Nishiki Market

Nishiki Shopping Street

Located in the commercial heart of Kyoto, Nishiki Shopping Street is a north-south thoroughfare stretching 500 meters in length. At least 90% of its shops are open daily, with most operating from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Kyoto’s Nishiki Shopping Street is the second oldest shopping street in Japan, after Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street, which was built in 1872. In its early days, Nishiki Shopping Street resembled New York’s Broadway, home to numerous theaters showcasing plays and comedies. Later, as movies rose in popularity, these theaters gradually transformed into cinemas. The shopping street then became Kyoto’s cinematic hub, bustling even late into the night and beloved by residents from nearby prefectures. Around the cinemas, many restaurants and souvenir shops also emerged, adding to the area’s vibrancy.

Another highlight of Nishiki Shopping Street is the seven temples and one shrine that face the street. Each has its own history and stories, attracting many visitors for worship. When you step from the lively shopping street into one of these temples or shrines, you’ll immediately sense a solemn atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling commercial area.

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Must-visit reason: One of Japan’s oldest shopping streets

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State: Kyoto Prefecture [Kyoto Prefecture]

City: Kyoto [Kyoto]