We stumbled upon the Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba) entrance on our way to find lunch after we checked into our hotel in Kyoto. We decided to explore it for a little while. A little while, it wasn’t.
Nishiki Market
Originally a fish market, Nishiki Market is a food-lover and kawaii shopping haven these days. We went inside many stores screaming the variations of “cute!”, “Look!” This iconic market in Kyoto has everything and anything Japanese, from food and kawaii stuff to bubble tea, new-age items, Kami for protection, and manga-character socks. We were spoiled with choices.
Ask The Local
At the Nishiki market, you must order the matcha ice cream, take lots of pictures, buy yourself a Kami for good luck or to attract love, get into the photo booth with your friends, and stock up on souvenirs here.
There are also many interesting food items to observe, and if you dare, you can eat them in Nishiki Market. Enjoy!
Souvenirs from Nishiki Market
bought souvenirs for colleagues and a rabbit kami for Amma. The miniature glass rabbit kami is supposed to bring good luck to the keeper. Good luck to Amma means good luck to the whole family. My friend and I also got hanging kitten home decor, which is now hanging on my room window beside the dream catcher I got from Malaka years ago.
When you are in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is a must-visit. It’s the market that cemented my love for market visits during my travels. I even prefer it more than Kuromon Ichiba, its sister market in Osaka.
Dubbed Kyoto’s Kitchen, Nishiki Market is around 5 minutes walking distance from Gion-Shijo Station. This market has everything to shop for: Japanese souvenirs, tour services, endless Japanese food and snack choices, a fascinating pagan-hippie store, and high-end goods on the other side of the road. Avoid visiting on Wednesday or Sunday, as some stores are closed on those days.
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[…] When you go to Japan, definitely get a Kami. You can carry it or wear it as a talisman. Get it as a souvenir or just to attract positive vibes. I myself have gotten plenty for myself and as a souvenir. The first one was a teeny tiny Maneki Neko made by the glass from Nishiki Market in Kyoto. […]
[…] Nishiki Market is a shopping haven. We went into too many stores screaming the variations of “cute”. […]
[…] the Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka might not be as famous as the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto. Even, as a tourist attraction in Osaka itself, it has been outshined by Dotonburi, […]
[…] such as tea, popcorn, and whatnot, but I wish we had bought more spicy rice crackers from Nishiki Market and Katsuobushi from Tsukiji Market. I also wish we had spent more time exploring Omicho Ichiban […]
[…] Roam around Nishiki Market in Kyoto. […]
[…] Nishiki Market The Iconic Kyoto’s Kitchen […]