Nishiki Ichiba Fresh Food Markets

Shop with Mrs Watanabe at the Kitchen of Kyoto

Bonson Lam Apr 19, 2013 - 1 min read

Nishiki Food Markets in Central Kyoto have everything from fish to tofu

A rainbow of pastel colors at the Nishiki Flower Markets in Central Kyoto

Many than 120 stores many family owned line Nishiki Markets the Kitchen of Kyoto

The Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and Pinball Parlours mark the eastern end of Nishiki Markets where it crosses Teramachi Kyoto

Massive Daikon Radishes and other vegetables at Nishiki Markets the Kitchen of Kyoto

The covered walkway of the Nishiki Markets in the heart of Kyoto just off Teramachi remind me of the wet markets in Hong Kong

Massive barrels of miso pickled cabbage and other veges in every direction at the Nishiki Markets the Kitchen of Kyoto

All kinds of pickles and Japanese fare can be found at Nishiki Markets the Kitchen of Kyoto

Since the 14th century Kyoto-ites have been shopping at the Nishiki Markets, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Japan. In the days when transport was limited, vegetables dominated these markets, as Kyoto was far from the ocean. Kyoto takes vegetables to an art form in the various pickles (Kyotsukemono), such as daikon (radishes), ginger, cabbage, carrot, and eggplant, infused with the flavor of sake lees, miso or vinegar, though Kyoto is most famous for Shibazuke which is pickled with plum vinegar. These days you can get fresh fish as well, and there is a saying, "There is nothing that you can't get at Nishiki".

Bonson Lam @bonson.lam

I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century. I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...