🐟 Nishiki Market Yokocho: Kyoto's "Kitchen" and the Taste of the Common People

Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you to one of Kyoto's most iconic markets— Nishiki Market Yokocho (Nishiki Market) , located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. 🎌
This area is not only a must-see for tourists, but also known as Kyoto's "Kitchen" (京の台所) by locals! Step inside and you'll discover a fusion of tradition, common people, culture, and cuisine. Whether you're looking for fresh food, shopping, or simply experiencing the charm of Kyoto, Nishiki Market Yokocho has it all.

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📍 Where is Nishiki Market Yokocho?

Nishiki Market is located on Nishikikoji-dori in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City . It stretches east-west for about 390 meters , from Teramachi-dori in the east to Takakura-dori in the west.

• It is very close to Shijo Kawaramachi and Karasuma , and transportation is very convenient.
• Although the alley is narrow, it is packed with more than 130 shops and is bustling with people every day.

When I walked in for the first time, I was really "dazzled and drooling" 🤤, because every step was a new surprise!

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🏮 A little historical story about Nishiki Market

• Originated in the Heian period (around the end of the 8th century): It was originally a fish market that supplied fresh fish to Kyoto nobles and temples.
• After the Edo period : Gradually developed into a wholesale market for various food ingredients.
• Modern times : Although its wholesale function has faded, it has become a popular market for Kyoto residents to shop on a daily basis and for tourists to experience.

What I find very special is that Nishiki Market is not as modern as other shopping malls. Instead, it retains the atmosphere of a traditional market, allowing people to get a glimpse into the real life of Kyoto.

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🌈 The charm of Nishiki Market Yokocho

1. Kyoto's "Kitchen" 🍳

• A wide variety of ingredients are sold here: fresh fish and shellfish, pickles, tofu, and matcha desserts.
• Many Kyoto cuisine restaurants source their ingredients from here.

2. Tourism and local culture coexist 👘

• Although it's packed with tourists, you can still see Kyoto housewives selecting pickles and tofu.
• I think this is the most charming thing about Jin Market: it is both a tourist attraction and a part of life.

3. Lively hawking sounds 🔊

• The stall owners will greet you warmly and sometimes even give you food samples.
• The "energy of the market" is completely different from the quiet temples, making people feel that Kyoto is not only an ancient capital, but also very lively.

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🍲 Must-try foods and unique shops at Nishiki Market

My favorite part of this place is eating while walking! Here are a few must-try items:

1. Grilled seafood 🦐🐚

• Freshly grilled scallops, shrimps and squid skewers are full of fragrance.
• My favorite is grilled oysters, which are sweet and juicy, and make you feel full of happiness after taking a bite.

2. Fish skewers and tamagoyaki 🍢🥚

• Various fish paste products are skewered for easy eating on the go.
• Kyoto-style tamagoyaki is sweet and has a smooth texture, making it extremely popular.

3. Kyoto Pickled Mono🥒

• Pickles of Chinese cabbage, eggplant, and Japanese lettuce are indispensable ingredients in Kyoto cuisine.
• Many stores offer tastings, and I often can’t stop eating.

4. Tofu and yuba dishes 🍲

• Kyoto is particularly famous for its tofu production due to its clear water.
• The soup leaves (bean curd sheets) here are very delicate and have a smooth texture.

5. Matcha dessert 🍵🍡

• Matcha ice cream, matcha daifuku, matcha cake, a paradise for matcha lovers.
• I personally recommend matcha pudding, which is rich but not bitter.

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🛍️ Shopping fun at Nishiki Market

In addition to eating, you can also buy many special products here:

• Wagashi : Exquisite Japanese confectionery, suitable as souvenirs.
• Kyoto tea : Uji matcha and sencha, perfect texture.
• Kitchenware : Traditional Kyoto knives, chopsticks, and pottery are all practical and commemorative treasures.

I bought a pair of handmade chopsticks last time, and when I used them at home, I immediately felt the "Kyoto style"✨.

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🌙 The atmosphere of Nishiki Market

• During the day : The place is packed with people, and the sounds of hawking and laughter are intertwined.
• Evening : Lanterns light up and the market becomes warmer.
• Festivals : During the New Year or festivals, the market is crowded with people buying New Year goods, which is a very spectacular sight.

The editor feels that this place is not like the ordinary deserted ancient capital at all, but rather a "living Kyoto".

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🚆 Transportation

• Subway: About a 10-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Tozai Line.
• Hankyu Railway: Get off at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station or Karasuma Station and walk to the destination.

The transportation is super convenient and it can definitely be included in the itinerary in Kyoto city.

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💡 Editor's Tips

1. Business hours : Most shops are open from about 10 am to 6 pm. If you go too late, they will close.
2. Be polite : In crowded places, be careful not to disturb others when eating while walking.
3. Cash is the main payment method : Although more and more stores accept credit cards, cash is the most convenient.
4. Avoid peak hours : There are the most people at noon and on weekends, so it is recommended to go on weekday mornings for the most comfortable time.
5. Store souvenirs carefully : Pay attention to the shelf life of pickles and tofu, and make sure they are suitable for consumption on the same day or within a short period of time.

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🏮 Summary: The charm of Nishiki Market Yokocho

Nishiki Market Yokocho is a short market of less than 400 meters, but it condenses Kyoto's food culture, common people's lives and tourist fun .
Here, you can experience the tradition and daily life of Kyoto, eat the most authentic food, and buy the most distinctive souvenirs.

The editor feels that Nishiki Market is the kind of place where "you'll regret not coming, but will want to come again if you do."
Next time you're in Kyoto, don't just visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple. Remember to take some time to explore Nishiki Market Yokocho and let your taste buds and soul be enchanted by this bustling kitchen! ✨