Have your taxi drop you off at the Park Hyatt Hotel and walk up the picturesque streets of Kyoto.
Can You Visit Nishiki Market in the Rain?
One of the best things about Nishiki Market is you can visit it during inclement weather. It is an open-air market, but its distinctive colorful arcade will protect you from the sun and rain. It’s the perfect thing to do in Kyoto during bad weather.
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Nishiki Market Food: Final Thoughts
I hope this Kyoto food guide helps you plan your visit to Nishiki Market during your Japan itinerary. As you can see, it’s not only one of the best things to do in Kyoto, but a delicious and fun activity the whole family will enjoy! Whether you visit on a day trip to Kyoto or have days to explore the hidden gems inside Nishiki Food Market Kyoto, tasting Japanese street food is something you cannot miss!
Coming Soon- Travel Tips for Tokyo, Japan!
