If you enjoy finding interesting new street food in each new place you visit, you won’t have to look for too long while in Kyoto, Japan. Nishiki Market is the epicenter of the city’s street food scene, and it’s the best place to explore Japan’s colorful culinary world.
Commonly known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market originally served as an ordinary fish market. It first obtained official permission to serve as the marketplace back in 1615, and it went through many transformations over the course of the next four centuries.
At this point in time, Nishiki Market is five blocks long, with over 150 stalls on its premises, selling everything from fruits, vegetables, fish, and local delicacies. You can try everything from pretty usual traditional foods, such as sushi, mochi, and tofu, to some positively strange dishes, including baby octopus and soy donuts.
Most people come to Nishiki Market for food, but this iconic venue has much more in store. Local vendors also offer all kinds of other trinkets, most notably beautiful hand-crafted knives.
Nishiki Market is easy to reach thanks to its convenient location in downtown Kyoto, on the east end of Nishikikōji Street. Working hours vary from store to store, but they’re mostly open between 9 am and 6 pm.