Want to explore the culinary delights of Japan, especially in Kyoto? Then you should definitely visit Nishiki Market, one of the must-see attractions in Kyoto!
I love to eat, and no matter how much I eat, I never seem to gain weight. The upside to not gaining weight easily is that I can eat anything I want without worrying about getting fat.
That’s why, whenever I travel, I always make time to try the local cuisine. One of the places I visited was Nishiki Market! Kyoto, my main destination during a 13-day backpacking trip to Japan, didn’t disappoint.
Kyoto isn’t just home to numerous fascinating temples and historical sites; it also boasts a culinary haven where you can sample a variety of Japanese delicacies, especially those unique to Kyoto. Curious?
How to Get to Nishiki Market from Kyoto Station
Nishiki Market is a must-visit destination in Kyoto, famous for its delicious food, unique items, and the traditional Japanese atmosphere. If you’re planning to visit Nishiki Market from Kyoto Station, here are some ways to get there.
By Subway
Step 1: Head to Shijo Station
The quickest and most convenient way to reach Nishiki Market from Kyoto Station is by taking the subway. From Kyoto Station, you can take the Karasuma Line subway to Shijo Station. Here’s how:
- Enter Kyoto Station: Kyoto Station is one of the largest stations in Japan, so follow the signs leading to the Karasuma Line platform.
- Buy a Ticket or Use an IC Card: You can purchase a ticket from the vending machines or use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo. The fare from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station is around 210 yen.
- Take the Karasuma Line: Board the Karasuma Line heading towards Kokusaikaikan and get off at Shijo Station. The ride takes about 4 minutes.
Step 2: Walk to Nishiki Market
After arriving at Shijo Station, it’s just a 3-minute walk to Nishiki Market. Follow these steps:
- Exit Shijo Station: Look for the exit that leads to Shijo Street (Shijo-dori).
- Head to Nishiki Market: Once outside, walk east along Shijo Street until you find signs pointing to Nishiki Market, which is located between Shijo Street and Takakura Street.
By City Bus
Another option to reach Nishiki Market from Kyoto Station is by city bus. Here’s how:
Step 1: Take a Bus from Kyoto Station
- Find the Bus Terminal at Kyoto Station: The bus terminal is located at the north exit of Kyoto Station (Kyoto Station Bus Terminal).
- Choose the Right Bus: Board a bus heading to Shijo Station, such as bus numbers 5, 205, 206, or 101. Make sure the bus is going towards the city center.
- Pay the Fare: You can pay with cash or use an IC card. The bus fare is typically around 230 yen.
Step 2: Get Off at Shijo Station
- Get off at Shijo Station: The bus ride from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Walk to Nishiki Market: After getting off the bus, it’s just a 3-minute walk to Nishiki Market. Follow the signs directing you to the market.
By Other Train Lines
In addition to the subway, you can also use other train lines that stop at stations near Nishiki Market. Here are two other options:
From Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
- Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line: From Kyoto Station, take a JR train to Karasuma Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Kyoto Line towards Kawaramachi Station.
- Walk from Kawaramachi Station: Once at Kawaramachi Station, walk about 3 minutes west to reach Nishiki Market.
From Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
- Take the Keihan Line: From Kyoto Station, take a JR train to Tofukuji Station, then transfer to the Keihan Line towards Gion Shijo Station.
- Walk from Gion Shijo Station: After arriving at Gion Shijo Station, walk about 3 minutes northwest to reach Nishiki Market.
Guide to Enjoying Nishiki Market for Tourists
Upon arriving at Nishiki Market, you’ll be greeted by the bustling market atmosphere with a variety of stalls selling food, drinks, and unique items. Here are some things you can enjoy at Nishiki Market:
Culinary Delights
Nishiki Market is famous for its diverse and delicious food. You can sample street food like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste). Additionally, there are many stalls selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and spices.
Souvenir Shopping
The market is also a great place to buy Kyoto-themed souvenirs. You can find various types of green tea, traditional Japanese cookware, handmade crafts, and kimonos. Don’t forget to pick up some dried foods or unique snacks to take home for family and friends.
Traditional Atmosphere
Nishiki Market has a distinctive atmosphere with its old buildings and narrow streets that give a traditional Japanese vibe. Enjoy strolling through the market, exploring the various shops along the way. Many of these shops have been in operation for several generations, adding to the market’s charm and authenticity.
Visiting Tips
- Visit in the Morning: The market opens around 9 AM. Arriving early can help you avoid the crowds and have a more comfortable experience.
- Bring Cash: Many stalls at Nishiki Market only accept cash, so make sure to carry enough money.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Remember to keep the area clean by disposing of trash properly. Some stalls provide trash bins, but it’s a good idea to carry a plastic bag for your own waste.
Nishiki Market: A Culinary and Cultural Hub in Kyoto
Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow street stretching five blocks, lined with numerous food vendors.
You’ll find vendors selling everything from street food-style snacks to restaurant-style dishes. Simply walk along the blocks, choose, and try the food you like.
Some even call this large market the “Kitchen of Kyoto” because it hosts a wide range of fresh foods, from seafood to local vegetables and kitchen supplies.
As a traveler on a tight budget, Nishiki Market is a paradise for me! Why? Because some vendors offer free food samples, even if I don’t end up buying.
Don’t be shy about trying the food samples here! Spending a day at Nishiki Market can keep your stomach full without spending too much yen. It’s a great way to save money!
I do love freebies, like the food samples at Nishiki Market. But I don’t stop at just trying samples; if the food is delicious, I dive in.
From fresh salmon sashimi to various yakitori and Japanese mochi cakes that I tried for the first time, I tasted it all.
Walking through Nishiki Market can be overwhelming for your eyes and stomach. You can find seasonal foods, dried seafood, and many delicious Kyoto specialties here.
Starting to feel hungry? You’ll definitely want to try the food available there!
Very Busy, as It’s a Popular Tourist Spot in Kyoto
In Indonesia, Nishiki Market might be comparable to a traditional market, but it’s not quite the same. While it’s as busy as many traditional markets in Indonesia, this market is exceptionally clean.
There are no fishy smells despite the fresh seafood being sold, nor is there scattered trash or muddy floors. This cleanliness is likely due to Japan’s high standards for public cleanliness.
It must be spotless! Even for Nishiki Market, which is frequented by tourists and located in a big city like Kyoto. I highly recommend visiting this unique traditional market when you’re in Kyoto.
Besides enjoying various Kyoto specialties for free, Nishiki Market is conveniently located close to the train station. I walked about 20 minutes from JR Kyoto Station to get there.
There are also public buses that pass by Nishiki Market, but I visited Kyoto during Golden Week when many Japanese people are on vacation. The bus queues near JR Kyoto Station were long, so walking was the best option to reach one of Kyoto’s top culinary spots.
I’m looking forward to trying more Kyoto cuisine at Nishiki Market. Note that the shops here are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Japan time. There’s no entrance fee, so you can explore this market for free.
Savor the Senses at Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a must-visit destination for food lovers and those interested in traditional Japanese culture. The market offers a variety of fresh and preserved foods, high-quality cookware, and unique items that will delight your senses and your stomach. Here’s a complete guide to enjoying everything Nishiki Market has to offer.
Must-Try Local Dishes
Yuba – Tofu Creation
Kyoto is an important city in Zen Buddhism, and it’s no surprise that tofu is a major source of protein here. Yuba is a local specialty you might not know about. It’s a thin sheet that forms on the surface of soy milk when heated.
Types of Yuba:
- Thick Yuba: Has a creamy texture.
- Dry Yuba: Dried until it turns pale white.
You can find both types of yuba at various stalls in Nishiki Market. For sweet food lovers, there are also delicious soy milk-based donuts and ice cream.
Mackerel Sushi and Dashimaki Tamago
In addition to yuba, there are other must-try dishes:
- Mackerel Sushi: Sushi made with mackerel.
- Dashimaki Tamago: A sweet omelet that’s a favorite among many.
Kyoto Pickled Vegetables and Uji Green Tea
It wouldn’t be complete to visit Nishiki Market without trying Kyoto’s pickled vegetables. You can also find Uji green tea, renowned for its quality.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting Hours
Unlike other traditional markets, Nishiki Market doesn’t open at dawn. The best time to visit is around 11:00 AM. After this time, the market can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Duration of Visit
How long you spend at Nishiki Market depends on your interest in shopping and dining. If you love shopping, you could spend several hours exploring every corner and boutique. If you’re mainly interested in tasting local cuisine and sightseeing, about an hour should be sufficient.
Enjoying Food at Noodle Shops and Food Stalls
After exploring and shopping, you can enjoy a meal at one of the noodle shops or food stalls within the market. There are many food options to choose from, including ramen and fresh seafood.
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
Don’t forget to visit Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine at the eastern end of the market. The shrine is adorned with many lanterns and provides a peaceful atmosphere amidst the market’s hustle and bustle. Here, you can write your wishes and hang them in a designated spot as a tribute to Sugawara no Michizane, a deified scholar.
Map of Kyoto’s Famous Traditional Market
Nishiki Market stretches parallel and one block north of Shijo Street.
It’s accessible in under five minutes by train from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.
The journey takes about 4 minutes, with a ticket price of 220 yen from Kyoto Station.
You can also take the train from Karasuma or Kyoto-Kawaramachi stations on the Hankyu Line.
I had the chance to visit Kyoto during a 13-day backpacking trip to Japan. Nishiki Market was one of the most memorable destinations in Kyoto.
The place is bustling and filled with food! As a food lover, I was able to try many new dishes there. I hope to visit again in the future.