Nishikikoji-dori Street (錦小路通)

Nishikikoji-dori Street is one of the major east-west streets in Kyoto City. It corresponds to Nishikikoji Street of Heian-kyo. It runs between Takoyakushi-dori Street and Shijo-dori Street. It runs from the frontage of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine in the east to Mibugawa-dori Street in the west.

According to Uji-shui monogatari (Uji-shui stories), its initial name in the Heian period, Gusoku-koji Street, was corrupted into Kuso-koji Street, and then, at imperial command, it was named Nishikikoji after Ayanokoji-dori Street, which is the next street southward across Shijo-dori Street.

Kyoto Nishiki Food Market, located between Takakura-dori Street and Teramachi-dori Street, is referred to as "Kyo (Capital) no daidokoro" (kitchen of Kyoto), whose narrow, stone-paved street is lined with fruit and vegetable shops, fresh fish shops, grocers and stores offering prepared meals.

The street between Shinkyogoku-dori Street and Karasuma-dori Street is a public nonsmoking area.

Main facilities along the street

Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, Shinkyogoku-dori Street
Shinkyogoku-dori Street
Kyoto Nishiki Food Market, from Teramachi to Takakura
Daimaru Kyoto, from Takakura to Higashi-no-Toin
Kyoto Municipal Horikawa High School, Horikawa-dori Street
Kyoto Municipal Transportation Bureau head office, Mibugawa-dori Street

[Original Japanese]