For over 1000 years, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan where the emperor resided. Many temples and shrines built during that time still remain, making Kyoto known as Japan's most traditional city. With its elegant atmosphere and preserved historical ambiance, Kyoto is a must-visit city, especially for foreigners interested in traditional Japanese culture.
Kyoto is also famous for its traditional crafts, including beautiful pottery, chopsticks, and textiles. These items can be found not only in long-established shops but also in modern shopping facilities, making Kyoto the ideal place to purchase authentic Japanese souvenirs. In traditional markets and the city center, you can enjoy local food tasting and shopping simultaneously.
In this article, we'll introduce areas in Kyoto where you can enjoy food and shopping. We'll also recommend specific stores to visit in each area, so please use this as a reference for your Kyoto shopping 2024 experience.
If your are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Kyoto Has Many Historical Markets and Vibrant Entertainment Districts
The most famous market in Kyoto is "Nishiki Ichiba," located in the heart of the city. While it was officially recognized by the government as a market about 400 years ago, it's said that many shops have been gathering there for over 1000 years.
Nishiki Ichiba offers fresh food stores, traditional craft shops, and souvenir stores, as well as food stalls serving traditional snacks. Known as Kyoto's kitchen, it's used by many locals and has recently become popular among tourists from around the world.
The "Shinkyogoku Shotengai" and "Teramachi Shotengai," which extend north and south from the eastern end of Nishiki Ichiba, are also ideal streets for shopping. With souvenir shops, cafes, apparel shops, and cinemas, you can enjoy a full day of Kyoto shopping 2024 experiences here.
The area where "Shijo Dori" and "Kawaramachi Dori" intersect is called "Shijo Kawaramachi" and forms Kyoto's premier entertainment district. Not only are there traditional shops, but also large department stores and modern commercial facilities, making it popular among local young people. When I meet friends to hang out, we often rendezvous in this area.
5 Recommended Stores in Nishiki Ichiba, Boasting 400 Years of History
Restaurants Where You Can Eat on the Spot
Nishiki Ichiba has many food stalls and shops where you can easily purchase local snacks in small portions. However, eating while walking is prohibited in Nishiki Ichiba, so please eat at the eat-in spaces near the shops or take the food back to your hotel.
Notoyo
source：Official website
"Notoyo" is a rare shop that specializes in river fish products, even on a national scale. The storefront displays grilled ayu (sweetfish) and funazushi (fermented crucian carp sushi), which are staple river fish dishes that will whet your appetite.
Surprisingly, next to these, you'll find roasted sparrows for sale! When I asked the staff, they told me that roasted sparrow is a traditional Kyoto dish and is said to be the origin of yakitori. Hesitantly taking a bite, I found it had a sweet sauce and an enjoyable crispy texture.
"Notoyo" offers many other unusual ingredients, providing a novel food experience. The shop is also famous for its eel, and the charcoal-grilled eel bento box with its fragrant aroma is not to be missed.
<Store Information>
- Address: 216-2 Kajiyacho, Nishikikoji-dori, Gokomachi-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-221-3774
- Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
- Official Site
Kyo no Onikudokoro Hiro Nishikiten
source：Official website
"Kyo no Onikudokoro Hiro Nishikiten" is a meat specialty store. Not only can you purchase fresh meat, but you can also enjoy meat-based snacks like steak sticks and menchi-katsu (breaded and deep-fried ground meat patties). The second floor has an eat-in corner, which is a pleasant feature for enjoying your food leisurely.
My recommendation is the "Gyutoro Aburi Sushi" (2 pieces for 990 yen). You can have it cooked to your preferred level of doneness; I ordered it medium-rare. The umami-rich fat melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing the light rice. Eating it with wasabi provides a more refined Japanese flavor. The takeout yakiniku bento is also recommended for meals during long-distance travel!
<Store Information>
- Address: 217 Kajiya-cho, Nishikikoji-dori, Fuyacho-higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-222-1129
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00 - 18:00, Weekends and holidays 10:00 - 19:00
- Official Site
Nishiki Ichiha
source：NAVITIME Travel
"Nishiki Ichiha" is popular for its matcha-based Japanese sweets. You can leisurely enjoy sophisticated and rich matcha desserts made with tea leaves from Uji, Kyoto, in the stylish store interior. The menu offers a wide variety of items such as soft serve ice cream, zenzai (sweet red bean soup), and matcha parfaits. I was particularly surprised by the popcorn made with hojicha (roasted green tea) and genmaicha (brown rice tea), which I hadn't seen in other Japanese cafes.
My favorite is the "Nishiki Ichiha Fondue" (1,500 yen). It's an innovative product where you dip fruits and dango (rice dumplings) in a rich matcha sauce, but what's particularly noteworthy is its adorable appearance! You'll surely be thrilled by the colorful fruits and dango arranged in a three-tiered wooden box!
<Store Information>
- Address: 210 Kajiyacho, Nishikikoji-dori, Gokomachi-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-253-1118
- Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
- Official Site
Souvenir Shops Perfect for Take-Home Gifts
Nishiki Ichiba not only has food but also many shops selling traditional crafts and Japanese-style items. With various types of products ranging from miscellaneous goods to accessories, pottery, and incense, it's also suitable for souvenir shopping during your Kyoto shopping 2024 adventure.
Touan Nishikioji Store
source：Official website
"Touan," which has three stores in Kyoto, is one of the largest kilns for Kiyomizu-yaki and Kyo-yaki pottery in Kyoto. You can actually handle and select authentic crafts made one by one by artisans. From standard products like the popular round and cute "Tamayunomi" (spherical tea cup) to original products exclusive to the Nishikioji store and discounted outlet items, they offer a wide range.
Among them, the "Hana Kesshou" (Flower Crystal) pottery with its flower-like patterns is especially beautiful, and I couldn't help but be fascinated. I bought teacups with slightly different patterns and colors for my entire family. For those in business, the "Maneki Neko" (Beckoning Cat) figurine, which is said to have the effect of "inviting" more customers, seems to be popular.
<Store Information>
- Address: 502 Masuya-cho, Fuyacho-dori, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-213-5548
- Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
- Official Site
Tsunoki Shuho
source：Official website
As soon as you step into "Tsunoki Shuho," you'll immediately sense the store's dedication to sake. The shelves are lined with local sake from various parts of Japan and rare, hard-to-find liquors. They handle not only Japanese sake but also Western liquors like single malt whiskies.
You can choose your sake while listening to knowledgeable staff, ensuring you'll find a sake that suits your taste. At this store, I enjoyed a cup (660 yen) of "Miyakotsuru," a junmai daiginjo sake produced in Kyoto. I was so impressed by its rich yet crisp taste that I became a fan of Kyoto's local sake.
<Store Information>
- Address: 194 Higashi Sakana-cho, Nishikikoji-dori, Tominokoji-higashiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 075-221-2441
- Hours: 10:00 - 17:30
- Official Site
If you are interested in Nishiki Market, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Takashi Nakadomari
Shinkyogoku Arcade: A Must-Visit for Kyoto Sightseeing! Souvenir Shops Line Up
Ishiguro Kouho
source：Kyotokan
While there are many stores in Kyoto that sell aroma products, "Ishiguro Kouho" is one of the few stores in Japan that specializes in aroma bags. Wood chips infused with fragrances are placed in small drawstring bags, emitting a gentle and soft scent. It's also fun to watch the staff create the scent bag on the spot after you choose your preferred scent, drawstring bag, and cord.
The store has many original bag designs. I chose the "Eto" (Chinese zodiac) bag, which represents the animal of the year. For 2024, the motif is a dragon.
With a cool design that goes beyond a typical aroma bag, I use it as an interior decoration. The prices are reasonable, and it's convenient to carry, making it perfect for souvenirs during your Kyoto shopping 2024 trip.
<Store Information>
- Address: 62 Daikokucho, Shinkyogoku-dori, Sanjo-dori agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-231-3346
- Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
- Official Site
Londonya
source：Jalan
As soon as you enter the Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade from Shijo Street, you'll see "Londonya." Through the large glass windows, you can see retro candy-making machines operating noisily, and the air is filled with a sweet aroma. What's being made here is "London-yaki," a soft castella cake filled with a paste made from white kidney beans or white azuki beans. It's a snack with a gentle taste that's like a mix between Japanese and Western confectionery.
With a reasonable price of 70 yen each, it has long been a popular snack among Kyoto locals. I often buy London-yaki when I get hungry while shopping.
The individually sealed products have a long shelf life of two weeks, making them recommended as souvenirs for your Kyoto shopping 2024 experience.
<Store Information>
- Address: 565 Nakanocho, Shinkyogoku-dori, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-221-3248
- Hours: 9:30 - 20:30
- Official Site
If you are interested in Shinkyogoku ShoShinkyogoku Shopping District, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Kyoto Station Building: Recommended Shops with Excellent Access Directly Connected to Kyoto Station
If you are interested in Kyoto Station, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Kyoto as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
JR Kyoto Isetan
source：Official website
"JR Kyoto Isetan" is a large shopping facility inside Kyoto Station. It spans from the second basement floor to the 11th floor, offering everything from food to apparel, interior goods, and cosmetics.
The basement floors, in particular, have many shops selling Kyoto specialties, Japanese sweets, and Japanese-style items, making them ideal for souvenir shopping. You can use cloakrooms and refrigerated lockers, allowing you to shop hands-free. Above all, it's very convenient to be able to board trains or shinkansen without moving after shopping.
There's an art museum on the 7th floor, and restaurants on the upper floors. The variety ranges from famous chain stores to Japanese restaurants using Kyoto ingredients and international cuisine. Why not enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking Kyoto Tower and the Five Mountains of Kyoto when you're tired from shopping?
<Store Information>
- Address: Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-352-1111
- Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
- Official Site
Kyoto Porta
source：NAVITIME Travel
Another representative shopping spot at Kyoto Station is "Kyoto Porta," located at the Karasuma Exit. It's connected to the subway, bus terminal, and JR Kyoto Isetan via underground passages, making it very convenient for moving around.
While you can enjoy comprehensive shopping for fashion, miscellaneous goods, and food at Porta, the number of souvenir shops surpasses that of JR Kyoto Isetan. The first and second floors of the building are lined with famous Kyoto stores, offering Kyoto specialties and traditional sweets.
The restaurants are also plentiful, with so many choices that you'll be torn about where to eat even after multiple visits. It features many youth-oriented stores, including casual restaurants like udon and ramen shops, and photogenic sushi restaurants. There are also many cafes, making it convenient as a meeting place when converging from different locations during your Kyoto shopping 2024 adventure.
<Store Information>
- Address: 902 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-365-7528
- Hours: Varies by store
- Official Site
Kyoto Tower Sando
source：PR TIMES
"Kyoto Tower Sando" is a shopping facility located under Kyoto Tower. It underwent a major renovation in 2023, becoming an even more attractive spot.
It consists of three areas: the "Market" where local specialties and gourmet foods are gathered, the "Food Hall" where you can enjoy dining, and the "Workshop" where you can experience traditional culture. In the workshop zone on the second floor, you can try making sushi, Japanese sweets, and traditional crafts.
What's particularly noteworthy in this facility is the Food Hall in the basement. Unlike typical food courts, it's an adult space where you can also enjoy alcoholic beverages. The souvenir floor on the first floor has many shops that are not found in JR Kyoto Isetan or Kyoto Porta, so it's worth checking out during your Kyoto shopping 2024 experience.
<Store Information>
- Address: 721-1 Higashi-Shiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-746-5830
- Hours: B1F 11:00 - 23:00, 1F 10:00 - 21:00, 2F 10:00 - 19:00
- Official Site
If you are interested in Souvenirs, check the article below! I summarized Kyoto's Souvenir I recommend and how I felt each Sweets & Snacks.
sena kanda
Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto's Premier Entertainment District, Is Also Recommended for Shopping
The area where "Shijo Dori" crosses Kyoto's center and "Kawaramachi Dori" runs parallel to the Kamo River is called "Shijo Kawaramachi." With various old and new shops and restaurants lined up, it's Kyoto's largest entertainment district, frequently visited not only by tourists but also by locals. The main streets of Shijo Dori and Kawaramachi Dori have department stores and large commercial facilities, making them the first streets to check if shopping is your goal for Kyoto shopping 2024.
Shijo Dori: The Main Street Running East-West Through the Center of Kyoto
source：caedeKyoto
Shijo Dori is a major street representative of Kyoto, stretching about 8km from Yasaka Shrine in the east to Matsuo Taisha in the west. Particularly between Karasuma Station and Yasaka Shrine, numerous restaurants, department stores, and long-established shops line up, making it the liveliest place in Kyoto.
Although shops frequently change with the times, and modern shops and chain restaurants have increased, it's impressive that the entire street maintains a unified Japanese-style color scheme and design.
Especially from Yasaka Shrine to around Shijo Ohashi Bridge, there are relatively many long-established restaurants and shops dealing with traditional crafts, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto-style shopping. Around Shijo Kawaramachi Station, there are many large department stores, making it convenient for resting between shopping sessions during your Kyoto shopping 2024 trip.
Also, since Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcade and Nishiki Ichiba are nearby, visiting them together will make for a more fulfilling shopping experience.
Kawaramachi Dori: Department Stores and Don Quijote Line Up
source：OZ mall
Kawaramachi Dori is a long street stretching from around Demachiyanagi Station in the north to where it meets Jujou Dori south of Kyoto Station. Particularly between Shijo Kawaramachi and Sanjo Kawaramachi, shopping malls like "OPA," "Kyoto BAL," and "MINA Kyoto" stand out.
Among them, "Don Quijote," where you can purchase groceries and electronics at reasonable prices, is bustling with foreign tourists seeking souvenirs. From the basement to the fourth floor, various products are crammed together, allowing for a treasure hunt-like shopping experience.
If you like characters such as Miffy or Rilakkuma, be sure to check out "Kiddy Land." You might find Japan-exclusive items. After fully enjoying shopping, my standard route is to take a break at the long-established cafe "Rokuyousha" near Sanjo Kawaramachi.
If you are interested in Shijo kawaramachi, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Shijo Kawaramachi as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari