A must-do experience in Kyoto is exploring Nishiki Market and sampling its delicious food. Stretching about 400 meters, this arcade is lined with shops offering Kyoto’s unique gourmet dishes and exquisite sweets.
In this article, we thoroughly explore the gourmet delights of Nishiki Market. We’ll introduce you to the delicious foods and sweets we’ve actually tasted, accompanied by photos. If you’re thinking, “I want to go food-hopping in Kyoto!” or “I want to know the recommended gourmet foods at Nishiki Market!” then be sure to check out this article!
What’s Nishiki Market in Kyoto All About? How Do I Get There?
First, let’s introduce some basic information about Nishiki Market. If you’re planning to visit Nishiki Market soon, this is a must-read!
Bustling Arcade Popular Among Locals and Tourists
Nishiki Market is a renowned shopping street representing Kyoto, dating back to the Edo period. It’s bustling with locals and tourists alike on weekdays and weekends, always brimming with energy.
With plenty of delicious yet affordable gourmet options, it’s perfect for food hopping! Although it’s only about 400 meters long, if you plan to explore the various shops and enjoy the gourmet delights while sightseeing, allocate about 1-2 hours.
Another distinctive feature of Nishiki Market is its roof adorned with red, yellow, and green stained glass. Under the sunlight, these stained glass roofs gleam, offering a captivating beauty that’s sure to make you want to snap a photo.
When you visit Nishiki Market, be sure to capture a photo with these stained glass roofs!
Enjoy Food Hopping Either Outside or Inside the Shops
Since 2019, food walking has been prohibited in Nishiki Market. This decision came as a response to the increasing number of tourists, which posed safety concerns due to the narrow pathways in the market. When you want to enjoy gourmet delights from the shops in Nishiki Market, make sure to adhere to the rules: either eat on the benches outside the shops or consume your food inside the shops.
How to Get to Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is conveniently located near major stations in downtown Kyoto such as Shijo Station, Kawaramachi Station, and Karasuma Station. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a perfect addition to your travel plans. Whether you’re looking to grab a bite before exploring other attractions or craving delicious treats after a day of sightseeing, Nishiki Market is the place to be!
Nishiki Market Tourist Information
Access:
- 3 minutes on foot from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line of the subway
- 3 minutes on foot from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
- 4 minutes on foot from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Official URL: Nishiki Market Shopping Street
Introducing Recommended Gourmet Delights at Nishiki Market
First, let’s introduce some amazing gourmet finds at Nishiki Market! All of these eateries offer delicious dishes at affordable prices, so be sure to give them a try when you visit!
Nishiki Hirano
“Nishiki Hirano” is a long-established delicatessen where you can enjoy various gourmet dishes. They offer 50-60 types of homemade dishes every day, attracting many customers. Their dashimaki (Japanese rolled omelette) with rich broth, Hirano Western-style grilled dish, and dashimaki burger are particularly popular.
Moreover, their breakfast set menu available every morning from 8:30 to 10:30 is highly favored by tourists. If you’re looking to experience a Kyoto-style breakfast or fill up before heading out for sightseeing, visiting in the morning is a great idea.
The “Ebi Tempura Skewer (¥400)” sold at the storefront is impressively long, so much so that it might even stick out from the hands of grown men! Its striking appearance often leads to impulse purchases from passersby.
Upon taking a bite of the “Ebi Tempura Skewer,” I was pleasantly surprised by its gentle and delicate flavor, despite its imposing look. The outer layer is crispy while the inside is fluffy, and the harmony between the sauce and the sweetness of the shrimp is delightful.
Thanks to its light texture, you can easily finish it off even when you’re already full!
Nishiki Hirano Store Information
- Address: 489-1 Nakauoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 6 minutes on foot from Hankyu Karasuma Station
- Phone Number: 050-5596-2754
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Business Hours:[Restaurant] 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last order at 4:15 PM) [Delicatessen Sales] 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Budget:[Lunch] ¥1,000 – ¥1,999 [Dinner] ¥2,000 – ¥2,999
Hanayori-kiyoe
“Hanayori-kiyoe,” a deep-fried food shop, offers delicious croquettes fried in premium olive oil called Kiyoe. In addition to croquettes, you can enjoy other deep-fried items such as squid and chicken, as well as soft drinks like coffee.
The eat-in space is cozy, resembling a café, perfect for taking a break. Why not relax and enjoy a croquette fried in olive oil while taking a breather?
A must-try specialty at “Hanayori-kiyoe,” is the “Yuba Cream Croquette” priced at 308 yen (tax included), packed with Kyoto’s essence. Inside its crispy coating, you’ll find plenty of hot, melting yuba (tofu skin).
If you’re not a fan of the usual texture of yuba, don’t worry! The Yuba Cream Croquette offers a unique texture that ensures a delicious experience, even for those hesitant about yuba. While you’re in Kyoto, why not take the opportunity to try this special dish?
Additionally, the “Grilled Corn Croquette” priced at 286 yen, packed with plenty of corn, and the “Curry Croquette” priced at 275 yen (all prices include tax), boasting a tempting curry flavor, are also popular choices. Since all the croquettes are delicious, it’s fun to buy a few and taste-test them!
Store Information for Hanayori-kiyoe
- Address: 1F Sashiano Building, Northeast corner of Nishikikoji-dori Avenue and Miyakomachi-dori Avenue, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 4 minutes on foot from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station / 5-7 minutes on foot from Shijo Station on the subway
- Phone Number: 075-746-5811
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Business Hours:
- [Monday to Friday] 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order inside the store)
- [Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays] 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last order inside the store)
- Budget: Up to 999 yen
Tachinomi Gabana
“Tachinomi Gabana” is a standing bar where you can enjoy Kyoto pickles and sake. You can enjoy various Kyoto pickles as well as affordable snacks that go well with sake. It’s recommended for those who want to enjoy sake while tasting Kyoto-style snacks!
Additionally, “Nishiki Takakuraya” next door is a pickle shop affiliated with “Tachinomi Gabana” If you enjoy the pickles at “Tachinomi Kaga,” it’s also a good idea to buy souvenirs at “Nishiki Takakuraya.”
Whether you buy them for your own home or as gifts for friends or colleagues, they will surely be appreciated.
At “Tachinomi Gabana,” the “Kobe Beef Skewer” priced at 1,500 yen is extremely popular among customers. When you order the skewer, it’s a fun experience as they grill it right in front of you.
Enjoy the sizzle and flames while the beef skewer cooks, and have a great time with friends or loved ones! For those who enjoy taking photos or videos, make sure not to miss the opportunity to capture the grilling process!
Not only is the “Kobe Beef Skewer” known for its impressive performance, but its taste is also exceptional. The meat is incredibly tender, and with each bite, you’ll experience the juicy flavor spreading in your mouth. While it’s priced at 1,500 yen per skewer, it’s definitely worth every penny.
Despite its rich appearance, the flavor isn’t overpowering, making it enjoyable for those who prefer lighter tastes. Even women who may be wary of rich, fatty meats will find themselves enjoying it without hesitation.
Store Information for Tachinomi Gabana
- Address: 289-2 Teramachi Higashioinjimaecho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
- Phone Number: 075-231-0081
- Closed: Open every day
- Business Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Budget:[Lunch] ¥1,000 – ¥1,999 [Dinner] ¥1,000 – ¥1,999
River Fish Notoyo
For those looking to enjoy a unique culinary experience, “Kawau Notoyo” comes highly recommended. As the name suggests, it’s a specialty store for river fish, but what sets it apart is the array of rare delicacies that can only be found here.
Upon visiting the store, you’ll find skewers of quail, duck, and even sparrow meat—items you won’t typically see in supermarkets. With so many unfamiliar options, it’s hard to imagine what they taste like!
This time, I mustered up the courage to try the “sparrow” skewer priced at 500 yen. With trepidation, I put the sparrow into my mouth, and to my surprise, its crispy texture was intriguing, and it paired surprisingly well with the sweet sauce.
However, it has a more wild taste compared to regular chicken, so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For adventurous eaters looking to try something a little different, I encourage you to give it a try!
At “Notoyo,” they also sell grilled and salt-grilled river fish, in addition to the rare delicacies.
In particular, their “grilled eel” cooked slowly in their secret sauce, which has been loved by many over the years, is a highly popular item. For those who may not fancy the wild taste or for those eager to try river fish, I recommend the “grilled eel”!
Store Information for “River Fish Notoyo”
- Address: 216-1 Kajiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
- Phone Number: 075-221-3774
- Closed on Sundays
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Budget: Up to 999 yen
Kyoto Meat Shop Hiro Nishiki
“Kyoto Meat Shop Hiro Nishiki” is a place where you can enjoy steaks and roast beef. They source their beef and pork directly, ensuring fresh and rare cuts of meat available at reasonable prices. Moreover, their unique cutting method focuses on bringing out the best flavor when you take a bite, adding to the charm of this place.
One particularly recommended item on the menu is the “Beef Toro Aburi Sushi,” available for takeout at 880 yen for 2 pieces (tax included). Once you take a bite, you’ll find the meat so tender it practically melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by the exquisite sauce. It’s a taste sensation that shatters any preconceptions you might have about meat sushi.
While it’s not the cheapest option on the menu, it’s definitely worth trying! “Kyoto Meat Shop Hiro Nishiki” also sells fresh cuts of meat, so if you’re a Kyoto resident or staying in the city for a while, it’s worth picking some up.
Kyoto Meat Shop Hiro Nishiki
- Address: 217 Kajiya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 5-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
- Phone: 075-222-1129
- Closed: Open daily
- Hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last order at 6:30 PM)
- Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last order at 6:30 PM)
- Budget: Up to 999 yen
Exploring Delectable Sweets at Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market offers a wide variety of sweets perfect for dessert or snack time after a meal. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check it out!
Gomafukudo
At “Gomafukudo,” you can savor delectable sesame sweets made with care by sesame masters using premium golden sesame seeds.
A highly recommended treat is their “Golden Sesame Dumpling with Camembert Cheese” priced at 230 yen. With its crispy outer texture and the harmonious blend of cheese inside, it’s truly delicious!
The abundant aroma from the generously coated golden sesame on the surface offers not just a delight to the taste buds but also to the senses. If you’re a sesame enthusiast, don’t miss out on trying the “Golden Sesame Dumpling.”
Also, the “Black Sesame Karinto Manju” priced at 119 yen was quite delicious! The crispy surface fried in oil is crunchy, and inside is a generous amount of creamy black sesame paste. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the delightful aroma of black sesame blended into the dough and the sweet red bean paste.
Recommended for those who love red bean paste or have a sweet tooth for Japanese confections!
Goma Fukudo Store Information
- Address: 205 Kajiya-cho Higashi-iru, Nishiki-koji-dori, Bukkoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: A 2-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
- Phone Number: 075-241-0180
- Closed: Open every day
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Budget: Up to 999 yen
Sugi Bee Farm
“Sugi Bee Farm” is a honey specialty shop where you can enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream with honey. They offer delicious and healthy honey, making it popular not only among health-conscious women but also among international tourists.
In the soft-serve ice cream section, the simple “Honey Soft Serve” priced at 320 yen is especially popular. The refreshing sweetness derived from honey will surely energize your tired body. You can choose between a cup or cone for the honey soft serve, so pick your favorite option!
You can also add “Blueberry & Honey,” “Yuzu Honey,” or “Maple Honey” toppings to your honey soft serve according to your preference. If you’re tired of regular soft serve, try changing up the flavors for a different experience!
Additionally, they offer “Honey Drinks” besides soft serve. The variety of flavors like yuzu, raspberry, and lemon is quite appealing. Moreover, they can be served hot, which is perfect for those who might feel a bit chilly to have soft serve. Enjoy a leisurely break with a hot honey-infused drink.
Also, if you’re fond of the honey from “Sugi Bee Garden,” you can purchase it in-store. All the honey varieties are of high quality, so it’s worth buying them as souvenirs!
Sugi Bee Farm Store Information:
- Address: 172-1 Higashi-uocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Map: Google Maps
- Access: 5-minute walk from Shijo Station on the municipal subway / 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Railway
- Phone Number: 075-229-6538
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM
- Budget: Up to 999 yen
“Nishiki Market,” with its plethora of delectable gourmet shops, is a must-visit culinary destination when in Kyoto. From the establishments we’ve mentioned to countless others we couldn’t cover, there’s so much to explore. Be sure to check out a variety of spots! Also, as mentioned earlier, food sampling has been prohibited at Nishiki Market since 2019. Enjoy your culinary delights by following the rules, whether it’s savoring your purchases in front of the shop or inside!