Nishiki Market is nicknamed as “Kyoto’s pantry” and it is definitely the best place to find fresh ingredients and everything you need to make traditional Japanese cuisine: tsukemono (Japanese pickles), fresh tofu, Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables), wagashi (Japanese sweets), fresh fish and other produce.
Shinkyogokudori is a covered shopping street that runs from Shijo Street to Sanjo Street.
There’s a traditional Japanese art craft and souvenir shop on this shopping street.
Cute porcelain chopstick rest in various design.
Shinkyogokudori is connected to Nishiki Market which runs parallel to Shijo Street, between Teramachi and Shinmachi. The far (eastern) end of the market is opposite Nishiki Tenman-gu shrine while the western end of the market is near the alley beside Daimaru. The market usually opens from 9am till 5pm. Most shops are usually closed on Wednesday.
A stall in the Nishiki Market selling fresh grapefruit juice at 500 yen. The shop owner drew cute cartoon expressions on the fruit, a clever trick to attract customers.
Nishiki Market has over 100 stalls lining the covered street. There are many family run shops which the locals frequent.
But there are also some newer shops aimed at tourist, like this souvenir shop.
A seafood shop that is opened since Meiji era.
This is a shop selling black soy bean tea, called kuromame. Not many places sell this unique tea. Therefore this is the best place to buy some if you like it.
There are also some liquor shop selling Japanese sake. The sake in light bulb shaped bottle actually has sakura petals in it. It looks so pretty. It’s a pity I couldn’t buy it and bring back to Qatar.
A chopstick shop offering name engraving services.
They also sell chopstick rest in various design.
The plastic food fridge magnet looks appetizing enough to eat.
Surprise, surprise! There is also a Snoopy cafe and shop in the midst of Nishiki Market.
You can either dine in at first floor or buy Snoopy related food or merchandise at ground floor.
This brand of chocolate candies is a popular souvenir. It costs 598 yen per packet. It has a few flavors to choose from including pink (time limited strawberry), blue (roasted almonds), green (matcha), orange (coffee) and yellow (roasted soy bean).
My favourite shop in Nishiki Market is this one, selling chopstick rest in so many design that you’ll be spoilt for choices.
They are so cute that it’s impossible not to buy some.
I bought four chopstick rest here for about 500 yen each.
If you are hungry for food, you can get some snack to eat like this cute porcupine shaped fried bread for only 120 yen.
I bought some surimi stick at this shop. Surimi is a mechanically deboned, washed (bleached) and stabilised fish flesh. It is served hot and it was a great snack on a cold rainy day. After strolling along Nishiki Market, I headed to Arashiyama, another famous place of interest in Kyoto.
Nishiki Market
Opens from 9am to 5pm, closed on Wednesdays
Nearest subway station is Shijo station and nearest Hankyu line station is Karasuma station
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