Nishiki Market, also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen is a five block shopping street that is lined with more than a hundred shops and restaurants. The market originated as an open-air fish market 400 years ago and some of the stores have been operated by the same families for generations. Here you will find all of your Japanese favorites including matcha green tea ice cream, sushi, okonominyaki, fresh sea food as well as Kyoto’s specialties including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and you must check out the infamous octopus lollipops. If you love animals, they also have a bengal cat cafe, an owl cafe and a mameshiba dog cafe.

When I travel to new cities that I am unfamiliar with, I use AIRBNB Experiences to look for guided tours and activities. I came across a food tour of the Nishiki Market by Niall who owns KYOTO FUN, a personalized tour company and decided to sign up.

After wandering through the market, sampling different foods and eating at an ‪izakaya‬ restaurant, Niall invited me to have drinks at his friend’s bar that was a 10 minute walk from the market. The sake started flowing, and one thing led to another, and we ended up bar hopping and partying all night long! I learned so much about Kyoto and after spending four weeks in this beautiful city, I highly recommend spending an afternoon checking out the Nishiki Market.

Here are some pictures I snapped on my Sony a6500!

Here is a video of the market that I shot with Yosuke who I also found on AIRBNB Experiences!

Would you ever try that octopus lollipop?