Weather in Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a narrow, covered shopping street running through central Kyoto that's been known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen' for centuries, packed with stalls selling pickles, fresh seafood, skewered street food, knives, tea and sweets. It's as much a place to graze your way along sampling local specialities as it is to shop, though it gets extremely busy by midday and is best explored with an appetite and a willingness to queue.

Best areas to stay in Nishiki Market

Main Covered Arcade

The central 400-metre stretch of food stalls, knife shops and traditional grocers under a glass-roofed arcade.

Teramachi & Shinkyogoku Arcades

Adjacent covered shopping streets running perpendicular to Nishiki, good for souvenirs and casual dining.

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

A small shrine tucked at the eastern end of the market, a quiet pause among the food stalls.

Pontocho & Gion

Kyoto's atmospheric geisha districts a short walk to the east, ideal for an evening stroll after the market.

Getting to Nishiki Market

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Flights

Fly into Osaka Kansai (KIX) or Tokyo, then take a train to Kyoto Station and continue by subway or bus to central Kyoto.

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From London

~15-16 hours total from London including transfers

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Getting around

The market and surrounding arcades are entirely pedestrian and best explored on foot.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Nishiki Market?

Mid-morning on a weekday is quieter than weekends and afternoons, when the narrow street becomes very crowded with both tourists and shoppers.

What food should I try at Nishiki Market?

Look out for tako tamago (octopus stuffed with quail egg), fresh yuba (tofu skin), pickled vegetables (tsukemono), matcha sweets and grilled skewers.

How do I get to Nishiki Market?

It's a short walk from Kyoto's downtown shopping district, easily reached on foot from Karasuma or Shijo subway stations.

Can I eat while walking around the market?

Many stalls sell items meant to be eaten on the spot, though some shops ask customers not to walk and eat - look for designated eating areas or step to the side.

How long should I spend at Nishiki Market?

An hour or two is enough to sample a range of foods; it pairs well with a wider walk through Kyoto's downtown shopping arcades.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Grazed our way down the whole market trying things we'd never seen before, the tako tamago and fresh yuba were highlights. Go hungry and take your time.

Sarah J. · October 2024

★★★★☆

Great atmosphere and the quality of the food stalls is excellent, but it's extremely crowded by lunchtime - go early if you can.

Kenji O. · March 2024

★★★★☆

Loved the variety of pickles and sweets, picked up some matcha snacks to take home. A bit of a tourist gauntlet but worth it for the food alone.

Lucy A. · July 2023