Nishiki Market

Stretching nearly 400 metres through downtown Kyoto, one block north of Shijo-dori, Nishiki Market has traded in food since fish sellers first settled the area for its cold groundwater in the 8th century, with wholesalers formally recognised in 1615. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," it now holds more than 100 shops and stalls, many run by the same family for generations, selling pickles, tofu, tea, knives and fresh seafood. Along the covered arcade, vendors grill unagi, skewer quail eggs and serve Kyoto-style dashimaki tamago and yuba sashimi to eat while walking.