If you plan to visit Kyoto, I recommend trying the Nishiki Market foodie adventure, as this is hands down the best place to experience Japanese food at its best.
Not only that, you also get a glimpse of cuisine from all over Japan here, namely the famous Hokkaido crabs and other popular seafood openly sold throughout the food market.
Nishiki Market Foodie Adventure
As I have been regularly visiting Kyoto for the last few years, I will make it a point to try and explore other areas, but for some strange reason, I keep coming back to the Nishiki Market due to its unique charm and offerings.
Nishiki Market is a vibrant and bustling market in central Kyoto, often known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. This 390-meter-long market has a 400-year history and is packed with stalls selling a variety of fresh seafood, produce, pickles, Kyoto-style cuisine ingredients, tools, and general goods.
It’s a feast for the senses, offering a glimpse into traditional Kyoto life. Visitors can sample local delicacies like yudofu (boiled tofu), tsukemono (pickles), and Japanese street foods. However, due to its huge popularity, don’t be surprised that 95% of the people here are tourists.
As I love Japanese food, I have tried several local Kyoto foods. However, the tourist prices can sometimes be a bit of a turn-off. But again, if it is your first time here, don’t hold back, because this is one of the best places in Kyoto to experience the local food.
To fully enjoy Nishiki Market, you need to dedicate at least two to three hours here, especially if you are a foodie who will make several stops. Many quick food kiosks offer minimal seating, and many people come, eat and go.
The good side of this place is that most of the vendors speak English, while some even speak Mandarin to cater to Chinese tourists. And it’s the much older Japanese who still struggle with language issues. So, not to fear, as in most shops or stalls I passed, younger Japanese people were manning them.
As you walk along the market, don’t be surprised to see the famous Hokkaido Snow Crabs being sold by the whole and the claws. For the Puffer Fish fans, there were a couple of restaurants serving them, but that is one dish that I don’t think I will ever try.
One tip, though, is not to overorder or overeat. As you make your way through the Nishiki Market, many food stalls offer all kinds of Japanese foodie experiences. So, be modest and enjoy the experience.
Photos of Nishiki Food Market
Below are photos of the Nishiki Market taken on multiple visits using only my Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. I have since changed to a Vivo V200 Pro in 2025.
See my 4K Video of Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is located very near the main Kawaramachi-dori street and is connected to the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, so you can spend half a day just walking and exploring this area. This is the core of Kyoto city and where all the main shopping areas are located, so expect hordes of tourists around here.
Conclusion
For first-timers visiting Kyoto, this unique Kyoto food market is a must-visit, and you should not miss this place unless you don’t like crowds. Overall, this is hands down one of the best places in Kyoto to visit if you love all things food and markets.
I hope you enjoyed this article about my Nishiki Market foodie adventure, even though I did not discuss the food dishes in detail. You can also read my other article if you want to know more about Kyoto’s famous foods.