Nishiki Market

Contexto cultural

Nishiki Market's history goes back to the Heian period, when its plentiful groundwater made it a hub supplying fresh fish to the imperial palace; since the Edo period it has continued for more than 400 years as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. About 130 shops line the roughly 390-m arcade: Kyoto vegetables, Kyoto pickles, tofu and yuba, grilled pike conger, mackerel sushi — the very source of Kyoto cuisine. Today it is working with more than ten historic markets around the world, including Florence's Mercato Centrale, towards UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.

Costumbres locales

• At Nishiki Market, eating while walking is expressly forbidden — finish your food in the space in front of the shop or in its eating area before moving on, basic respect for the narrow aisles and other shoppers. Queue in an orderly way and take skewers and wrappers with you when you've finished
• Kyoto housewives shop here every day, and visitors' self-awareness is a mark of respect for the owners of 'the kitchen'. If you want to take photos, smile and ask the shopkeeper first
• many old shops are happy to share the stories behind their ingredients — a more authentic exchange than ticking off a sight.

Religión y creencias

• At the eastern end of the market, by the entrance to Shinkyōgoku, is Nishiki Tenmangū, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, god of learning
• stopping to pray before or after shopping and getting a study amulet is an everyday habit for Kyoto people. Don't haggle or make noise in the market
• fresh fish and produce are delicate, so handle them gently if you touch them. The area around the eastern end of the arcade is non-smoking — smoke only in designated places.

Consejos de viaje

• You can visit all year, and ingredients are freshest in the morning. Access: a few minutes' walk from 'Shijō' station on the Karasuma subway line or Hankyū 'Karasuma' station. Costs: entry is free
• opening hours are roughly 9:00–17:00, and many shops close on Wednesdays and Sundays and close early in the evening, so be sure to go in the morning. The arcade is covered, so you can stroll at leisure even in the rain. A surge in visitors in recent years makes some times very crowded, so going off-peak is a better experience.

Notas sobre mapas y transporte

• '錦市場' (Nishiki Market
• its official name is '京都錦市場商店街'
• search the landmark '錦天満宮' at the eastern end to find the market entrance).