Kyoto, also known as Kyoto City, is the capital of Kyoto Prefecture and was once the capital of Japan. It is a central hub of the island of Honshu and ranked as the 11th most populous city in the world according to 2012 data, making it one of Japan's most historically and economically important cities.
Kyoto is a large city where modern buildings and high-end fashion stores blend with centuries-old architecture found throughout the city. Traditional craft shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants sit side by side, creating a unique atmosphere that lets you enjoy browsing for goods while taking in beautiful sights all across the city.
5 Shopping Spots in Kyoto
1. Shijo-dori
Shijo-dori is a long street running east to west, centred on the intersection of Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori. As Kyoto's main street, it is the heart of the city—always lively and busy with visitors from Japan and abroad.
Shijo-dori is home to well-known department stores popular among visitors, such as Daimaru, Takashimaya, and Fujii Daimaru, which sell fashion, food, kimono and everyday goods all in one place, so a single shopping trip here gives you a real taste of Kyoto. Besides being one of Kyoto's main shopping streets, it is also the site of the grand annual Gion Festival.
Hours: The department stores are open approximately 10:00 - 23:00.
Access: Karasuma Line subway to Shijo Station
Coordinates GPS: 35.0034105,135.7589057
photos by oonnuuoo from flickr.com/photos/kyotozin1/19472998961( cc by 2.0)
Nishiki Market is a famous shopping destination known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." It runs east to west between Teramachi-dori and Takakura-dori, stretching about 400 meters and only about 5 meters wide. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the market gets especially crowded during peak travel seasons.
The narrow street is lined with countless small shops. The main draw is the huge variety of food and drinks, which you can buy as souvenirs or eat as you walk. The market focuses mainly on food-related goods, from ready-to-eat dishes to ingredients such as fresh seafood, seasonal fruit, pickles and dried foods, as well as knives and cookware.
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00. The market is closed every Wednesday and Sunday.
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line
- 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station or Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line
Coordinates GPS: 35.0044864,135.764698
photos by Binder.donedat from flickr.com/photos/binderdonedat/3798451878( cc by 2.0)
photos by Su-May from flickr.com/photos/su-may/7382422496( cc by 2.0)
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3. Kyoto Handicraft Center
This market brings together traditional craft goods that let you experience authentic "Japanese style" and "Kyoto" culture, from kimonos and yukata to other traditional Japanese items such as tenugui cloths and Japanese-patterned handkerchiefs, all perfect as souvenirs. You'll also find many other products, including Japanese cosmetics, ceramics, Kyoto dolls, Japanese tea, Japanese alcohol, and Kyoto sweets.
Beyond being a place to buy beautiful handmade crafts, Kyoto Handicraft Center is a true hub for traditional craftsmanship. It offers short workshops where you can try things like painting a folding fan or making a nioi-bukuro scented sachet.
Kyoto Handicraft Center offers English support for tourists and also provides tax-free shopping.
Teramachi-dori is a street running north to south through central Kyoto, and it's one of the city's most popular shopping streets. More than 170 shops line the street, always busy with tourists and locals alike. Here you can shop for everyday goods while soaking up Kyoto's distinctive character. Besides shopping, you can also admire 16th-century Kyoto-style houses that have been converted into shops alongside newer stores.
Hours: Approximately 10:30 - 20:30.
Access:
- Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station
- Keihan Line to Sanjo Station
- Tozai Line to Kyoto-Shiyakusho-mae Station
Coordinates GPS: 35.0043509,135.7671157
photos by John Weiss from flickr.com/photos/jweiss3/198993737( cc by 2.0)
5. Kyoto BAL
Kyoto BAL is a fashion complex with more than 40 years of history and one of the city's long-established shopping buildings. Its spacious, comfortable interior and elegant decor make for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Kyoto BAL sells fashion for all ages, along with general goods such as plant-based products, stationery, accessories, cosmetics, and more. Another highlight is that each shop inside offers unique items. Don't miss Maruzen, a basement shop with the largest book selection in Kyoto.
Hours: 11:00 - 20:00.
Access:
- 7-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
- 8-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo Station
Coordinates GPS: 35.0069231,135.7695637
