Nishiki Market

They call it 'Kyoto's Kitchen' and for good reason. For over 400 years, Nishiki Market has been the heart of Kyoto's food culture, where local chefs and home cooks come to source the finest ingredients. The covered arcade stretches for five blocks, packed with over 100 shops and stalls. This isn't a tourist market — though tourists certainly come — it's a working market where you'll see restaurant owners carefully selecting their daily supplies. Come hungry. The market is perfect for grazing your way through Kyoto's culinary traditions. Try tsukemono (pickled vegetables), fresh tofu, tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette), kushikatsu (fried skewers), and seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts in autumn. Look for shops specializing in Kyoto-specific items: yuba (tofu skin), fu (wheat gluten), and the city's famous wagashi (traditional sweets). Many shops offer samples, and the vendors are used to curious visitors. Visit before noon to see the market at its busiest, when the energy is highest and the selections are freshest.