Kyoto, Japan | Food Trip at Nishiki Market | DIY Guide
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From Fushimi Inari-Taisha we travelled north to Nishiki Market. Eager to try authentic Japanese dishes and street food at Kyoto’s most famous market. We started our Nishiki Market exploration from Teramachi Street and walked towards Karasuma.
Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, is a 400-year-old marketplace in downtown Kyoto. A covered street, lined with over 100 stores selling fresh seafoods and Japanese goods.
For our first food in Nishiki Market, we opted to try something cooked first since we are not used to eating raw dish on an empty stomach.
With this, we stopped at a random tempura stall and bought one Shrimp Tempura and one Crab Stick. Each stick costs 600.00 Yen.
Craving for a Kaisen Donburi similar to the one we tried at Ohiso, so we picked a restaurant that offers one. We stumbled upon Kaisen Hotate Center, a small restaurant specializing in seafood bowls.
We sampled a Tuna Bowl which features 2 types of tuna meat.
a Salmon Bowl.
and a grilled unagi with omelet for sharing.
We paid 4,200 Yen for a lunch at Kaisen Hotate Center.
A few meters from Kaisen Hotate Center, is a famous seafood shop. Kimura, one of the oldest shops in Nishiki Market. Kimura is known to sell fresh seafood at a reasonable price. There a wide variety of seafood available at Kimura. Kimura offers tuna, salmon, oysters and more.
The fatty salmon sashimi was so enticing that we couldn’t help but order a tray. It cost us 600.00 Yen.
Our next stop was Nishiki Yatai Mura. Inside, there were numerous food stalls selling, tempura, grilled seafood and more. Nishiki Yatai Mura features several bar tables as well.
They sell a 100.00 Yen Sake (for the first cup). Perfect spot if you want to partner your food with alcohol.
We decided to do another pass of Nishiki Market and walked back to Teramachi Street. We stopped in one store for a grilled crabstick.
The crab meat was huge. Bought 2 orders and it costs us 800.00 Yen.
We concluded our Nishiki Market Food Trip with a Japanese sweets called Ichigo Daifuku or Strawberry Mochi.
It is best to visit Nishiki Market with pockets full and stomach empty. This place was truly a feast for the senses.
We were so satiated that we opted to stroll north via Teramachi to Kyoto Imperial Palace. Along the way, we stumbled upon Drip & Drop Coffee Supply.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NISHIKI MARKET IN KYOTO, JAPAN
The best time to visit Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan is before noon time. Also most stores are closed on Wednesday.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION
Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler
HOW TO GET TO NISHIKI MARKET FROM FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA
To get to Nishiki Market from Fushimi Inari Taisha, go to Fushimi Inari Station and take the Keihan Main Line to Gion-Shijo Station. From Gion-Shijo Station, walk for around 10 minutes to Nishiki Market.
KYOTO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY
Based on this itinerary, which includes all the activities and restaurants covered in the blog, the budget for our third day in Kyoto, Japan for two person is around 28,000.00 Yen or around Php10,600.00. See detailed budget and itinerary below:
NOTE: Rates indicated above may change.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING NISHIKI MARKET
Aside from the basic things to consider in Japan, here are the things to consider in Nishiki Market:
Nishiki Market Map
Nishiki Market Open Hours
9:00 - 18:00. Most stores in Nishiki Market are closed on Wednesday.
No Tipping.
Cash is king.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Don’t litter.
NISHIKI MARKET IN KYOTO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS
Visit before noon to avoid the crowd.
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try a luggage delivery service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check out “MY GEAR”
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