Walk food alley at Nishiki Market
Kyoto, Japan • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Apr, Nov
9°C – 20°C, spring weather, warm and comfortable, with some rainy days, high crowds, peak season
9°C – 20°C, spring weather, warm and comfortable, with some rainy days, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
The market consists of narrow, crowded corridors, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
The market consists of narrow, crowded corridors, which may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Value for money
Medium
Prices vary; quality experience despite the crowds.
Prices vary; quality experience despite the crowds.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Delightful Stroll
Couples loved the romantic atmosphere and sampling local treats together. A must-do!
Culinary Paradise
Travelers raved about the variety of food. Perfect for sharing bites and discovering Kyoto.
Unique Experience
Visitors felt it was an immersive cultural experience, full of delicious food and sights.
Overcrowded Streets
Couples found the narrow alleys very crowded, making it difficult to navigate comfortably.
Tourist Trap
Some couples felt that some items were overpriced, and the market was too tourist-focused.
Pace Breaker
The crowds and pace made it difficult to enjoy a relaxed experience for couples.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
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USD 45
per_person
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Unleashing the Wonders of Nishiki Market: Your Essential Guide.
Explore culinary delights with the food recommendations in Nishiki Market.
Experience the allure of Nishiki Market through this captivating cinematic video!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
2-12°C
December is cold but generally dry, with occasional light rain and the possibility of early winter events.
December is cold but generally dry, with occasional light rain and the possibility of early winter events.
Open
Some shops may close during the New Year holiday period (late December to early January).
Some shops may close during the New Year holiday period (late December to early January).
Recommended
December at Nishiki Market is quieter, making it a good time to visit for those seeking a less crowded experience. The market becomes livelier towards the end of the month as people prepare for New Year's celebrations.
December at Nishiki Market is quieter, making it a good time to visit for those seeking a less crowded experience. The market becomes livelier towards the end of the month as people prepare for New Year's celebrations.
January
LOW
1-9°C
Cold winter weather, often dry with occasional light rain or snow.
Cold winter weather, often dry with occasional light rain or snow.
Open
Some shops may close for a few days around New Year, but the market is otherwise open.
Some shops may close for a few days around New Year, but the market is otherwise open.
Not recommended
January is off-season with chilly but manageable weather and low crowd levels. Some shops may close for the New Year holiday.
January is off-season with chilly but manageable weather and low crowd levels. Some shops may close for the New Year holiday.
February
LOW
1-10°C
Cold and relatively dry, with some wet days and possible light snow.
Cold and relatively dry, with some wet days and possible light snow.
Open
No special restrictions; regular business hours.
No special restrictions; regular business hours.
Not recommended
February is quiet and cool with few crowds. Most shops are open.
February is quiet and cool with few crowds. Most shops are open.
March
MEDIUM
4-14°C
Transition to spring, with mild days, cool nights, and increased rain.
Transition to spring, with mild days, cool nights, and increased rain.
Open
No notable restrictions; market fully operational.
No notable restrictions; market fully operational.
Recommended
March offers pleasant weather and moderate crowds, especially popular towards the end of the month.
March offers pleasant weather and moderate crowds, especially popular towards the end of the month.
How to get there
Bike
Recommended
Kyoto is bicycle-friendly; secure bikes at nearby parking lots like Amicale Nishiki.
Metro
Recommended
Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line are a short walk away.
Walking
Recommended
Nishiki Market is easily accessible on foot for those lodging in or exploring downtown Kyoto.
Bus
Kyoto's bus network has many routes stopping near Nishiki Market, including Shijo Kawaramachi and Shijo Takakura.
Car
Driving is possible, but parking is limited. Access the market from National Route 1.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Kyoto Station and other locations; instruct the driver to go to Nishiki Market.
Train
Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line is a short walk from the market.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required