Where to Shop in Kyoto: A Guide to the Top Streets and Stores
Shopping in Kyoto is a fun way to explore the city. You’ll find everything from modern stores with the latest trends to shops filled with traditional crafts and souvenirs. Whether it’s stylish clothes, handmade pottery, matcha treats, or unique gifts, there’s something for everyone here.
What makes it even better is how easy it is to get around. Most shopping spots are near train stations or just a short walk apart, so you can visit many places in one day. This guide will show you the best shopping streets, markets, and malls in Kyoto. Let’s dive in and see what’s waiting for you!
Best Shopping Streets in Kyoto
Nishiki Market – Kyoto’s Kitchen
Embark on a 2.5-hour culinary journey through Kyoto's Nishiki Market.
Nishiki Market is a paradise for food lovers and an iconic part of Kyoto’s shopping culture. This 390-meter-long street is packed with vendors selling local delicacies, fresh produce, and traditional ingredients. Often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen," the market has been serving the city for centuries and remains a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
There are so many must-try items here that it’s hard to know where to start. Kyo-zuke, or Kyoto-style pickles, is a standout item, offering a taste of the city’s unique culinary traditions. Wagashi, the beautifully crafted Japanese sweets, is another favorite, and many shops here offer stunning varieties made fresh daily. For matcha fans, the market has plenty of options, from powdered tea to matcha-flavored snacks and desserts.
Beyond the food, Nishiki Market is also a great place to soak up the local culture. Many vendors are happy to chat about their products, and sampling is encouraged. You’ll find everything from Kyoto-made knives to handcrafted chopsticks, making it a great spot for both foodies and souvenir hunters.
Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Intersection
Shijo Street is the soul of Kyoto's shopping scene. Stretching through the city’s downtown, this area is always buzzing with activity, making it the perfect spot for visitors who love shopping. The intersection of Shijo and Kawaramachi streets is a key point in this district, surrounded by large department stores, small boutiques, and various restaurants.
One of the highlights here is Kyoto Takashimaya, a luxury department store that combines high-end fashion, home goods, and a fantastic gourmet food court. Nearby, Kawaramachi OPA offers a different vibe, focusing on trendy fashion brands catering to younger shoppers. Whether you’re looking for the latest in Japanese streetwear or high-end designer pieces, this area has something for everyone.
The charm of this shopping district lies in its mix of modern and traditional. Between browsing for clothes and accessories, you can stumble upon specialty stores selling Kyoto-themed souvenirs like folding fans, matcha sweets, and locally made crafts.
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades
For a more relaxed shopping experience, head to Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades. These covered streets branch off from Shijo Street and are lined with shops and cafes. The atmosphere here is lively yet less crowded compared to Shijo Street, making it a comfortable place to spend your day.
Teramachi Arcade has a wonderful mix of stores, including art galleries, bookshops, and specialty stores selling handmade crafts. It’s also a great place to find unique fashion boutiques offering styles you won’t see in larger stores. Shinkyogoku, on the other hand, is more youthful and casual, with shops featuring anime merchandise, pop culture items, and affordable souvenirs.
Both arcades have plenty of cafes and restaurants, making it easy to take a break and recharge before continuing your shopping. You’ll find everything from traditional tea shops to modern dessert cafes offering Kyoto-inspired treats. These arcades are ideal for shoppers who enjoy discovering hidden gems and experiencing a mix of old and new.
Walk through a bustling local shopping street, where traditional shops meet modern trends.
Modern Shopping Experiences
Kyoto Takashimaya
Kyoto Takashimaya is a cornerstone of the city’s shopping scene, located at the intersection of Shijo and Kawaramachi Streets. This upscale department store offers a wide range of high-quality products, from luxury fashion and accessories to cosmetics and home goods.
A highlight of this store is its gourmet food court on the basement level, where you can explore an array of fresh produce, beautifully crafted bento boxes, and Kyoto-themed sweets.
The food section is perfect for picking up treats or gifts to share. Takashimaya also features a selection of upscale souvenirs, including traditional Kyoto crafts and delicacies, ideal for those seeking premium mementos.
Kawaramachi OPA
Kawaramachi OPA is a vibrant shopping mall catering to a younger audience. Located close to Kyoto Takashimaya, this trendy space is packed with fashion-forward stores offering the latest styles in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Popular Japanese and international brands fill the floors, making it a hub for contemporary shopping.
In addition to its stylish options, the mall is known for its budget-friendly stores, including 300-yen shops, which are popular among tourists. Whether it’s casual streetwear or unique accessories, Kawaramachi OPA provides an exciting mix of affordable and trendy finds in a lively setting.
Kyoto BAL
For a luxurious shopping experience, Kyoto BAL delivers an exceptional mix of premium international brands. The elegant design of the store and its curated selection of high-end fashion, home goods, and lifestyle items make it a standout destination.
Shoppers seeking exclusive designer items or simply wishing to explore beautifully presented stores will find Kyoto BAL to be a memorable stop. Its upscale atmosphere and dedication to quality have earned it a reputation as one of Kyoto’s premier shopping locations.
Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden
Discover the historical sites of Kyoto on this full-day private guided tour.
Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden is a newer shopping complex that offers a mix of modern retail experiences. It’s best known for housing a large EDION electronics retailer, making it a convenient destination for those looking to purchase tech gadgets, cameras, or accessories.
In addition to EDION, the complex includes various other stores and dining options, making it a versatile stop during a shopping trip in downtown Kyoto. With its focus on convenience and contemporary appeal, Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden adds a modern touch to the city’s shopping landscape.
Shopping Around JR Kyoto Station
JR Kyoto Isetan
JR Kyoto Isetan is a must-visit department store located right inside Kyoto Station. It’s known for its extensive collection of luxury brands, making it a fantastic spot for shoppers seeking high-end fashion, accessories, and cosmetics.
Beyond its fashion offerings, JR Kyoto Isetan has an impressive food section. The basement floors, known as depachika, are filled with gourmet food stalls, fresh produce, and beautifully packaged sweets. It’s an ideal place to grab a delicious snack or pick up Kyoto-themed gifts, such as matcha-flavored treats and traditional Japanese sweets. The combination of shopping and dining options makes this store a favorite for both locals and tourists.
Kyoto Tower Sando
Located across the street from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower Sando combines modern shopping with a traditional touch. This compact shopping center features a variety of souvenir shops, offering everything from Kyoto-style crafts and matcha products to beautifully wrapped gifts that showcase the city’s culture.
In addition to its shopping options, Kyoto Tower Sando has a selection of casual eateries where visitors can enjoy a quick meal or snack. Whether you’re looking for Kyoto-inspired confections or practical souvenirs to take home, this spot is convenient and packed with charm.
Kyoto Yodobashi
Tech enthusiasts should not miss Kyoto Yodobashi, a large electronics store just a short walk from Kyoto Station. It’s a haven for those seeking cameras, laptops, and other gadgets. The store is particularly popular with tourists, as it offers a wide selection of items and tax-free shopping for international visitors.
Beyond electronics, Kyoto Yodobashi features a variety of accessories and household items, making it a versatile shopping destination. Whether you’re in need of the latest gadgets or simply browsing for practical items, this store has you covered.
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AEON Mall Kyoto
AEON Mall Kyoto is a spacious shopping complex located near Kyoto Station. The mall consists of two buildings, each catering to different needs. The SAKURA building focuses on general shopping, with stores offering clothing, accessories, and daily essentials. It’s a great place to browse a mix of well-known brands and local favorites.
The Kaede building, on the other hand, emphasizes dining and smaller specialty stores. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of restaurants and cafes, perfect for a break after shopping. The mall’s variety makes it a convenient choice for families and groups with different interests, providing something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.
Traditional Kyoto Crafts and Souvenirs
Ceramics and Pottery
Kyoto is renowned for its elegant ceramics, with Kiyomizu-yaki pottery being one of the city’s most iconic crafts. These handcrafted pieces are celebrated for their intricate designs, delicate craftsmanship, and high quality.
From tea cups and plates to vases and decorative items, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery makes a thoughtful and beautiful souvenir. Many shops in Kyoto offer these ceramics, each piece reflecting the city’s artistic heritage. Visiting a pottery shop or studio can also be a unique cultural experience during your trip.
Kyoto Tea and Matcha Products
Matcha, or powdered green tea, holds a special place in Kyoto’s culture, and the city is one of the best places to find authentic tea products. Uji, an area near Kyoto, is particularly famous for its high-quality matcha. Many stores in Kyoto offer a variety of matcha items, including tea blends, sweets, and gift sets.
Matcha-based treats, such as cookies, chocolates, and cakes, are perfect for bringing home as gifts. For tea enthusiasts, consider purchasing a set of matcha and traditional tea tools like a bamboo whisk or tea bowl. These items capture the essence of Kyoto’s tea culture and make excellent keepsakes.
Wagashi and Yatsuhashi
Kyoto is famous for its wagashi, beautifully crafted Japanese sweets that are often made to reflect the seasons. These delicate treats are commonly enjoyed with tea and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors. They are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal gifts for friends and family.
Yatsuhashi, another Kyoto specialty, is a type of sweet snack made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s available in both baked and raw (nama yatsuhashi) versions, with the latter often filled with red bean paste or other flavors like matcha or chocolate. These snacks are unique to Kyoto and are a must-try while visiting.
Experience the art of Japanese dessert making in a traditional Kyoto house.
Handmade Textiles and Furoshiki Wrapping Cloths
Kyoto has a rich history of textile production, and handmade fabrics are among the city’s most cherished crafts. Furoshiki, versatile wrapping cloths, are a popular item for both their practicality and beauty. These clothes can be used to wrap gifts, carry items, or even as a decorative accessory.
Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, furoshiki often feature traditional Kyoto designs inspired by nature or local culture. They’re lightweight, easy to pack, and make a meaningful souvenir that combines art and function.
Chirimen Crafts and Sensu Fans
Chirimen, a textured silk fabric traditionally used in kimono-making, is another signature craft of Kyoto. This material is now crafted into a variety of items, such as pouches, wallets, and decorative accessories. Chirimen crafts are small yet elegant, making them perfect for gifts or personal use.
Sensu, or folding fans, is another traditional item closely associated with Kyoto. These fans are beautifully crafted and often painted with intricate designs, such as landscapes or seasonal motifs. Sensu fans are both functional and decorative, offering a piece of Kyoto’s cultural heritage to take home.
High-Quality Canvas Bags from Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu
Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu is a legendary Kyoto store that has over a century of history. Known for its handmade canvas bags, this shop is a favorite among visitors looking for durable and stylish accessories. Each bag is crafted with great attention to detail, using high-quality materials to ensure longevity.
The bags come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, catering to both practical needs and fashion preferences. Whether you’re shopping for a functional tote or a chic backpack, Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu offers unique pieces that stand out for their craftsmanship and timeless design.
Tax-Free Shopping for Visitors
Shopping in Kyoto can be even more enjoyable for international visitors thanks to tax-free options available at many stores. To qualify for tax-free shopping, you’ll need to present your passport at checkout. Purchases over 5,000 yen (before tax) are typically eligible for a tax refund. Some stores apply the discount directly at the register, while others provide a receipt that allows you to claim the refund at the airport.
Popular tax-free stores include department stores like Kyoto Takashimaya and JR Kyoto Isetan, as well as specialty shops in areas such as Nishiki Market and Shijo Street. Look for "Tax-Free" signs displayed in store windows, or ask the staff if you’re unsure. For a smooth experience, keep your passport handy while shopping.
Shopping Discounts and Coupons
One of the best ways to save money while shopping in Kyoto is to take advantage of discounts and coupons. Many stores offer end-of-day or closing-hour discounts, particularly in food sections of department stores. If you’re visiting a depachika (food floor) near closing time, you might find fresh bento boxes and desserts at significantly reduced prices.
Additionally, coupon booklets for tourists are often available at major train stations or through tourism offices. These booklets include discounts for popular stores and shopping malls, helping you save even more. It’s a great idea to check with your hotel or information centers to see if such coupons are available during your visit.
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FAQs
What are the best areas to shop in Kyoto?
The top shopping areas in Kyoto include Shijo Street, Kawaramachi Intersection, Nishiki Market, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades, and the shopping centers around JR Kyoto Station.
Where can I buy traditional Kyoto souvenirs?
You can find traditional souvenirs like Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, matcha products, wagashi, furoshiki wrapping cloths, and chirimen crafts at Nishiki Market, Kyoto Takashimaya, and specialty stores near Kiyomizu Temple and Gion.
Where can I shop for electronics in Kyoto?
Kyoto Yodobashi, located near JR Kyoto Station, is one of the best places to shop for electronics and cameras. EDION, in Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden, is another good option.
What is Nishiki Market known for?
Nishiki Market is famous for its variety of local food, including kyo-zuke pickles, matcha sweets, fresh seafood, and wagashi. It’s a great place to try Kyoto’s culinary delights and pick up unique food souvenirs.
What’s the best time to go shopping in Kyoto?
Morning is a quieter time for shopping, as most stores open around 10 a.m. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends if you’re visiting during peak seasons like spring or autumn.
