Nishiki Market is a historic 390-meter-long shopping street in Kyoto, established over 400 years ago. With approximately 130 stores selling fresh fish, local ingredients, snacks, and souvenirs, Nishiki Market is often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” While it has become a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of shops here loved by locals. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best spots to visit, offering authentic Kyoto flavors.
Starting at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
At the east end of Nishiki Market, you’ll find Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. A visit to the shrine offers a peaceful start before diving into the bustling market.
Hana Yori Kiyoe
One of the must-visit spots is Hana Yori Kiyoe, known for its high-quality Kiyoe olive oil, which is used by many Michelin-starred chefs. Their popular Yuba Cream Croquette is a modern twist on Kyoto’s traditional yuba (tofu skin), a staple in shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine). The croquette is lightly fried, making it a delicious vegetarian option that balances creamy yuba with a crisp exterior.
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Kyoto Meat Shop Hiro Nishiki
Kyo no Onikudokoro Hiro has been serving high-quality wagyu beef for nearly 50 years. At their Nishiki Market location, you can enjoy gyutoro sushi, which features seared fatty wagyu beef resembling fatty tuna sushi. The rich marbling of the wagyu makes it a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Also, try their beef skewer cutlet, a fried, savory snack perfect for enjoying on the go.
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KAI Nishiki Market
At KAI, you’ll find the famous Tako Tamago, a skewered octopus with a quail egg inside. This dish is simmered in a sweet and spicy soy sauce and has become popular for its cute appearance and rich flavor. It’s an easy-to-eat snack that captures the essence of Kyoto’s street food culture.
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Nishiki Ichiha & Mamemono Taiyaki
Next, stop by Nishiki Ichiha for their unique Anko Butter Taiyaki. Taiyaki is a traditional fish-shaped cake, but this shop’s version is round and filled with sweet red bean paste and butter. The trick is to eat it quickly—the butter inside melts fast, creating a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors.
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Koufukudo
Founded in 1868, Koufukudo is a confectionery specializing in strawberry daifuku, a seasonal treat featuring a soft mochi exterior filled with red bean paste and a fresh strawberry. The shop adapts its daifuku to the season, offering a perfect example of shun, the Japanese philosophy of eating ingredients at their peak.
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Karikari Hakase
Karikari Hakase is the place to go for authentic takoyaki. These crispy octopus-filled dough balls are a staple of Japanese street food. Originating in Osaka, takoyaki has become popular throughout Japan, and here you’ll enjoy the perfect combination of a crispy outer layer and a soft, gooey center topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
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Tips for Visiting Nishiki Market
- Start your journey at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and walk west through the market.
- Try a mix of traditional and modern foods to get a full taste of Kyoto’s food culture.
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Nishiki Market is a great place to explore Kyoto’s culinary traditions, whether you’re interested in long-established shops or newer locations offering local-approved dishes. Make sure to visit these shops to experience the best of what Nishiki Market has to offer!