Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Tour – Daytime

Nishiki Food Market is known to locals as the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” Visit and prepare for a feast for all five senses. As you wander through its lively, centuries-old corridors, the aroma of sizzling skewers and freshly grilled seafood wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of pickled vegetables and hand-roasted tea. Your eyes will dance over vibrant displays of seasonal produce, and delicately crafted sweets, each telling a story of Kyoto’s culinary heritage.

Feel the market’s energy as vendors greet you with warm smiles and the lively chatter of generations past and present fills the air. Stop at family-owned stalls where you’ll taste a variety of local snacks and dishes, each bite bursting with freshness and authenticity. This immersive experience highlights Japan’s deep connection to the seasons, as every flavor and ingredient is presented at its peak. Let Nishiki Market awaken your senses, and discover the rich culinary traditions that make Kyoto’s food culture unforgettable.

Discover fascinating insights about Japanese culture on this small-group guided tour of the city’s best food spots.

Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Maximum number of participants: 6-8 

(We can sometimes accommodate larger groups or single travelers: contact our office for special arrangements at bookings@arigatojapan.co.jp)

Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.

Strict start time policy:  We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.

5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.

Private Tours:  For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.

**Groups of 9 or more are automatically private

Tour Schedule:

Monday-Saturday (not available on Sunday or National Holidays)
Meeting Time      9:45 – 10:00 AM
Start Time           10:00 AM
End Time             1:00 PM

Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For Vegetarians: 

Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.

If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.

For this tour, it is possible (with advanced notice at the time of booking) to make adjustments to support the following dietary restrictions:

Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Travel. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

TRAVEL BLOGGER Tested and Approved!

Stephanie of Eat, Drink, Travel, Y’all! recaps her experience on our Nishiki Market tour as a love letter to Kyoto. Read her impressions here so that you can fall in love with the city as well.

Naramonochi 375, Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Shimogyō-ku, 〒600-8004

〒600-8004 京都府京都市下京区 四条通寺町西入奈良物町375

Train Station Access: From the Hankyu train Line, get off Kawaramachi Station and take exit 9.

Our guide will be there holding an Arigato Travel sign, the tour involves walking so please wear comfortable shoes.

We will end the tour in the Karasuma Area.

WEATHER REMINDER: 
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.