Today, I'd love to introduce the most famous shopping arcade in Kyoto called Nishiki Market. I visited there last month, and when I saw some pictures I've taken, I was surprised because people were wearing jackets. I don't remember the weather then, but it must be cold. Now, our weather is early summer, so once we move, we start sweating.

Nishiki market started in the Heian period (794 to 1185), so the market has a long history. My memories of the market is going there with my parents at the end of each year. My mom had visited there to prepare for the New Year. It was like we couldn't have New Year without going there.

There were lots of seafood shops and dried seafood shops back then. Every time I walked through the market, I would hear the lively shouts of shopkeepers. The atmosphere was very vibrant.

Years have passed, and the market has changed. The seafood shops and dried seafood shops have mostly disappeared, and instead, shops selling fast food and sweets have been increasing. These shops are for foreign customers. While walking there, I noticed that there were a few Japanese customers.

I spotted a Japanese national flog and thought it was funny. I've never seen our national flag in other shopping arcades. The place was so crowded that it was hard to walk.

When I came across the udon restaurant which I used to go to, I was very happy. I'm glad it's is still there.

In front of me, a group of young Americans were walking. They were fascinated by the food samples ( they are made from plastics) and touching them. They kept saying, "Oh my gosh! They look so real!!!"

I saw English signs everywhere and took a photo to show the example. You can see it in the picture below. I'm wondering what the grilled cheese tempura with a crab leg is?

Compared to the other shopping arcades, the Nishiki market is very narrow, so it's hard for us to pass each other.

A cafe in Nishiki market is definitely something new. When I was a kid, we didn't have any cafes at all.

I couldn't help but think the Nishiki market is one of the most success examples of adapting to change in order to stay in business. They changed their targets to foreign tourists and they are doing very well. Even though some shops are still selling the same things since I was a child, they must seem to be very exotic for foreign tourists. Some of the tourists may try those items out.

I think the market does a great job of offering both traditional Japanese foods that might be unfamiliar to tourists, and more accessible foods that they’re eager to try. The balance might attractive to tourists. Maybe, that's why there are so many foreign people.

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