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NISHIKI MARKET: A Guide to Kyoto’s Culinary Haven

Nishiki Market in Kyoto by Romeo A via Unsplash

A Food Lover’s Guide to the Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a bustling marketplace located in downtown Kyoto, Japan. The market spans five blocks and is home to over one hundred shops and restaurants, each specializing in food and Kyoto specialties. Visitors to the market can find fresh seafood, produce, knives, cookware, Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. The market has a history of several centuries and is often crowded with locals and tourists alike.

Nishiki Market in Kyoto by Romeo A via Unsplash

The market is also known as “Kyoto’s pantry” and is a popular destination for foodies and tourists looking to experience the aromas, tastes, and culture of Kyoto’s kitchen. Visitors can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the market while sampling local specialties such as yuba, tofu, rice crackers, and mackerel sushi. The market is also home to a variety of cooking utensils, ceramics, and other traditional Japanese items.

Nishiki Market is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kyoto. With its rich history, bustling atmosphere, and wide variety of local specialties, the market offers a unique glimpse into the culinary culture of Kyoto. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample local delicacies or a tourist looking to experience the sights and sounds of Kyoto, Nishiki Market is sure to satisfy.

Lunch in Nishiki Market
Lunch in Nishiki Market

History of Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, also known as Nishiki Ichiba, has a history of over 400 years. Originally, Nishiki Market was an open-air fish market, but over time, it has evolved into a bustling marketplace that sells a wide variety of products.

The first shop in Nishiki Market opened its doors around the year 1310. By the 1600s, the market was thriving and had become a hub of commerce in Kyoto. With time, more modern shops began to find a home in the market.

In 1911, a new organization was formed to promote the market as a venue to buy and sell fish and seafood. As a result, the market regained its vigor. The Kyoto Central Wholesale Market opened in 1927, and many merchants from the Nishiki Market relocated there.

Today, Nishiki Market has an astonishing 130 vendors packed into a narrow passageway approximately 400 meters long and 3.9 meters wide. These days, the traditional shops and stalls that have been in business for generations are interspersed with much more modern shops primarily aimed towards tourists.

Nishiki Market is located on the east end of Nishikikoji…

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