Nishiki Market in Kyoto Seeks UNESCO Recognition to Preserve Traditional Culture

Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan, along with 13 other covered markets from 10 countries, is seeking UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration to preserve traditional market culture and address overtourism challenges. The initiative, started by the San Lorenzo Market in Florence, Italy, aims to establish a council, apply for UNESCO registration, and promote global awareness of preserving market culture.

Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," has a 400-year history and has seen an increase in foreign visitors in recent years. This influx of tourists has led to a shift away from the market's traditional role as a place for local communication between customers and shop owners. The markets involved in the UNESCO registration effort anticipate that the recognition will prompt a reevaluation of the value of traditional market culture.

Why this matters: The UNESCO registration initiative highlights the global challenge of balancing tourism growth with the preservation of traditional cultural heritage. The recognition of these markets' intangible cultural value could serve as a model for other destinations facing similar pressures from overtourism.

The registration would help these markets maintain their unique character and address the negative impacts of increased tourism. Nishiki Market's involvement in the initiative since 2006 underscores the long-term commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and the importance of traditional markets in fostering local community connections.

As Nishiki Market manager Katsumi Tanaka stated, "We anticipate that the UNESCO registration will help people rediscover the value of traditional market culture and encourage them to support local businesses." The initiative is part of a broader effort to recognize and protect traditional market culture around the world, ensuring that these vibrant community spaces can thrive in the face of modernization and tourism growth.

Key Takeaways

• Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Japan, seeks UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration.
• The initiative aims to preserve traditional market culture and address overtourism challenges.
• Nishiki Market has a 400-year history and faces a shift away from local community.
• UNESCO recognition could serve as a model for destinations facing overtourism pressures.
• The initiative aims to help traditional markets maintain their unique character and thrive.