10 Must-Visit Street Markets in Kyoto

Asia breathes street market fun. You know of the Myeongdong Night Market in South Korea filled with authentic, trendy Korean beauty products, and Korean food, of course, then the humble Shilin Night Market in Taipei, the Chatuchak Weekend Market that’s just as energetic as Thailand itself, the Bugis Street Market in diverse Singapore, and the list will go on. 

When you talk about Japan, these street markets are not the first to come to mind. Rather, you’d chase cherry blossoms, Buddhist temples, tea ceremonies, Mount Fuji, tempura, and Shibuya.

But street markets in this East Asian country also deserve your visit because of their uber-unique flair. Did you know visiting street markets is not just a wonderful retail therapy but will also help burn your calories?

Let’s focus on the must-visit street markets in Kyoto. Hop along!

Popular Markets

Markets that are viral on social.

Nishiki Market

There’s no better nickname for Nishiki Market than “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” It really is as it is one of the best, if not the best, food markets in the whole of Kyoto. Interestingly, Nishiki Market started in the 14th century as a fish wholesale district and now has grown into a line of stores that sell fresh produce, seasonal foods, and more of Kyoto’s specialties. Buy your local ingredients here for some homemade Japanese dishes.

Demachi Masugata Shopping Street

Meanwhile, this street market or shopping street is dubbed a business park by Google. How accurate? Well, past the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it’s hard not to notice the Demachi Masugata Shopping Street. Almost the same catalog is here as that at Nishiki Market, only that you can find very good bargains here, so it’s the perfect place for students to shop, students who are still tight on budget.

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Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades

While they are still street markets, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku are more apt to be called shopping arcades. They’re like twins as they are running alongside each other. It offers some retro Kyoto vibes, coinciding with modern shopping finds.

Teramachi is known for selling traditional crafts – folding fans, ceramics, and textiles – while Shinkyogoku is known for anime merchandise, small restaurants, and trendy boutiques.

Flea and Temple Markets

Many of these markets in Kyoto are near famous temples, starting off with the Tenjin-san Flea Market.

Tenjin-san Flea Market

Stalls of local artisans are set up here, with over 1,000 vendors selling clothes, food, fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh seafood. Brush up your bargaining skills because the vendors here won’t easily give in to your charm.

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Kobo Ichi Market

Considered the alternative to the Nishiki Market, the Kobo Ichi Market is more of a temple market held at Toji rather than a flea market. It has an interesting backstory because the shopping events here are part of a religious commemoration for the death of Kobo Daishi, a monk responsible for the temple’s beautiful pagoda. 

In this market, you can find thousands of food, crafts, and clothing pieces, making it the largest outdoor market across Kyoto.

Chion-ji Temple Flea Market

On the other hand, this market isn’t open year-round. Instead, it only welcomes shoppers every 15th of each month. Quite unique. The products here are also very specific, focusing on handmade items, such as crafts and artisanal food choices. 

Flea Market Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

A flea market at the Tenmangu Shrine, this is held only every 25th of every month, so expect huge crowds on your visit. Thousands of stalls sell second-hand kimonos you can wear on photoshoots at Kyoto’s attractions, pottery, antiques, and even food and beverages when you need a refreshment during your shopping.

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Handicrafts and Specialty Markets

Lastly, there are also markets in Kyoto that sell even more specialized products, such as handicrafts and lots of sake.

Hyakumanben Handicrafts Market

Part of the market at Chion-ji Temple, here you can find handicrafts, as well as clothes, bread, and sweets. If you wish to support local products, then head over here. Not every interested vendor can participate as the lottery chooses the most deserving to earn a space. Whoa.

Umekoji Handicrafts Market

Accessible near Kyoto Station, the Umekoji Handicrafts Market is where you can find local and foreign goods, including handmade accessories, pottery, freshly made food, and baked goods.

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Fushimi Otesuji Shotengai

Now, if you are looking for a quieter shopping experience, then proceed to the less touristy, and therefore, less crowded Fushimi Otesuji Shotengai. This laid-back shopping space features family-run stores offering food and drinks, mainly.

Not that Kyoto is a shopping market capital, but should you want to turn your travel experience into a shopping escapade, then be sure to check out most of these markets and tick them off your itinerary. 

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