Easily the most famous shopping street in Kyoto (and arguably Japan), Nishiki Market offers exclusive food and goods you won’t find elsewhere.
Nishiki Market is a marketplace shopping street located in downtown Kyoto and just a short walk from Shijo station. Packed with locals and tourists from all over the world, it has gained worldwide recognition for its rich history and reputation in offering traditional Kyoto foods and other types of authentic and exclusive goods.
The Everyday Hustle & Bustle!
Indeed, Nishiki Market is hustling and bustling with people on a daily basis from the moment the shops open at 9 am right up til they close at 5.30 pm (the 9 to 5 is real).
Of course, that’s all part of the charm, but with all the shops and stalls looking so cool and interesting, everyone’s pretty chill in the way they move through the alley.
Walking through Nishiki Market is an awesome experience even if you don’t intend on buying anything. The traditional decorations and energetic shopkeepers make it worth passing through simply to catch a vibe and take some snapshots.
Traditional Foods
Now for those who do want some of those exclusive Kyoto goods, know that Nishiki Market is abundant in dedicated stores serving up specialized foods and drinks.
From gourmet matcha cakes to succulent wagyu beef and mouth-watering sashimi, you can find all your favorite traditional Japanese foods of the highest quality.
The best part is they have stores where you can eat foods made fresh on the spot or you can get packaged souvenirs with border security clearance to take back to your home country.
Authentic Stores
Food and drink are not the only things Nishiki Market has to offer.
Stores selling authentic goods such as accessories, merchandise, and clothing can also be found here.
If you like Japanese incense candles, there’s one particular store called Kyogoku Iwai which sells countless scents as well as authentic Japanese handicrafts.
…and a Jolly Good Time!
Yup, whether you’re traveling solo or with loved ones, Nishiki Market promises a jolly good time filled with priceless memories. If you happen to come during Kyoto’s annual Gion Matsuri festival in the month of July, then you can also grab one of these pretty little fans being handed out for free. Trust me, it’s part of the experience!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!