This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by 
: Marché de Nishiki : un endroit incontournable de Kyoto
As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in my translation.
Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (
), but , a French guy.
In the heart of the famous district of Gion, is an extraordinary place to discover Japanese culture and especially its cuisine. I have been there several times, often in the late afternoon after spending the day visiting temples, shrines and gardens. The Nishiki Market is a great place, and it's not for nothing that it's nicknamed "Kyoto Kitchen".
In Nishiki, we find everything that relates directly or indirectly to food. Meat, fish, vegetables, condiments, but also all the utensils to prepare meals. In the afternoon, this typically Japanese covered arch is teeming with people, so much so that it is sometimes difficult to get around. I must admit that the temptation is great to come and discover the different culinary specialties that have made the reputation of Kyoto and the Kansai region.
Nishiki is a narrow lane with long shops and food stalls. Many ingredients are unknown to us, and to bait the customers, the shop keepers do not hesitate to offer samples for tasting. I took the opportunity to enjoy everything I could, and do some souvenir shopping for friends and family.
Several stalls offer food to take away or to eat on the spot. Skewers of octopus, fried food, donuts, cakes ... After a long day without eating, I used to come and nibble something before dinner. It was especially hard to resist the scent of food when I passed.
In addition to discovering culinary specialties, I recommend visiting two places in particular. The first is a chopsticks shop. You find all kind of colors and decorations. You even have the possibility of having your name engraved (in Japanese) for free. Even if it looks a bit like a tourist trap, prices are still affordable for quality chopsticks. A nice and useful gift for all lovers of Japanese culture.
The other shop is Aritsugu, the famous knife maker. If like me you like to cook, you must have good kitchen knives. The Japanese are masters at forging blades, and their knives are renown and recognized around the world. But I must admit that I did not think there were so many different knives. Each knife has a precise shape, adapted to a specific function. There are all sizes, right-handed and left-handed.
Aritsugu is the oldest cutler still operating in Japan. The house was founded in the 16th century and since then their knowledge has been passed on for 18 generations. These knives are so famous that this house is the official supplier of the Imperial Palace. Prices sometimes peak for a few specific coins, but I bought some for around 20,000 yen. This remains affordable for a quality knife with exceptional sharpness.
If you wish, you can also have the blade engraved for free with your first name (or the name of the person to whom the gift will be sent).
There are also many interesting little shops, including the one with fans. The Nishiki Market is right next to the Teramachi and Shinkyoku galleries that offer more classic things but can also be a nice walk when it rains. There are clothing and accessories shops, electronics ... For those who are looking for a kimono or a yukata, there is a shop for that. There are new models as well as the second hand ones (more affordable).
The most surprising thing in Nishiki is still the presence of a sanctuary, which one can hardly miss with its huge concrete torii caught between two buildings, and its paper lanterns. It was already there before the market was established, and it is dedicated to the deity of education. There are many students who come to pray for the success of their exams. Other small shrines are also present next door, such as the one dedicated to commercial success.
The Nishiki Market is therefore a must-see during a trip to Kyoto, and the success of the place does not falter. It is a very lively place, where we meet many tourists but also Japanese who come to shop there.
01: Travel diary in Japan, by @japon
02: Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon
03: Are the Japanese too disciplined? by @japon
04: Going to Japan without speaking Japanese? by @japon
05: Ueno, more than just a big park in Tokyo, by @japon
06: Asakusa, diving in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, by @japon
07: Ameyoko, Ueno's colorful market, by @japon
08: Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, by @japon
09: Climb the steps of Atago Jinja Shrine in Tokyo, by @japon
10: Hama Rikyu, an exceptional park in the heart of Tokyo, by @japon
11: Jimbocho, old books and tempura, by @japon
12: Shinjuku Gyoen Park and the best burger in the world!, by @japon
13: One night in Shibuya, by @japon
14: Takeshita dori : this little street dedicated to fashion (and good crepes), by @japon
15: They lie to you about Kyoto, by @japon
16: The temples and secret garden of Higashi in Kyoto, by @japon
17: Kinkaku-ji, the temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon
18: Ryoan-ji, the amazing stone garden in Kyoto, by @japon
19: The Ninna-ji Temple and its extraordinary gardens, by @japon
20: Kyoto Gyoen, the Imperial Palace Park, by @japon