Shir Zamer

My love for Japan began the moment I arrived in Tokyo. The country amazed me with its harmony of ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, breathtaking nature, and a culture unlike any other. Since then, Japan has become a part of my life, and I return there again and again. Today I help travelers discover the real Japan: I create personalized itineraries, give lectures, and prepare guests for their unforgettable journey. I would be delighted to open Japan for you too!

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Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market – often called the “Kitchen of Kyoto” – is a lively, colourful, centuries-old covered street lined with food stalls, family-run shops and unique local flavours. It stretches for about five blocks, forming a narrow indoor corridor that combines traditional Kyoto culture with a relaxed street-food experience. Families with children appreciate the bright displays, sweet snacks, sizzling seafood and energetic atmosphere, even when the market becomes busy.

For parents, Nishiki Market is a gentle introduction to Japanese food culture without the formality or pressure of restaurant dining. Children enjoy trying small bites, watching chefs cook in front of them and exploring colourful shop windows. Many families describe the visit as vibrant, aromatic and full of pleasant surprises.

Table of Contents

Where is Nishiki Market and how do you get there?

Nishiki Market is located in central Kyoto, running along Nishikikōji-dori near Shijo Street, close to both the Kawaramachi and Karasuma shopping districts. The market is approximately 390 metres long, stretching from Takakura-dori to Teramachi-dori.

How to get there easily with kids

The market is a 3-7 minute walk from:

Kawaramachi Station
Shijo Station
Karasuma Station

These stations make Nishiki Market simple to reach, even on busier days.

Parking

There is no dedicated market car park, but several paid parking lots are available in the surrounding streets. Arriving by car is still convenient for families; you simply park nearby and walk a short distance.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Choose a car park slightly away from the main street to avoid the heaviest congestion.

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What can families eat and explore at Nishiki Market?

Kyoto-style pickles (tsukemono)

Tsukemono are one of Kyoto’s most recognisable specialties. Many stalls offer small samples, and the colourful displays immediately attract children and adults alike.

Fresh and cooked seafood

Nishiki Market is well known for its variety of seafood, including:

giant oysters
grilled eel
extremely fresh tuna (maguro) sashimi
skewered seafood
baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg (tako tamago)

Many visitors describe the tuna sashimi as particularly fresh and tender.

Street-food favourites

Across the market, families often enjoy tasting:

shrimp and vegetable tempura
chicken, beef and seafood skewers
croquettes filled with fish or potato
rice crackers
dashi-maki omelette, sometimes served in a sandwich
grilled chestnuts
sweet potatoes
dried fish snacks and other unique seafood items

Travellers frequently mention the wide range of flavours and the fun of trying something new at each stall.

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Tofu and soy-based foods

Kyoto is famous for its tofu, and Nishiki Market offers many options, such as:

sesame tofu with black syrup and kinako
tofu nuggets
tofu doughnuts
fresh tofu and yuba

Descriptions often highlight the rich sesame flavour and soft texture of tofu desserts.

Traditional sweets (wagashi)

Families can taste a variety of traditional Japanese sweets, including:

mochi
shinko sweets
chestnut-based desserts
matcha treats

Some are mild and enjoyable, while others are more of a unique cultural experience.

Drinks

Popular drinks mentioned throughout the material include:

honey-based iced tea from Sugi Honey (the yuzu flavour is especially popular)
matcha drinks
small sake samples, usually around 100 yen

These refreshing drinks are a welcome break for both children and adults during the tasting walk.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Choose freshly prepared items when possible – flavours and textures are noticeably better.

What is the atmosphere like for families?

Nishiki Market is lively, colourful and often busy, yet it remains exceptionally clean and well organised. One description even noted that the market is so tidy it feels as though you could “perform surgery between the counters.” Despite the variety of food on display, the environment is orderly and comfortable for most visitors.

For families, highlights include watching chefs grill eel or prepare fresh dashi-maki omelettes, seeing unusual seafood displays and browsing the small souvenir shops selling chopsticks, fans, toys and kitchenware. Even when the market becomes crowded, many families consider the energetic atmosphere part of the overall experience.

What is located near Nishiki Market and worth visiting?

Within a short walking distance, families can explore several nearby attractions:

Teramachi Shopping Street – a long, covered shopping arcade with a wide variety of stores.
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine – a small, atmospheric shrine directly connected to the market’s eastern entrance.
Kawaramachi District – one of Kyoto’s central shopping areas.
Gion and Pontocho – ideal for an afternoon or early evening stroll, offering traditional streets and a unique Kyoto atmosphere.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Because Nishiki Market has almost no seating, it’s best to plan a café or lunch stop immediately after your visit.

Is Nishiki Market suitable for families with children?

Families with kids (5-18 years)

Nishiki Market is well suited for families thanks to its wide selection of small snacks, colourful displays and fully covered walkway. Many families describe it as one of the most memorable experiences of their Kyoto trip.

Elderly travellers

The market is flat and covered, but the crowds can make movement slow and uncomfortable. Arriving early is recommended.

Limited mobility

The path is smooth and step-free, yet the density of visitors and the narrow entrances to some shops may be challenging during busy hours.

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DAY 1 – Nishiki Market & Teramachi Street

Arriving at Nishiki Market (錦市場 / Nishiki Ichiba) is easiest on foot from Kawaramachi, Shijo or Karasuma Station, all only a short walk away. Entering early allows you to explore the five covered blocks before the walkway becomes crowded. As you move through the colourful corridor, you can taste Kyoto pickles (tsukemono), sesame tofu with black syrup and kinako, tempura sticks, wagashi, long shrimp tempura and freshly grilled seafood. It’s worth stopping at the tofu shops, matcha dessert counters and seafood stalls selling giant oysters and tuna sashimi. Children usually enjoy browsing the souvenir stands with chopsticks, fans, toys and small trinkets.

After finishing your tasting walk, head toward Teramachi Street (寺町通 / Teramachi-dori), just a couple of minutes away, and choose a nearby restaurant or a small sushi or seafood bar on the surrounding side streets. Many places offer warm, family-friendly meals such as ramen, katsu or set menus.

A pleasant continuation is a short stroll to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine (錦天満宮), located at the eastern end of the market – a quick and atmospheric stop ideal for photos and a moment of quiet. From there, walk toward the Kawaramachi Shopping District, about five to seven minutes away. This area has wide streets, cafés, boutique shops and places to rest with soft-serve, fruit snacks or honey drinks.

To finish the day, choose a restaurant along Kawaramachi or Shijo, where seating is plentiful and convenient for families. After dinner, it’s an easy walk back to your hotel or the nearest station.

Walking between these baskets, I can’t decide what amazes me more—the colours or the aromas. This place has its own heartbeat, and I want to catch every moment of it.

DAY 2 – Nishiki Market Light Visit + Gion & Pontocho

This day combines a short return to Nishiki Market with a scenic walk through some of Kyoto’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. Families who want to try more snacks can return early, when it’s still easy to move through the narrow corridor. It’s a good opportunity to enjoy favourites such as tempura shrimp sticks, dashimaki tamago, chestnut treats, sweet potato snacks or soy-based desserts like tofu soft serve.

After sampling a few items, step out toward Shijo Street, where cafés and small local restaurants offer warm meals and proper seating – something the market itself lacks.

A pleasant walk leads to Pontocho (先斗町 / Pontocho Alley), about ten minutes away, one of Kyoto’s most scenic lanes running parallel to the river. The narrow street is especially good for photography, with traditional wooden façades and soft lighting.

From Pontocho, continue toward Gion (祇園), roughly another ten-minute walk. This area becomes livelier, with bright storefronts, teahouses and traditional architecture. Children often enjoy the colourful shops, while adults appreciate the blend of history and modern street life. Exploring Hanamikoji Street and the nearby alleys naturally fills a relaxed part of the afternoon.

To end the day, families can choose a restaurant in Gion or walk back toward Kawaramachi for a wider range of casual, family-friendly dining options.

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Traveler reviews

Emily Carter – visited in April 2019
I spent a morning at Nishiki Market with my family, and it quickly became one of our favourite Kyoto memories. The colours, sizzling food and narrow alleys felt lively and inviting. We tried tofu ice cream, shrimp tempura and the small baby octopus skewers. Although it was crowded, taking our time made the visit enjoyable. The “no eating while walking” rule was new to us but surprisingly helpful. I would happily return.
Daniel Morris – visited in November 2021
Nishiki Market felt like a food adventure from the first steps. We tasted pickles, mochi, chestnut sweets and exceptionally fresh sashimi. Some stalls were more expensive, especially seafood vendors, but the quality justified it. The passages were narrow and busy, yet my children loved exploring every corner. I was also impressed by how clean everything remained throughout the day.
Olivia Bennett – visited in July 2023
I visited with two teenagers, and we had a great time trying different small snacks. The honey drink shop was our favourite stop – the yuzu iced tea was refreshing in the summer heat. Some food items, especially tempura, were pre-heated, so we focused on freshly cooked options. The market was a bit chaotic, but that energy was part of the charm.
Ethan Brooks – visited in March 2018
Nishiki Market offered exactly the lively Kyoto experience I hoped for. I tried the dashimaki omelette and a long shrimp tempura, both excellent. My children enjoyed the souvenir shops, especially the chopsticks and toy stalls. We arrived at around 10:00, which helped us avoid the busiest crowds. Later in the day, moving through the market became difficult.
Sarah Collins – visited in October 2024
We visited Nishiki Market on a rainy morning, and the covered street was ideal. The grilled oysters were huge and incredibly fresh. We also found a spice shop that offered tastings, and I’m still using the blend I bought. Prices were higher than in other areas, but the variety and quality made the visit worthwhile.
Michael Turner – visited in May 2019
Walking through Nishiki Market felt like experiencing Kyoto’s food culture in one place. We tried matcha sweets, tofu nuggets and grilled fish. Some items were excellent, while others were less exciting, which actually made the tasting more fun for the kids. Movement can be slow in crowded moments, but for anyone who enjoys street food, it’s an essential stop.
Laura Jenkins – visited in February 2022
I didn’t expect Nishiki Market to be so clean and well organised. Even with seafood everywhere, there was no strong smell. We enjoyed tasting small portions, especially the sesame tofu dessert and the chestnut cakes. The only challenge was the lack of seating, so we took breaks in cafés on nearby side streets. Overall, it was a lively and delicious outing for our family.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

Arrive just after 10:00 for the best rhythm
From my visits, the market is calm only during the first hour after opening. By 11:30, the narrow corridor becomes extremely crowded, and moving with children becomes slow and tiring. Arriving early makes a significant difference.
Don’t buy the first snack you see – prices drop deeper inside
The first stalls near the entrance often have higher prices. A few blocks further in, similar sweets, pickles or skewers are usually cheaper.
Stand still when eating – use the small counters beside each stall
Nishiki Market has a strict “no eating while walking” rule. Stopping at the stall’s counter keeps the area clean, prevents collisions and makes tasting more enjoyable for everyone.
Pick freshly cooked items – avoid reheated tempura
Some tempura stalls reheat pre-cooked pieces, which can be oily. I always check whether items are being prepared in front of me. Freshly grilled seafood and freshly made omelettes consistently deliver the best flavour.
Look for tasting bowls – try before buying
Many pickle and spice shops offer small samples. Tasting first helps you choose what suits your family’s preferences and avoid buying flavours that may be too strong.
Step into nearby side streets for proper breaks
Because there is almost no seating inside the market, cafés in the side streets of Teramachi or Kawaramachi are ideal for a quiet rest.
Bring cash for faster stops
Some smaller stalls accept only cash, especially seafood and sweet vendors. Paying with coins or small bills keeps lines moving smoothly.
Buy spices and packaged foods last – they travel well
Spice shops near the end of the market offer blends that are easy to pack and don’t leak or smell. I always leave these purchases for last to avoid carrying extra bags.
Try tofu-based desserts – they’re lighter and family-friendly
Sesame tofu with black syrup, tofu ice cream and soy doughnuts are mild in flavour and often more suitable for children than very sweet desserts.
If it rains, Nishiki Market is ideal
The entire street is covered, making it a comfortable alternative to open-air attractions on rainy days.

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Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last visited Nishiki Market (錦市場 / Nishiki Ichiba) in March 2023, and each visit reminds me why it is such a strong introduction to Kyoto for families. The narrow, colourful corridor is filled with energy: sizzling grills, bright wagashi counters, tofu shops, giant oysters and honey drinks – all inside a fully covered street that feels both traditional and lively.

What I enjoy most is how many small discoveries can be made in a short time. One moment you are trying sesame tofu with black syrup, the next you are watching a vendor grill a long shrimp tempura or slice fresh pickles. Children usually appreciate the visual variety, while adults enjoy the balance between tasting, browsing and photographing the displays. Although the market can become crowded, arriving around 10:00 always allowed me enough space to explore comfortably.

My personal approach is to save souvenirs – spices, small snacks, chopsticks – for the end of the visit, when the route naturally leads toward Teramachi Street or the cafés in Kawaramachi for a break. And while some foods are outstanding and others are simply interesting, that contrast is part of what makes Nishiki Market memorable.

Nishiki Market is a lively, flavourful and atmospheric place where families can experience the rhythm of Kyoto in an authentic and approachable way. I invite you to create a personalised route with me through this market – and through the wider beauty of Japan.

I saw this giant cat and instantly felt my mood lift. It looks like it guards the street and gives a tiny wink to everyone passing by.

Price List – Nishiki Market Area (Kyoto)

Category	Notes	Price (USD)
Street-food snacks (per item)	Tofu desserts, tempura sticks, seafood skewers, sweets (mochi, wagashi), grilled fish, omelet sandwiches	2-7
Seafood specialties (per item)	Giant oysters, scallops, grilled eel, sashimi portions; larger items may cost more	4-12
Desserts & sweets (per piece)	Mochi, matcha sweets, rice crackers, traditional wagashi	2-4
Healthy/unique desserts	Tofu ice cream or soy-based sweets from dedicated tofu shops	3-5
Honey drinks (per cup)	Popular at Sugi Honey; iced yuzu honey drink and similar options	3-4
Local souvenirs	Chopsticks, small ceramics, matcha bowls, magnets, small trinkets, tea packs	3-15
Knife shops & premium crafts	Handcrafted knives and artisanal items	30-200+
Public transport (one-way)	Kyoto city bus to the Shijō / Karasuma area	2-3
Taxi (one-way)	From central Kyoto (e.g., Kyoto Station) to Nishiki Market	10-15
Drinks & water	Bottled water, tea or soft drinks available around the market	1-3
Parking (per hour)	Around Teramachi / Karasuma streets; limited availability	3-5

Looking at this display, I realise there’s no such thing as choosing wisely—you simply want everything. The smell of warm pastries is impossible to resist.