3-Hour Kyoto Food Tour

Exploring Nishiki Market

Tour Itinerary

1. Meet and Introduction (15 minutes)

Starting Point: Karasuma Station Exit 12

• Gather your group and meet your guide. Brief introduction about Nishiki Market’s 400-year history and its role in Kyoto's culinary tradition.

• Begin the short walk to Nishiki Market, also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen."

2. Nishiki Market Exploration (2 hours)

Dive into the bustling aisles of Nishiki Market, filled with over 130 shops and stalls. Highlights include:

1. Kyoto Pickles (Tsukemono): Taste unique pickles made from local vegetables like shibazuke.

2. Matcha Snacks: Try matcha ice cream, cookies, or freshly ground matcha powder.

3. Grilled Seafood Skewers: Savor yakitori-style squid or shrimp prepared on the spot.

4. Tamago-yaki (Japanese Omelet): Visit a stall famous for its sweet and savory layered omelets.

5. Traditional Sweets: Sample yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice crackers) and seasonal wagashi.

6. Yuba (Tofu Skin): Experience a Kyoto specialty with fresh or fried yuba tastings.

7. Sake Tasting: Stop by a sake shop to sample Kyoto’s famed local brews.

Your guide will explain the cultural significance of each food item and provide tips on where to find the best quality products.

3. Cultural Stop at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine (15 minutes)

• End your market tour at the nearby Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, a small but vibrant Shinto shrine.

• Learn about its connection to Nishiki Market and enjoy a moment of tranquility after the lively market.

4. Wrap-Up and Suggestions (30 minutes)

Ending Point: Teramachi Street, near Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

• Your guide will provide recommendations for nearby cafes, restaurants, and shopping streets (Teramachi and Shinkyogoku).

• Optionally, enjoy a matcha latte at a nearby café to conclude your tour.

Additional Information

• Recommended Time: Morning or early afternoon to avoid heavy crowds.

• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, cash for small purchases, and an appetite!

• Customizable Options: Extend the tour to include a tea ceremony or hands-on cooking experience nearby.