Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s kitchen, is a long and stored market in Kyoto, having first opened in 1615. Today, the market runs along a covered shotengai (商店街, Shōtengai, Shopping Street) for around 400m, with around 130 shops offering fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, pickles, dried items, and more. It’s a great place to stroll down, take in the bustling atmosphere, and check out some of the local wares.
Stroll into one of the many specialty shops in the area, some are takeaway food stands, while others have small dining areas to enjoy their produce. There are also multiple shops that give out free samples, such as for small desserts or pickles. Do note that given the narrowness of the market, visitors are expected to not walk and eat so as to avoid being a nuisance to others.
