【EN】Kyoto Food Guide: Nishiki Market – Exploring the Best Street Food and Fresh Seafood in Kyoto’s Kitchen

As soon as you enter Nishiki Market, it’s hard not to be drawn to the overwhelming array of seafood on display. One of the best features here is the "order-to-grill" service provided by many stalls. Seeing the fresh clams and abalone steaming in wooden tubs on a cool March day is a therapeutic sight in itself.

The freshly grilled scallops are incredibly thick and juicy. Every bite reveals the natural sweetness of the sea, perfectly complemented by a savory-sweet glaze. Whether it’s the famous little octopus skewers or the giant scallops, everything looks sparklingly fresh.

The Ultimate Street Food Experience

Beyond the grilled items, Nishiki’s fried foods are a major highlight. In Kyoto, you never have to worry about the quality of the ingredients; even the raw shrimp waiting to be cooked looks plump and bouncy.
Take a look at these golden-brown shrimp tempura. The batter is light and crispy without being greasy, and the shrimp inside is remarkably tender. It’s a level of quality that is hard to find in typical fast-food chains.

 Hearty Skewers and Fresh Sushi

For meat lovers, Nishiki Market has plenty of surprises. During my visit, I tried this hot meat roll skewer glazed with a shiny teriyaki sauce. The meat was tender and flavorful, providing a wonderful sense of warmth on a breezy afternoon.
If you prefer to enjoy your meal in the comfort of your hotel, many shops sell beautifully packaged eel sushi boxes or large packs of grilled scallops. These are convenient options for travelers with a packed schedule who want to relax later in the evening.

Nearby Attractions and Accommodation

To make the most of your visit to Nishiki Market, I suggest combining it with these nearby spots:

・Cultural Visit: At the eastern end of Nishiki Market lies Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, the guardian of wisdom and commerce. It’s famous for its bronze bull statue and natural spring water. You can read my full review of the shrine here:

👉 [Internal Link: Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine – A Sanctuary of Wisdom in the Heart of Shopping]

・Where to Stay: During this trip, I stayed at Wayfarer Kyoto Shijo, located near Shijo-Karasuma. It’s a 10-15 minute walk to the market, allowing you to arrive early and beat the afternoon crowds. Check out my hotel review here:

👉 [Internal Link: Wayfarer Kyoto Shijo – Minimalist Design and the Perfect Base for Exploring Kyoto]

Bringing the Aroma Home

Near the end of the market, I was captivated by a deep, roasted aroma. It was Kyobancha, a traditional roasted tea unique to Kyoto. The sight of the loose tea leaves piled high in rustic wooden barrels is beautiful. Taking a bag of this tea home is a great way to remember the 2023 journey long after you've left Japan.