Nishiki Market Kyoto (錦市場商店街) is also known as Kyoto’s kitchen, with locals coming here to pick up food and fresh ingredients. For tourists, the market is a great place to have a taste of Kyoto culinary delights. There are a handful of stalls selling non-food related stuff like souvenirs, fans, hats, shoes etc. The popular market in Kawaramachi district is often considered by many as one of the must-visit places in Kyoto.

Nishiki Market Kyoto is easy to find, its big signboard and colourful ceiling are hard to miss. Tucked at a long and narrow shopping street, the sheltered market is lined with stalls selling all food related stuff from fresh seafood to cookware. And many stalls here are run by the same families for generations.

Kyoto food paradise

This food paradise has got plenty to offer, one can literally eat from one end of the market to the other. We are often attracted to the stalls by the food aroma and left with one food skewer or two. Some stall owners give out free food samples for us to try which we gladly obliged. What can I say? I love this market lol. Be mindful not to come here on Wednesday and after 5 pm as most stalls will be closed.

Nishiki Tenmangu in Kyoto

Walking towards the end of the market will lead us to another shopping street. Where Nikishi stalls call it a day, Teramachi Shopping Arcade is bustling with tourists and shoppers. The commonly seen merchandises here are artworks, clothing, accessories, books and religious items.

But what’s more interesting is to have a shrine right in the middle of a shopping arcade. Nishiki Tenmangu (錦天滿宮) is popular city shrine located at a busy cross junction. It’s hard not to take notice of the numerous bright lanterns. It is believed that the shrine brings good luck to students and businessmen.