Kyoto is a beautiful place full of gorgeous sights to see and delicious food to eat, but sometimes, you need a break from all the exploring and just need to shop. No worries, because Kyoto also has plenty of places where you can spend your cash, and here is your guide to the best places to do it.
Shijo Street
Located in the centre of Kyoto, Shijo street is the city’s largest shopping district, a long stretch of road filled with places to shop on both sides. Here, you’ll find several large department stores: Takashimaya, Marui, and Daimaru, each having many floors worth of clothes and accessories to browse through, as well as a food hall to take a break in during your shopping spree. There is also Mina, a mall where you’ll find two popular Japanese brands, UNIQLO and Loft. Interspersed along the streets are also more high-end brands, such as Armani and Louis Vutton.
If you want to find something more local, Shijo Street has some craft stores and souvenirs shops selling specialty items and foods, so be sure to buy something to remember your trip. With so many options, you could probably spend a whole day here!
Shinkyogoku and Teramachi Shopping Arcades
Close to Shijo Street, there are the Shinkyogoku and Teramachi Shopping Arcades, two pedestrian streets that run parallel to each other, both full of plenty of shops and eateries to visit.
The stores along Shinkyogoku sell goods that are relatively cheaper, especially compared to the prices found along Shiji, which makes this street more popular among the younger crowds, but also great if you’re on a shopping budget. There are also plenty of souvenir shops here, but you might want to skip over them if you want something of higher quality.
As for Teramachi, you’ll find more trendy cafes and modern stores, as well as book shops and galleries, making it worth a good exploration to find unique and good quality purchases. There is even a temple, a strange but unique landmark to be found in a popular shopping area. Branching off from Teramachi, you’ll also find Nishiki Market, a popular area in Kyoto that is a must visit if you want to taste the best of Japanese and local Kyoto cuisine. Read more about Nishin Market here: 6 Exciting Places to Visit in Central Kyoto.
Kyoto Handicraft Centre
To find truly authentic local goods, head to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre. Here, you find all types of traditional Kyoto crafts, with more than 10,000 items available, anything from ceramics and cosmetics to woodblock prints, yukata and even ornamental samurai swords! Demonstrations on making some of these items are also conducted in the store, and you might be able to try your hand at making your own! With so many things to choose from, along with tax free shopping for tourists, this place is the perfect destination to get all the best souvenirs to remember your amazing trip in Kyoto by.
Address: 21 Shougoin Entomi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8323
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 7pm
Kyoto Station
If you’re arriving in Kyoto by train, the huge and stunning station building already has plenty of stores for you to start your shopping spree. Connected to the main building is a huge Isetan department store, consisting of 13 floors, with the top 11 floors full of clothes and accessories, as well as home goods and craft and stationery items. Food is no problem either, with the top floor dedicated to a gourmet food hall and the two basement floors housing food markets, where you can try all kinds of delicious foods.
Below the station you will also find the Porta Underground Shopping Centre, where you can grab a meal at one of the various restaurants and cafes, or pick up a souvenir or two at a traditional goods store. There are plenty of clothing stores too, including popular brands like UNIQLO and Muji.
Close to Kyoto Station is AEON Mall, which has many stores and eateries, including known brands like Zara, Gap, and Toys R’ Us, as well as local businesses and brands. So if you stay close by, the station makes for a great place to spend a day shopping, or just a place to explore for a little while waiting for your next train.
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