To all foodies,
The place to go is Nishiki Market!
Nishiki Market is a treasure trove of local delicacies. Over 100 food stalls are crammed into a narrow, five-block-long street that retains a traditional atmosphere. Worried about rainy days? No problem. It’s a vast arcade market.
Now, Let’s explore the Kyoto’s Kitchen
with a big appetite and a small budget!
What’s the Nishiki Market?
Location:
A mere 5 minutes walk from Shijo Station in the city center. (2 stations away from Kyoto Station.) You can also use several stations like Kawaramachi or Gion-shijo close by.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm
Most stalls and shops close in the evening. I’d like to say “Please enjoy it for lunch,” but it’s advisable to avoid the noon rush. This is a highly popular tourist destination.
Duration: 1 hour
A brisk walk without stopping will take about 20 minutes. But as you know, when you’re eating, drinking, and browsing around, time flies by in the blink of an eye.
Payment: Cash preferred
Most of them accept only cash. But it’s enough to have 3,000 yen, with dishes typically priced between ¥200 to ¥1,000.
When traveling alone in a foreign country, language barriers often deter you from entering stores, right?
But if you know Nishiki Market, no need to worry at all! Most stores welcome tourists and don’t require reservations. If you find yourself weary from walking, take a break at the eat-in spaces.
Don’t forget to carry handkerchiefs, tissues, wet wipes, etc. They’ll make your culinary adventure more comfortable.
Top 10 Foods in Nishiki Market
Each stall boasts a rich history of supplying local restaurants and inns (Ryokan), which means they ensures quality food. Additionally, new eateries are coming in and out of the competition.
Let’s explore them in order, starting from the Shijo Station side.
Daiyasu 大安｜Fresh Oysters
Look at these fresh oysters! This stall is located at the market’s entrance. Oyster bars are often intimidating for solo diners… but here, you can vacuum melty gems until you are satisfied.
Nishiki Gyoza 錦餃子｜Dumplings
Crispy skin and juicy Kyoto pork filling; 6 pieces per plate. I know you’ll eat it in no time, but be careful not to overeat. There are still plenty of places to go.
Uoriki 魚力｜Fish cake sticks
Nishiki Market initially started as a fish market. so it’s no surprise that seafood stalls are abundant. But is there anyone who is not a bit fond of raw fish? Then, trying a fish cake is a good choice.
(Left)Uoriki: A long-established seafood restaurant popular for its fried Hamo conger eel.
(Right)Hokyuan: A fish paste shop popular for its octopus and squid fish cakes.
Notoyo のと与｜Eel snacks
Even sumptuous eel dishes are affordable at Nishiki Market. A quick bite, Sushi style. The restaurant also provides a spacious seating area on its second floor. Good to know when you want to have a leisurely meal.
Kimura 木村｜Fresh Seafood
A beloved, well-established fresh seafood stall perpetually buzzing with patrons. Shellfish, Sea urchine, or Carpaccio skewers… Have fun choosing which one to eat!
Torisei 鳥清｜Chiken snacks
A super sized roll chicken snack offered by Tori Butcher Shop. They’re juicy and incredibly flavorful, but they can be quite filling! Listen to your stomach if you’re a solo traveler.
Yamadashiya やまだし屋｜Tea shop
If you smell a savory aroma wafting out of nowhere, it is from this nostalgic tea shop. Here, you can purchase tea leaves by weight.
My personal favorite is “Sencha 煎茶,” the most common green tea variety enjoyed in Japanese households.
Hiro 弘｜Beef Cuisine
Did you know Kyoto is renowned for its exceptional beef dishes? “Meat Shop Hiro” stands out as one of the most popular beef restaurants. Every Kyotoite knows it.
A quick bite, Sushi-style again. You will know the perfect harmony between beef and wasabi.
Ryoushigoya 漁師小屋｜Fresh Seafood
“Ryoushigoya 漁師小屋” translates to a fisherman’s hut. Enjoy the sparkling treasures of the sea at an affordable price. You can even savor grilled seafood under ¥500 from a single plate.
Takakuraya 高倉屋｜Vegetable Pickles
Vibrantly colored pickles make perfect souvenirs. Often enjoyed as accompaniments to drinks, why not purchase some for an evening snack at your hotel?
When you see a pickle shop on your right after a long stroll, this is the goal point of Nishiki Market.
Souvenirs
Nishiki Market is not only for food. You can also find little Kyoto-style trinkets such as Chopsticks, Sensu fans, or Snacks decorated with images of Maiko.
At the end of the street past Nishiki Market, the lovely “Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine 錦天満宮” awaits you. Pretty good ambience, don’t you think? Take a nice picture and bring back memories.
Have a Wonderful Food journey!
Have you been there? Please comment