About this experience

What to expect

Discover Nishiki Market on this 90-minute walking tour from a local perspective. Explore Kyoto’s food traditions, centuries-old family-run shops, hidden alleys, and historic shrines while meeting the people who keep this famous market alive. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki has been at the heart of the city’s food culture for centuries. Walk through its lively arcade with a locally connected guide and discover traditional ingredients, Kyoto specialities, long-established shops, and the stories behind them. Leave the busy market to explore quieter alleyways and a historic shrine before continuing to Pontocho, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric districts. Learn about local customs, traditional culture, and everyday life, with the possibility of glimpsing a geiko or maiko. Finish beside the Kamo River, a favourite gathering place for locals. This is not a tasting tour, but a local walk offering a deeper connection to Kyoto’s food, people, traditions, history, and hidden corners.

Before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Wheelchair and stroller accessible, though some paths are uneven and narrow. Assistance may be required.
• A variety of local snacks are sold at the market. Guests with food allergies should consult their guide before purchasing or sampling any food.