Nishiki Food Market
City : Kyoto
Despite the fact that Japanese people usually buy fresh food at a nearby supermarket where things are sold in a package and paid at a cash desk, Nishiki Market survives as one of the very few example of old style face-to-face selling market. The reason is the uniqueness that they sell lots of local specialties both raw and processed food like vegetables, fish, dried food, Japanese pickles, tea leaf and etc. Also the good location, very center of Kyoto city, helps many travelers get there easily.
The origin is traced to the fish market in 17th century. Today, there are 130 venders including some small eateries which offer lunch or sweets along the 390 meters narrow street with arcade. If you see some food (mainly pickles) at the front of the shop with tongs (see the center photo), you can sample them. Just strolling in the market can be fun.
To get there, you walk one block to the north from any point on Shijo-dori street in the middle two-thirds length between Kawaramchi and Karasuma station. Stores open till 5 or 6 pm. and covered with arcade, so the tourists can enjoy shopping even in late afternoon and on rainy day. On Wednesday and Sunday, some stores are closed. At the east end of the market, there is a Nishiki Tenmangu (see the photo), an old shrine for praying a good academic achievement.
website : http://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/english/