Eating is one of the most important parts of traveling in Kansai, Japan. Beyond visiting Osaka, known as the nation’s kitchen, Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is also an unmissable foodie destination. In particular, many famous eateries get their ingredients from this culinary paradise. A walk around Nishiki Market reveals the sources of kaiseki cuisine, yudofu (tofu hot pot), and shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).
Nishiki Market is located along Nishiki-Koji Street between Shin-Kyogoku-dori and Takakura-dori, and is known as the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” Here you can find ingredients for everything from traditional kaiseki dishes to everyday home-cooked meals. With over 100 shops selling items such as Kyoto vegetables, senmaizuke (thinly sliced pickled radish), koya dofu (freeze-dried tofu), yuba (tofu skin), rice, and dried foods, the market also offers Japanese cooking utensils and tableware, as well as charming little eateries full of Kyoto flavor. The market is open from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you want to visit Nishiki Market, it’s recommended to follow the locals’ lead and start your day early. Grab some street snacks and stroll leisurely, or sample a variety of Kyoto flavors for a uniquely Japanese-style breakfast. Japan’s rice is famously delicious, and if you’re looking for simple yet tasty fare, try the onigiri (rice ball) café “Chuo Komai,” which is also a rice shop. This store uses premium, carefully selected rice—either pesticide-free or grown with reduced pesticides—to make their onigiri. The grains are firm, the stickiness just right, and each bite has a satisfying chew with an inviting rice aroma.
Aside from onigiri, “Inoue,” which has been crowded with local shoppers since it was founded in Meiji 17 (1884), is a shop specializing in prepared foods. From common Kyoto pickles to freshly cooked dishes, there are over 100 varieties daily that attract loyal customers. Their signature item is “tsukudani,” seafood simmered in soy sauce and sugar. Inoue’s tsukudani isn’t overly sweet, and you’ll find yourself wanting more no matter how much you eat.
Kyoto Nishiki Market
Transportation: Get off at Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or at Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line. Exit and walk east along Shijo Street for about 1 minute, then turn into Higashi-Torimaru-dori next to Daimaru Department Store. The first intersection when heading north leads to the entrance of Nishiki Market. The market extends eastward along Nishiki-Koji Street to Shin-Kyogoku-dori.
Read more: Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine (provided by Tripass Attractions)
