Kyoto

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kyoto - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Aizen Kobo

    Kamigyo-ku

    Fine handwoven and hand-dyed indigo textiles are this shop's specialty. The indigo plant is grown only in one place in Japan nowadays, and Aizen Kobo makes exclusive use of that product crafting cloth and garments in this rich deep-blue color. The owner dyes the cloth and his wife, Hisako Utsuki, designs.

    Nakasuji-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8449, Japan
    075-441–0355
  • 2. Ando Japanese Doll Shop

    The Ando brothers, Tadao and Tadahiko, handmake dolls for the Imperial Court and individual families. The finest silk brocades adorn these Hina and Ichimatsu dolls, which have earned high praise and many awards over the years.

    Kamigyo Ku, Aburanokoji, Marutamachi-dori, agaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, Japan
    075-231–7466
  • 3. Asahi-do

    Higashiyama-ku

    In the heart of the pottery district near Kiyomizu-dera, Asahi-do specializes in Kyoto-style hand-painted porcelain. It offers the widest selection of any pottery store in the area, and can arrange overseas shipping.

    1--280 Kiyomizu, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0862, Japan
    075-531–2181
  • 4. Chion-ji Hyakumanben-san Handicraft Market

    Higashiyama-ku

    A market specializing in handmade goods and crafts is held here on the 15th of each month. Dolls, small carved wooden statues, fabric, ceramics, costume jewelry, and many other items are sold. Baked goods and other foods are available.

    Imadegawa and Higashioji-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0062, Japan
  • 5. Daimaru Department Store

    Shimogyo-ku

    This large department store is known for high-quality merchandise—cosmetics, clothing, furniture, kitchenwares, and other products that appeal to more expensive and conservative tastes. International shipping is available. An exhibition hall and several galleries are worth checking out, as are sections displaying traditional crafts. In the basement are prepared foods, breads, cakes, wine, and other edibles.

    Shijo-Karasuma, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8511, Japan
    075-211–8111
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  • 6. Eirakuya

    Nakagyo-ku

    The tenugui hand towels sold by this shop have served many purposes through the centuries. In designs today that range from traditional to playful, the towels make wonderful scarves, napkins, bottle holders, and other items depending on how you twist and shape them. The colors and designs are so vibrant and eye-catching that framing one and hanging it as art is another possibility. This Eirakuya store is one of several in the city.

    242 Gion-cho, Higashi-iri, Yamatoji, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, Japan
    075-532–1125
  • 7. Fujii Daimaru Department Store

    Shimogyo-ku

    This store focuses on trendy fashions but caters to all ages. Many locals favor the basement food market for its reasonable prices and wine selection.

    Shijo-Teramachi, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8031, Japan
    075-211–8181
  • 8. Fuuka Kimono

    Tucked away on a quiet side-street, this small store offers kimono and yukata rentals for men and women at very reasonable prices, with a decent selection of items available for purchase too. The friendly English-speaking staff are knowledgable and patient, and will ensure that you are wearing everything correctly.

    302 Ayahorikawa-cho, Kyoto-fu, Japan
    075-802--0511

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 9. Gallery Utsuwa-kan

    Kyoto's hottest place to see contemporary arts and crafts—mostly ceramics but also glass—displays works on four floors. Though young, the artists represented already have established reputations. The gallery, whose name means "containers," is in just south of Daitoku-ji Temple. Packaging and shipping can be arranged.

    20--17 Murasakino Higashino Cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 603-8232, Japan
    075-493–4521
  • 10. Isetan

    Shimogyo-ku

    The 13-story Isetan, in the Kyoto Station Building, is a branch of its Tokyo-based cousin. The feel here is slightly less exclusive than in Tokyo. The store sells high-quality goods and has a well-attended exhibition hall. Many of the restaurants have city views.

    Karasuma-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8555, Japan
    075-352–1111
  • 11. Kasagen

    Higashiyama-ku

    A thing of beauty more than utility in Japan, traditional umbrellas provide protection from the scorching sun and pelting rain. Since 1861, Kasagen has produced beautiful oiled-paper umbrellas that are guaranteed to last for years.

    112 Shinyodomae-cho, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0088, Japan
    075-203–0134
  • 12. Kitano Tenman-gu

    Kamigyo-ku

    On the 25th of each month, the streets around the shrine grounds overflow with all sorts of goods: used clothing and kimonos, food, plants, furniture, Buddhist images, dolls—just about everything you can imagine. Bargaining with a smile often brings good results.

    Onmae-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 602-8386, Japan
  • 13. Kuraya Hashimoto

    Nakagyo-ku

    One of Kyoto's best collections of antique and newly forged swords is fittingly located on a corner south of Nijo Castle. Authentic swords are not for sale, but sword paraphernalia and related items are on display.

    Nishihorikawa-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8302, Japan
    075-811–4645
  • 14. Kurochiku

    Higashiyama-ku

    Fine traditional crafts, including reasonably priced dolls, ceramics, lacquerware, prints, incense, textiles, and bonsai, can be found at this center.

    275 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 605-0073, Japan
    075-541–1196
  • 15. Kyoto Handicraft Center

    Sakyo-ku

    This center has served visitors and residents for decades with its huge selection of crafts and art, both new and old. Various vendors sell dolls, kimonos, pottery, swords, woodblock prints, and pearls, and you'll find one of the best collections of English-language books on Japan. The prices are reasonable in this duty-free commercial center that's also great just for browsing. Regular demonstrations of traditional craft techniques and hands-on workshops (reservation required before 5 pm) make this place tourist-oriented, though not a tourist trap. Everything is of high quality.

    17 Entomi-cho, Shogo-in, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 606-8323, Japan
    075-761–8001
  • 16. Kyukyodo

    Shimogyo-ku

    In an attractive traditional building, this shop has been in business for 330 years, specializing in stationery, brushes for calligraphy, and incense, some of which (aloeswood) is more expensive than gold.

    Nakagyo-ku, Teramachi-dori, Oike sagaru, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8358, Japan
    075-231–0510
  • 17. Miyawaki Baisen-an

    Nakagyo-ku

    The famous fan shop Miyawaki Baisen-an has been in business since 1823, delighting customers not only with its fine collection of lacquered, scented, painted, and paper fans, but also with the old-world atmosphere of the shop itself.

    Rokkaku-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-8073, Japan
    075-221–0181
  • 18. Nishiki-koji

    Nakagyo-ku

    Kyoto's central food market is located elsewhere, but restaurateurs and housewives visit this long, narrow street to select fresh produce and other foods. In recent years, the covered arcade has started to include souvenir shops in addition to tempting edibles. Ogling is fine. At some places you might be offered samples. If that happens, don't be shy—have a taste.

    Nishiki-koji-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8493, Japan
  • 19. Ryushido

    Kamigyo-ku

    One-room Ryushido sells exquisite paper products for calligraphers: paper of varying thicknesses, writing brushes, ink sticks, ink stones, and paperweights. The shop has a classic, artisanal feel.

    Teramachi-dori, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 604-0916, Japan
    075-252–4120
  • 20. Takashimaya Department Store

    Shimogyo-ku

    Another of Kyoto's favorite department stores, Takashimaya specializes in luxury goods and designer fashions. You'll find an accommodating, English-speaking staff and a convenient money-exchange counter. The top floor has bargain merchandise, and another floor is filled with restaurants to revive the shop weary. The exhibition hall and galleries are also worth a visit, as is the basement gourmet food market.

    Shijo-Kawaramachi, Kyoto, Kyoto-fu, 600-8001, Japan
    075-221–8811

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