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Kyoto Nishiki Market Guide | Hours and Top 5 Recommended Foods

Kyoto Nishiki Market Guide | Hours and Top 5 Recommended Foods

Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is a culinary treasure trove loved by both locals and tourists. Stretching 390 meters from east to west, this market is located on Nishikikoji Street near Shijo Street. It offers a wide range of Kyoto-specific ingredients and dishes, such as Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), fresh fish, and obanzai (traditional Kyoto home-cooked dishes). The market’s history spans approximately 400 years, reflecting remnants of an ancient marketplace from the Heian period.

During the Edo period, it thrived as a fish wholesale district, and today it is lined with various food stalls and restaurants, making it a renowned tourist attraction. Though eating while walking is prohibited in Nishiki Market, there are plenty of ready-to-eat meals and takeaway souvenirs available. This article will delve into the allure of Nishiki Market, how to get there, and the top recommended foods and souvenirs.

1.Basic Information about Kyoto’s Nishiki Market

Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is a prominent market that stretches 390 meters from east to west. It is located on Nishikikoji Street, near Shijo Street, extending from Teramachi to Takakura. The market is known for its wide variety of fresh and processed foods.

With approximately 126 shops, Nishiki Market features specialty stores offering Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), local fish, and obanzai (Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes) from deli shops. It is a place where you can learn about Kyoto’s food culture.The market is always bustling with a mix of local shoppers, tourists, and Kyoto cuisine chefs.

1-1.History

According to existing records, Nishiki Market boasts a history of around 400 years. It is said that markets were already established in this area during the Heian period. During the Edo period, Nishiki Market thrived as one of the fish wholesalers in Kyoto authorized by the shogunate.

Initially, Nishiki Market was known for dealing in fresh fish caught in nearby seas. However, in the Meiji period, vegetables began to be sold, and by the Showa era, butcher shops opened, gradually transforming it into a shopping street where various food items were available.Nowadays, affectionately known as “Nishiki,” the market has expanded to include many eateries offering prepared foods and snacks that can be enjoyed while walking around.

1-2.Operating Hours

The standard operating hours for Nishiki Market are from 9 AM to 6 PM, but hours can vary depending on the store. While the overall market generally closes at 6 PM, some shops remain open until around 10 PM, making it possible to find places for dinner.

It’s important to note that many shops are closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. To avoid missing out on specific stores, it is crucial to check in advance and plan your visit accordingly, ensuring that your itinerary does not fall on these common rest days.

1-3.Access

Nishiki Market is located one street north of Shijo Street in Kyoto.When visiting from Kyoto Station, the Karasuma Line subway is a convenient option. After a 4-minute ride, get off at Shijo Station and walk about 8 minutes to the entrance on Takakura Street.

Alternatively, you can use the Hankyu Kyoto Line. Get off at either Karasuma Station or Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, and it’s a 3-4 minute walk to the market entrance from either station.

You can also take a city bus from Kyoto Station. The bus ride to Shijo Kawaramachi takes approximately 17 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk to the entrance on Teramachi Street. However, buses around Nishiki Market can be crowded, so taking the train is generally a better option.

2.Tips for Visiting Nishiki Market

When visiting Nishiki Market, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

No Eating While Walking
Eating while walking is prohibited in Nishiki Market to prevent accidents and maintain order in the often crowded market. Eating on the go can result in food staining other people’s clothing or causing injuries with skewers. To avoid these issues, enjoy your food inside the shops where you purchase it.
Bring a Trash Bag
There are few trash bins available in Nishiki Market. To manage your waste, it is recommended to bring a trash bag with you. Disposing of trash improperly can harm the market’s appearance and sanitation. The proper etiquette is to take your trash with you and dispose of it appropriately later.

3.Top 5 Recommended Foods at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market offers a variety of recommended foods, including the Fumiya Nabe from Fumiya Nishiki and the Grilled Scallops with Butter and Soy Sauce from Kaisendokoro Kuwatou. Here are some of the top recommended gourmet foods that truly embody the essence of Kyoto:

3-1.Tako Tamago | KAI

KAI is a shop specializing in snacks and delicacies that pair well with alcohol. Its counter-style display shelves are lined with numerous products, allowing customers to sample various items before making a purchase, ensuring they find flavors that suit their preferences.

One of the standout items at KAI is the Tako Tamago, a popular menu item with a unique appearance. This snack features a bite-sized whole baby octopus (iidako) stuffed with a red-dyed quail egg. It comes in four sizes: medium, large, extra-large, and super-extra-large, with prices varying by size. The octopus is simmered in a soy sauce-based broth until tender, resulting in a slightly sweet and addictive flavor.

3-2.Kyo Tsukemono (Kyoto Pickles) | Uchida Tsukemono Nishiki Koji Shop

Uchida Tsukemono Nishiki Koji Shop is a specialty pickle store located near the center of Nishiki Market. Established in 1940, it boasts a long history as a pickle shop. The sight of numerous pickle barrels lined up at the storefront is truly impressive.

Uchida Tsukemono offers more than 50 types of pickles at any given time. Some of the popular items include cucumber shibazuke, vinegared daikon (onbu-zuke), and yam wasabi pickles. Most of the products can be sampled, allowing customers to taste and choose their favorites, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable.

3-3.Kyo Dashimaki (Kyoto-style Omelet) | Tanaka Keiran

Tanaka Keiran is a specialty store with a history of over 90 years, dedicated to making dashi-maki, a Kyoto-style rolled omelet. They use fresh eggs and do not use any chemical seasonings in their recipes.

The most popular item at Tanaka Keiran is the Kyo Dashimaki (Small).This simple yet flavorful omelet is made solely with eggs and dashi, without any additives or sugar. Its moist texture and convenient single-serving size make it a favorite among customers. Additionally, the store offers an eat-in space, allowing visitors to enjoy their omelet right on the spot.

3-4.Fu Manju (Steamed Wheat Gluten Buns) | Fuka Nishiki Shop

Fuka Nishiki Shop, marked by its distinctive “ふ” (fu) noren curtain, is a specialty store for Kyoto-style raw wheat gluten (nama-fu). Inside the shop, you’ll find a variety of products, including dried and fresh gluten items. Particularly popular are the wagashi (Japanese sweets) made from fresh gluten, with the Fumanju, wrapped in bamboo leaves, being a Nishiki specialty.

Fumanju is characterized by its chewy, elastic texture, made from wheat gluten and filled with smooth red bean paste. In spring, sakura (cherry blossom) Fumanju becomes available, adding seasonal charm with limited-time products. After purchasing, you can enjoy these treats right at the storefront.

3-5.An Butter Taiyaki | Nishiki Ichiha

Nishiki Ichiha is a dessert shop specializing in sweets made with matcha and hojicha. Its most popular item is the An Butter Taiyaki. This round-shaped taiyaki is filled with special anko (sweet red bean paste) from the long-established Imamura Seian, and butter.

What makes this taiyaki unique is its short shelf life of just one minute. The shop encourages customers to eat it immediately after it’s made, so they can enjoy the warm taiyaki and the melted butter inside before it cools down. At the back of the shop, there is a tea room where you can enjoy their delicious tea and sweets while overlooking a small garden.

4.Top 3 Recommended Souvenirs from Nishiki Market

At Nishiki Market, you can find not only ready-to-eat foods but also a wide variety of souvenirs, including food items, crafts, and daily necessities. Here are three highly recommended souvenirs to bring back from Nishiki Market:

4-1.Senbei (Rice Crackers) | Terakoya Honpo

Terakoya Honpo is a shop that offers freshly grilled senbei (rice crackers) and dango (rice dumplings). At the front of the store, there is a hearth where the senbei are warmed upon purchase and sold individually. Customers can choose to top their soy sauce-coated senbei with shichimi (seven-spice blend), nori (seaweed), and other toppings. This allows you to enjoy warm, freshly grilled senbei.

The senbei are made using traditional methods. Domestic glutinous rice is steamed and then kneaded into dough using a pestle and mortar, maintaining the authentic way of making these delicious snacks. Terakoya Honpo provides a nostalgic taste of Japan with their carefully crafted senbei and dango.

4-2.Furikake & Shichimi (Seasoning and Spices) | Ochanoko Saisai Nishiki Shop

Ochanoko Saisai is a shop that specializes in furikake (rice seasoning) and shichimi (seven-spice blend). As a chili pepper specialty store, it offers a wide range of products focused on spiciness. One of their popular items is the Maiko-san Hii Hii series, which features products made with domestically grown habanero peppers, known for their lingering spiciness.

At the shop, you can also find custom-blended shichimi, tailored to your taste preferences. This service is a delight for chili pepper enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy a personalized spicy experience.

4-3.Carved Chopsticks | Ichihara Heibei Shoten

Chopsticks make for a delightful souvenir, and Ichihara Heibei Shoten is a shop specializing in carved chopsticks. Founded in 1764, it is a long-established store known for its high-quality chopsticks.

The small store offers a variety of chopsticks not only for dining but also for cooking and tea ceremonies. Among their popular items is the Miyako-bashi, made from smoked bamboo and known for its elegant, slender silhouette. These chopsticks are praised for their refined appearance and ease of use, making them a cherished gift or personal keepsake.

Conclusion

Nishiki Market is a place where you can truly experience the food culture of Kyoto, making it a spot well worth visiting. With around 126 shops, it offers a variety of Kyoto-specific ingredients such as Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), seafood, and obanzai (Kyoto-style home-cooked dishes). When visiting, please remember that eating while walking is prohibited; enjoy your purchased food within the store premises. Additionally, it’s important to maintain proper manners, such as bringing a trash bag to manage your waste.

For convenient access, use the subway or bus from major stations within Kyoto city. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and delicious food of Kyoto at Nishiki Market to the fullest.

*This article is based on information available as of July 2024.