Nishiki Ichiba

What is Nishiki Ichiba?
Nishiki Ichiba’s history dates back to several hundred years ago. The first store (fish store) opened around 1300. Therefore many stores have been in operation by the same families for generations until today. The area is said to have been chosen as a site for a market because of its springs of fresh groundwater that make the stockpiling of fish very convenient and also eased the transportation and delivery of food to the Imperial Palace.

Just one street north of Shijo, a short distance from the hustle and bustle of a big city, a downtown visitor can find Kyoto’s famous market street — Nishiki Ichiba or Nishiki Food Market. Known as ”Kyoto’s Kitchen”, Nishiki was established more than 400 years ago. Today, it is home to about 130 shops, which tightly line its 400 meters of stone pavement.