Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.

Discover famous Kyoto specialties, such as sushi and dried seafood. Browse the shops, which range in size from tiny stalls to large buildings. Many of them specialize in a certain type of food, most of which is procured in the region. Try your luck with some free samples as vendors try to tempt you into making a purchase. Sit down at one of the small restaurants for lunch amid the food-crazed atmosphere. Try out a soy ice cream, oysters or even an octopus skewer.

The market dates back to the 17th century when fish was the sole item on the menu. As the market grew, the stall count rose to more than 130 and helped to create a greater variety of food on sale. The majority of shops have been family-owned for many generations. Today, the bazaar stretches across five blocks with its culinary delights and is sheltered by a multicolored glass roof. Shops are generally open from the morning until the afternoon. Many close on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Nishiki Market is based in the Nakagyo Ward in the northeast of Kyoto. It is right by Shijō Station. It can be found on the Karasuma Subway Line, only a few minutes from the grand Kyoto Station. The Kamogawa River is nearby, as are the Teramachi and Shin-Kyogoku shopping centers. The market is one block north of Shijō Avenue, which runs parallel.