Nishiki Market in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into Fresh Ingredients and Kyoto-style Crafts

2023-12-262024-09-24

Nishiki Market is a famous market in Kyoto, known for its wide variety of local ingredients and Kyoto-style crafts, making it a popular spot for tourists. Both local residents and many visitors from around the world come to explore this vibrant market.

This article will share the highlights of Nishiki Market, along with some personal photographs.

Getting To Nishiki Market From Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Nishiki Market from Kyoto Station is by bus.

STEP

From the A2 bus stop at Kyoto Station’s bus terminal, take the city bus number 4, 17, or 205.

The bus terminal is located right outside the central exit of Kyoto Station.

Look for the sign marked “A2”.

STEP

Disembark at Shijo Kawaramachi bus stop.

It takes about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.

STEP

From the bus stop, walk about 300m, which takes about 4 minutes.

Highlights of Nishiki Market

Near the starting point on the east side of Nishiki Market, you’ll find Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. This is the only guardian shrine in Kyoto’s bustling downtown area, and it’s a friendly spot that many people love to visit. Just a step into the shrine grounds from the lively shopping street, you’ll find a peaceful and calming atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the busiest part of Kyoto.

Another noteworthy feature is the unique torii gate that is often covered in Japanese media. Upon closer inspection, you’ll be surprised to see that the torii is actually piercing through the walls of the shops on either side!

At the entrance to the shrine, numerous lanterns hang, creating a beautifully illuminated scene.

Nishiki Market has a rich history of around 400 years. In the past, it was known for cooling perishable goods with underground water, making it a natural refrigerator.

Today, Nishiki Market boasts over 120 shops, offering a fun spot to enjoy fresh vegetables and fish, as well as traditional Kyoto cuisine, sushi, and obanzai (Japanese side dishes). Besides food, there is also a wide variety of Kyoto crafts, making it easy to choose souvenirs. Here, I’ll introduce four recommended shops starting from the Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine side!

01. Charming Kyoto Crafts at Maisen-do

Maisendo offers a wide range of Japanese crafts, including fans, coin purses, and accessories. According to the staff, shoelaces, fans, furoshiki (wrapping cloths), and Nishijin textiles are particularly popular.

The shoelaces, designed with traditional patterns, are very cute.

There are also fans featuring kanji that are popular among foreigners.

Furoshiki has been used for so long that its exact origins are unclear, and designs featuring cranes and koi are especially sought after. Its eco-friendliness and reusability are also appealing.

Items made from Nishijin textiles, such as pencil cases and tissue holders, are stylish and popular.

Opening hours	9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Regular holiday	Irregular holidays (several times a year)
Phone number	+81-75-212-5671

Maisendo *This information is as of 2024.

02. Fluffy egg omelet at Tanaka Keiran

Tanaka Keiran is a long-established shop specializing in dashimaki (Japanese omelette) with over 90 years of history. The fluffy dashimaki spreads a delicious flavor as soon as you take a bite.

The simplicity of using only dashi and fresh eggs means no unnecessary ingredients are added, embodying the essence of Kyoto cuisine.

While they also offer unagi (eel) rolled omelette, the most popular item is the regular dashimaki without any filling. You can choose from three sizes: large, medium, and small.

The shop has a space to eat in, and takeout is also available. I took some home to enjoy, and it was truly fluffy and delicious.

Opening hours	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Regular holiday	January 1st to January 5th
Phone number	+81-75-221-2094

Tanaka Keiran *This information is as of 2024.

03. Matcha sweets and souvenirs at Sawawa Japanese Matcha sweets

Matcha Sweets Kan Chawawa is a specialty store for matcha. The first floor is a souvenir shop, while the second floor is a cafe.

The souvenir shop offers a variety of matcha sweets, making it perfect for choosing gifts.

According to the staff, matcha powder is the best seller.

I tried it too, and the vibrant green powder had a wonderful aroma and a smooth, pleasant aftertaste.

On the second floor, you can enjoy matcha on-site.

Opening hours	1F Product sales / AM 10:00 – PM 6:00
Opening hours	2F Cafe / AM 10:30 – PM 5:30 *last order – PM 5:00
Regular holiday	No regular holidays
Phone number	+81-75-708-6377

Matcha sweets store Sawawa *This information is as of 2024.

04. Salmon Carappcio, Oyster at Kimura Fresh Fish

Fresh Fish Kimura is a fish specialty shop that has been in business since the Edo period and attracts both locals and tourists.

The selection of fresh seafood displayed is impressive, and you can casually place orders.

The popular toro salmon carpaccio melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful taste.

Oysters are also very popular, and they’ll shuck them right in front of you. The oysters are large and offer a plump texture with a rich, deep flavor.

Opening hours	9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Regular holiday	Sunday
Phone number	+81-75-221-1639

Sengyo Kimura *This information is as of 2024.

Information of Nishiki Market

To ensure proper etiquette, eating while walking is prohibited at Nishiki Market. Products purchased at each store can be eaten at designated eat-in spaces within stores. Please follow the rules and manners and have fun.