Visiting a shopping street can offer deep insight into local life. That’s certainly the case for 400-year-old Nishiki Market, affectionately known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Here, you will find about 130 shops standing next to each other along a relatively narrow street that extends for about 500 meters.
Pick up some of Kyoto’s culinary delights such as world-class Uji green tea, traditional rice crackers (senbei), freshly-made soy milk doughnuts (my personal recommendation!), tamagoyaki (rolled omelets), kushiage (fried veggie, seafood or meat skewers), etc. You can also find excellent souvenir options including locally-made ceramics and knives.
The staff are very friendly and used to interacting with international visitors, so even if you don’t know Japanese, just point to the item and I’m sure they will assist you.
Nishiki Market: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3931.html
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/93PNpiqK5q9wrcX96