🏮 Jin Market Guide

—— The editor takes you into Kyoto's "kitchen" and tastes the fusion of tradition and modernity

📍Where is Nishiki Market?

Nishiki Market (Nishiki Market) is located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, near the Shijo Kawaramachi shopping district. Stretching approximately 390 meters , it boasts over 130 shops . Known as Kyoto's "Kitchen ," it has been around since the Edo period and is a must-see for locals and tourists alike.

The first time I walked into Nishiki Market, it felt like I had entered a feast for all five senses: the aromas filling the streets, the vibrant colors of the ingredients, the enthusiastic cries of vendors, and the bustling crowds of people made me instantly realize that Kyoto is not only an ancient capital, but also a culinary center.

🌟 The unique atmosphere of Nishiki Market

🏮 Tradition and modernity intertwined

• This place has a history of more than 400 years. It was originally focused on fresh fish wholesale, and later gradually developed into a comprehensive market.
• Many shops are century-old shops, passed down from generation to generation, and still adhere to traditional production methods.
• There are also emerging coffee shops and dessert shops, making the market more vibrant.

🛍️ Kyoto people's daily kitchen

• Kyoto cuisine emphasizes "seasonality," and Nishiki Market is the best place to buy seasonal ingredients.
• We have everything from fresh fish and shellfish, Kyoto vegetables, pickles, to tofu, and Japanese confectionery.
• Locals and tourists mingle, making it lively yet retaining the local flavor.

I feel that Nishiki Market is like a "microcosm of Kyoto life." It is not only a tourist attraction, but also the root of Kyoto people's dining tables.

🍣 Must-try food at Nishiki Market

When you come to Jin Market, you must eat while walking to experience its true essence.

🐟 Seafood and cooked food

• Grilled seafood skewers : scallops, squid, shrimp, grilled and eaten immediately, with a captivating aroma.
• Eel Kabayaki : Brush it with sweet and salty sauce, and you can't help but eat it one bite after another.
• Octopus balls (octopus egg skewers) : a quail egg stuffed in an octopus head, a specialty snack at Jin Market.

🍡 Kyoto specialty snacks

• Kyoto pickles : Kyoto's unique pickled vegetables, with a refreshing and appetizing taste.
• Yuba (tofu skin) : A specialty of Kyoto, commonly found in vegetarian dishes.
• Matcha desserts : Matcha ice cream and Matcha daifuku, sweet but not greasy.
• Tamagoyaki: Egg rolls fried in broth , rich in flavor.

🍵 Japanese-style desserts

• Japanese mochi : red bean, soybean flour, matcha flavors.
• Soy milk desserts : soy milk pudding, soy milk ice cream, healthy and refreshing.
• Jingguozi : beautifully shaped traditional snacks, suitable for buying as souvenirs.

My favorite is the combination of "Octopus Egg Skewers + Matcha Ice Cream", which is a combination of salty and sweet, and super satisfying!

👗 Shopping and specialty shops

Jin Market is not only a place for eating, but also a place for buying many special products:

• A long-established Kyoto pickle shop : Bring home the flavors of Kyoto.
• Kitchenware store : Kyoto-made knives are very famous, and professional chefs also love to buy here.
• Japanese-style sundries : chopsticks, ceramic utensils, and hand towels, all with beautiful designs.
• Tea specialty shop : Uji matcha and sencha, first-class quality.

I highly recommend buying one or two "Kyoto pickles" or "Japanese-style items" as souvenirs, as they are both practical and have a Kyoto flavor.

🎎 Historical and cultural background

The origins of Nishiki Market can be traced back to the late Heian period , when the area became a fish market due to its abundant groundwater, making it suitable for storing and selling fish. During the Edo period , Nishiki Market grew in size and became Kyoto's main food distribution center.

Today, Nishiki Market still retains the title of "Kyoto's Kitchen". It not only supplies local residents but also becomes an important place for tourists to learn about Kyoto's food culture.

I think the charm of this place lies in the fact that although there are many people, you can feel the continuation of history and the depth of food culture when walking among them.

🚉 Transportation

It is very convenient to get to Nishiki Market:

• Hankyu Railway : Get off at Karasuma Station and walk about 3 minutes.
• Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Get off at Shijo Station and walk about 5 minutes.
• Keihan Railway : Get off at Gion-Shijo Station and walk about 10 minutes.

The editor recommends: You can arrange to visit Nishiki Market in the morning, have lunch there, and then go for a walk in Nishiki Tenmangu or Gion in the afternoon. This is the smoothest route.

💡 A friendly reminder from the editor

✨ Jin Market is very crowded, so it is recommended to avoid the peak hours at noon.
✨ Many food stalls offer takeout, which is the most fun to eat while walking.
✨ If you want to buy souvenirs, it is recommended to choose vacuum-packed pickles or dried goods for easy carrying.
✨ Some shops in Nishiki Market are closed on Wednesdays, so it is recommended to check the business hours in advance.
✨ Remember to prepare cash, as some small shops do not accept credit cards or electronic payments.

🌟 Editor's summary

Nishiki Market is a must-visit street in Kyoto, a fusion of food, shopping, history, and culture . Here, you can not only enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine, but also buy unique souvenirs and experience the Kyoto people's dedication to food culture.

For me, Nishiki Market is "Kyoto's most down-to-earth soul." Whether you're a foodie, a shopaholic, or a culture enthusiast, you can find your own happiness here. 🎉