4 Best Shopping in The Kansai Region, Japan

Rooted in tradition, Kai houses a collection of shops with new takes on traditional Japanese arts and crafts. In addition to a café and gallery, Kai also serves as work and gallery space for various local artisans. With artists producing everything from paintings to wood carvings to glass jewelry, this is an excellent stop for unique souvenirs.

For an overview of the arts and crafts of Nara Prefecture, visit the Kite-Mite Nara Shop on your way to Nara Park. A brochure in English is available.

Hidden on a narrow backstreet, this stylish and recently refurbished store sells various souvenirs and Nara specialties, including handwoven, sun-bleached linens which are a local specialty known as Nara sarashi. You can enjoy green tea and Japanese sweets while admiring views of the garden at the on-site café.

This store sells traditional Japanese dolls, from kimekomi (animals representing the zodiac calendar) to the samurai and kimono-clad ladies. There are also good examples of oshie (three-dimensional pictures made of silk). The tiny shop is packed with cloth for doll making, cupboards for hiding doll-making supplies, and, of course, dolls.