Nishiki Market is bustling with energy and a wide range of snacks right in downtown Kyoto. Some may label it a tourist trap, but I appreciate its vibrant atmosphere filled with numerous sights and choices. Strolling through Nishiki, I discovered a variety of kawaii souvenirs. If you find the prices a bit high, simply enjoy the experience of exploring diverse offerings. Let’s go!
"This site contains Affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases of a product/service at no added cost to you." ^_^
Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
Train Travel From Tokyo To Kyoto
Where to Stay in Kyoto
- Check-in: Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
- Also called Hotel Seiki Kyoto Station
- Address: 24-5 Higashikujo Kitakarasumacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8017, Japan
- 5 days 4 nights
- Price: 520 USD / 75,411 JPY (VAT included) for 1 unit with 2 bedrooms, accommodating 4 adults and 1 toddler.
- Take note: All guests staying in Kyoto City will be charged an accommodation tax of 200 JPY per person per night.
Pros
- Great for Budget Travelers
- Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families
- Just a 6-minute walk from Kyoto Station
- Within walking distance of two major shopping malls
- Experience traditional Japanese-style rooms with Tatami mat flooring
- Bonus: Washer-dryer combo inside the room
- Close proximity to most Kyoto attractions
I absolutely love the traditional Japanese-style rooms at Seiki Kyoto Hotel. The use of tatami mat flooring in the bedrooms enhances the authentic Japanese experience even more.
Read more: Budget-Friendly Place to Stay in Kyoto for Families - In this post, I will highlight our accommodation in Kyoto, along with nearby dining options, shopping spots, attractions, and much more.
Our first stop was the Jidai Festival at the Imperial Palace, celebrated every October 22. Afterwards, we explored Nishiki Market. We visited later in the afternoon, and the crowd was more manageable.
How to get there
Nearest station
Whelk/Sea snails
Must-Try at Nishiki Market: Our Favorites!
How to get there
- Nishiki Market
- Address: Nishiki Market, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Some merchants are closed on Wednesdays or Sundays.
Nearest station
- Just a 3-minute stroll from Shijo Station (Karasuma Subway Line)
- Only a 3-minute walk from Karasuma and Kawaramachi Stations (Hankyu Line)
Why You Should Visit Nishiki Market
Visiting Nishiki Market is definitely worthwhile, especially for first-time travelers.
- Walk back in time into Japanese history: This 400-year-old narrow passage used to be a fish market in 1615.
- Discover over 100 food stalls and shops.
- Explore 5 blocks or 400 meters of unique dining and shopping experiences.
- Enjoy the scents and tastes of Japanese food, featuring traditional Kyoto delicacies and a mix of local flavors.
- Experience "Kyoto's Kitchen" or "Japan's Pantry," known for its focus on fresh produce and beautifully crafted kitchenware.
- Support family-run stalls rich in heritage and craftsmanship.
- Satisfy your hunger and curiosity as a food lover exploring the wonders of Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto's Vibrant Culture with Klook
Explore Kyoto's rich culture with tours, activities, and must-see attractions. Check out Klook for a wide range of affordable and reliable options. On this platform, we’ve purchased a few vouchers:
Explore Kyoto's rich culture with tours, activities, and must-see attractions. Check out Klook for a wide range of affordable and reliable options. On this platform, we’ve purchased a few vouchers:
- Bullet Train to Kyoto from Tokyo
- Kawaguchiko Pass: Mt. Fuji views
- Kensei Skyliner Airport Train and so much more.
We decided to treat ourselves to a few snacks to satisfy our curiosity.
Remember, Don't Walk and Eat
In Japan, it is considered disrespectful to eat while walking. Instead, relish your street food right outside the stall where you purchased it or find a corner to enjoy your meal. Take a moment to savor your food rather than continuing to walk – it's all about appreciating the experience!
Bring Cash
Remember, Don't Walk and Eat
In Japan, it is considered disrespectful to eat while walking. Instead, relish your street food right outside the stall where you purchased it or find a corner to enjoy your meal. Take a moment to savor your food rather than continuing to walk – it's all about appreciating the experience!
Bring Cash
Be sure to carry cash, as many food stalls and small vendors do not accept credit cards. You will find many shops selling seafood, fresh produce, souvenirs, crafts, and traditional Japanese snacks.
Octopus Legs
Kai Store for Exotic Delicacy
- Octopus Head: Medium for 800 JPY and Small for 600 JPY
- Octopus Legs: 400 JPY
- Whelk/Sea snails: 400 JPY
Octopus Galore: We chose to skip the typical gyoza and other familiar Japanese snacks or street food; instead, we searched for something different and exotic—and we found it!
- Matcha Shiratama Azuki: 1,000 JPY
A sweet dessert featuring matcha-flavored crepes filled with shiratama (glutinous rice balls) and azuki (red bean paste). These crepes were a great discovery! They even have chairs and tables inside where you can relax while enjoying your dessert. I highly recommend this place! Our server was cheerful, even with the constant crowds at the market. I appreciated his friendly attitude and how he took the time to explain the menu without any rush. It also made me wonder if it was because I was pregnant, but I truly felt his genuine service. He was also very patient with our toddler, and that just made the experience even better.
- 2 donuts and a matcha drink: 1,200 JPY
- Restroom available
- One of the best meals we've ever had in Kyoto!
- Restroom available
We noticed a small sign and menu and thought, “We all love pork cutlets, right?” So, we decided to go in. The door led us through an alley to a beautiful restaurant where we had the best Tonkatsu ever. The place was calm, with soft lights, and everything felt just right. It was like enjoying fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere.
They give you roasted sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle to crush and make your own dip.
Reasons why:
There’s plenty to explore in this area; even just sightseeing is a wonderful experience. You’ll find a five-block shopping street, filled with over a hundred stalls featuring shops and restaurants. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear!
Luna Earth makes shopping in Japan simple and affordable. They sell cute accessories like hairpins, earrings, piercings, bags, and more. I had my eye on a fluffy bag and went back to get it twice! The price fit my budget perfectly, and it really appealed to my feminine side, which doesn’t often come to the surface. Usually, I choose a boho or beach look and focus on durability since I don't buy bags often, but this one really caught my attention! I ended up buying it and don't regret it at all! You can find this brand in most shopping malls, and if you miss it here, there's one in that big shopping mall near Kyoto Station.
Reasons why:
- Grinding the sesame seeds by yourself releases essential oils just before eating.
- This process gives a fresh, strong nutty smell and taste.
- Pouring tonkatsu sauce over the ground sesame creates a thick, rich, and nutty dip.
- The dip pairs perfectly with the savory, fried pork.
We ordered the prawn cutlet and pork tenderloin cutlet or pork tonkatsu set meal, along with the kids' meal. The pork cutlets were amazing! They were flavorful, perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Every tonkatsu I've tried before was good, but this one stood out. Even the cabbage pairing was an absolute delight; I just love Japanese food and their sauce or any simple dressing they put on the meat and vegetables.
We absolutely love the umbrellas here; they are truly unique and one-of-a-kind.
Souvenir Shopping in Nishiki Market
Luna Earth: My Top Pick
Another budget-friendly store you shouldn’t overlook in Japan is 3COINS, a more upscale alternative to the typical 100-yen shop. They sell high-quality products, including travel items and aesthetic household essentials.
Join in the Fun!
Exploring Nishiki Market was a fun part of our trip, and finding the best tonkatsu turned into a tasty adventure! The market offers everything from unique snacks like octopus legs to sweet treats at Crepe Ojisan, so there's something for everyone. The lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit spot in Kyoto. Try going after lunch or on weekdays to avoid the rush. If it's a bit packed on your visit, just dive into the party!
To Return to the Hotel
- To return to Seiki Kyoto Station Hotel
- Take bus 207; the bus stop is conveniently located across from Takashimaya S.C and Mo's Burger
- Alight at Subway Kujo Station (Oishibashi) and walk 5 minutes to the hotel
- Travel time: 22 minutes
- Cost: 230 JPY
The following day, we went to Kyoto's Pokémon Center, followed by a visit to Yasaka Shrine - must-visit attractions in Downtown Kyoto!
This is my ultimate secret to making travel hassle-free: I use a Travel Packing Checklist. This ensures I don’t forget essential items and prevents those frantic last-minute shopping trips for things I already own but left behind. I didn’t realize how much I needed this notebook; it truly keeps my journeys organized and stress-free. Check out Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Here's another special Packing checklist designed for families. It includes packing lists for babies and kids to ensure nothing is overlooked!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure in Japan?
Tokyo Travel Tips
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Budget-Friendly
- Which One To Get: Commuter Pass, IC Card or Welcome Suica Card For Tourist?
- How to Reach Narita Airport from Tokyo Station
- Narita Airport: What To Do while Waiting for Flight/Bus
- Pokémon Center Tokyo DX: Largest Pokémon store, with a Pokémon Café.
- Tokyo Station: Must-visit for Amazing Ramen, Anime, & Manga Stores
- Shibuya: Easy Itinerary, World's Busiest Pedestrian Crossing & Pokémon Centre
- Ueno: Simple Itinerary, Things To-Do and Delicious Eats at Ameyoko Market
Explore Kawaguchiko "Best Mt. Fuji Views"
Explore Kyoto
- Tokyo to Kyoto: The Fastest Way to Travel
- Budget-Friendly Place to Stay in Kyoto
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: How to Avoid the Crowds
- Kyoto's Pokémon Center: A Blend of Tradition and Charm
- Yasaka Shrine: A 1,350-Year-Old Sanctuary
- Jidai Festival at Imperial Palace - former palace of Japan's Emperor
- Nishiki Market: Kyoto's Largest Traditional Food Market
Explore Osaka
- For our next adventure, we're looking forward to Discovering the Beautiful Island of Hokkaido in Japan. I can't wait for this trip!
Related articles you may find interesting:
No comments
Post a Comment