Recommended shopping spots in Kyoto

Kyoto is the cultural center of Japan and a very good place to buy Japanese souvenirs.
There are numerous stores, large and small, where you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to the latest trends in cute Japanese household goods.
Window shopping at large shopping malls and old shopping streets is also a real treat.
In this article we will introduce some of the best shopping spots in Kyoto.

Large shopping malls and shopping streets

The following is a list of convenient spots for shopping in the large city of Kyoto, where stores are clustered together.

Department stores and large shopping malls

There are several clusters of stores and large shopping malls in Kyoto.
Many of them are conveniently located geographically, such as those directly connected to train stations or facing main streets, so if you are in trouble, this is the place to go!
You can buy many useful Japanese goods as well as traditional products.

Kyoto Station Building

JR Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto, has many convenient stores where you can easily experience Kyoto culture.
You may go there as soon as you arrive in Kyoto or to reminisce about Kyoto as you depart.

JR Kyoto Isetan

A large shopping mall conveniently located directly connected to Kyoto Station.
It is visited by many people from both Japan and overseas.
You can find a wide variety of goods, from cheap and casual items to luxury brands and traditional Japanese products.

Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.

Located on Shijo Street, this is one of the largest department store in Kyoto.
It was remodeled last year, and the T8 floor, lined with themed specialty stores, was added.

AEON MALL Kyoto Katsuragawa

This is a large shopping mall visited by many local customers.
Many stores are lined up in a large area, and you can find any kind of daily sundries you may need.
Some of the interiors are uniquely Japanese, giving you a sense of everyday folk culture.

Kyoto BAL

Kyoto BAL is an upscale department store located on Shijo Dori.
It is a great place to get high quality Japanese products.

Shopping streets

Kyoto has long had many shopping streets.
You can enjoy eating and walking around, and you may find a wonderful souvenir just by strolling.

Shijo Street

Shijo-dori is one of the main streets in Kyoto, connecting Yasaka Shrine at the east end to Matsuo Taisha Shrine at the west end.
It is a very lively street lined with various stores until night, and it is a lot of fun just to look around at the goods displayed in the stores.
There is also a famous matcha (powdered green tea) store.
How about strolling around in a rented kimono?

Furukawa-cho Shopping Street

This is a retro shopping street with the atmosphere of the Showa Period in Japan.
In the old days, it was called the kitchen of the east of Kyoto and prospered. You can feel a little bit deep Kyoto.

Specialty Shops

There are many wonderful specialty stores in Kyoto. Just by knowing about them, you may become a Kyoto expert.

Authentic traditional crafts

You can easily buy traditional Japanese crafts at these stores.
You should buy Japanese traditional crafts in Kyoto.

KYOTO HANDICRAFT CENTER

Visitors can not only purchase Kyoto's traditional crafts, but can also try their hand at making them themselves.

Nishijin-ori Museum

This facility introduces Nishijin-ori brocade, a traditional silk fabric of Kyoto.
Visitors can watch demonstrations by craftsmen and try their hand at weaving for a short time.
Visitors can purchase Nishijin-ori origin products such as prestigious kimonos and accessories made from silk fabrics arranged in a modern style.

Shoindo

Shoindo is a specialty store of Kiyomizu-yaki, Kyoto's traditional ceramics.
They offer not only high-end items, but also a wide variety of affordable ceramics and porcelain.

Miyawakibaisenan

Miyawakibaisenan is a fan specialty store with a 200-year history that retains the style of a Japanese early modern store.
The beautiful fans made with techniques passed down from generation to generation are eye-catching.

Kuraya Hashimoto

They offer a variety of items related to Japanese swords, a world-class Japanese craft and art.
You can feel the source of the Japanese spirit.

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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