Nishiki Market Tours and Activities

Photo provided by City of Kyoto and Kyoto Tourism Council
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market


Come to this market in the heart of the city to experience the authentic sights, smells and sounds of the bartering vendors and their traditional food.

Traditional Japanese food is the order of the day in the Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. The market plays host to hundreds of restaurants, shops and temporary stalls selling culinary supplies from fresh seafood to knives. Shops sell either food or utensils with which to prepare it. A stark contrast to the serene and humble temples, shrines and museums, Nishiki Market is the perfect place to experience the typical hustle and bustle of food trade at the core of Kyoto.

Discover famous Kyoto specialties, such as sushi and dried seafood. Browse the shops, which range in size from tiny stalls to large buildings. Many of them specialize in a certain type of food, most of which is procured in the region. Try your luck with some free samples as vendors try to tempt you into making a purchase. Sit down at one of the small restaurants for lunch amid the food-crazed atmosphere. Try out a soy ice cream, oysters or even an octopus skewer.

The market dates back to the 17th century when fish was the sole item on the menu. As the market grew, the stall count rose to more than 130 and helped to create a greater variety of food on sale. The majority of shops have been family-owned for many generations. Today, the bazaar stretches across five blocks with its culinary delights and is sheltered by a multicolored glass roof. Shops are generally open from the morning until the afternoon. Many close on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Nishiki Market is based in the Nakagyo Ward in the northeast of Kyoto. It is right by Shijō Station. It can be found on the Karasuma Subway Line, only a few minutes from the grand Kyoto Station. The Kamogawa River is nearby, as are the Teramachi and Shin-Kyogoku shopping centers. The market is one block north of Shijō Avenue, which runs parallel.

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Best Lodging Options Near Nishiki Market

Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs

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Things to do near Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a vibrant shopping district filled with an array of local delicacies and crafts. It's an easy walk from central Kyoto, making it perfect for daytime exploration. The market comes alive at night, offering a unique atmosphere for evening strolls and late-night shopping. Whether you're seeking fresh produce or traditional souvenirs, Nishiki Market promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Shopping

Nishiki Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with local delicacies and unique souvenirs. Nearby, Kawaramachi Street, 1.6km away, boasts a lively atmosphere, while Pontocho Alley, just 322m away, is perfect for entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit the Nishijin Textile Center, located 3.2km away.

Recreation

Immerse yourself in relaxation at Funaoka Thermal Bath, a soothing body treatment option. For a more active experience, head to Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Finally, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Kyoto Concert Hall, where you can indulge in captivating musical performances.

Adventure

For an adventure near Nishiki Market, hike the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Pilgrimage Circuit, a scenic 4.8km trail filled with iconic torii gates. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Biwako Valley Ski Resort and Ski Field, both 25.7km away, offer exhilarating skiing experiences amidst stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Gion Corner, a theatre offering cultural performances just 805m from Nishiki Market. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth, 4.8km away, or enjoy some fun at Omiyakotsu Park's arcade, located 6.4km from the market.

Find the best attractions near Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market in Kyoto offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore nearby temples and shrines for a taste of local spirituality, while enjoying the bustling street atmosphere. Don't miss nearby attractions like Miru Kyoto and Kyoto Sanjo, which provide family-friendly activities and insight into the city's rich heritage. Whether you're sampling street food or shopping for unique souvenirs, Nishiki Market promises an unforgettable experience.

  • Kiyomizu Temple: Nestled in the hills of Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple offers a serene atmosphere with stunning views of the city. Its wooden stage, supported by hundreds of wooden pillars, provides a unique vantage point, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage.
  • Kyoto Tower: Standing tall in the heart of Kyoto, Kyoto Tower presents a modern contrast to the city's historic sites. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and Mount Arashiyama, creating a perfect backdrop for a memorable photo.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine is a cultural treasure. The trails lead you through lush forests, offering a tranquil escape while exploring the rich history and significance of this iconic shrine.

Best time to go to Nishiki Market

Visitor numbers around Nishiki Market is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Nishiki Market is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.5°F (21.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like Pontocho Alley and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. To save on accommodation, consider visiting in January, February, or September when prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays typically offer the lowest rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to sort by price and filter for eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel with flights for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nishiki Market are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Nishiki Market is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nishiki Market is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Nishiki Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation near Nishiki Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.