Sitting in the lap of the island of Honshu, Kyoto is a city that has emerged at the top of the bucket list of thousands of travelers. Traditional architecture, picturesque views, surreal teahouses, lush green gardens, and home to geishas, Kyoto is a destination that looks right out of a storybook! Also known as the spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto houses about 2000 temples and shrines that allows visitors to witness monks in robes roaming from one place of worship to another, chanting the prayers. The fragrance of burning incense sticks encircling the city put the travelers in a trance. Apart from being a spiritual hub, Kyoto is a fascination destination to shop from. Shopping in Kyoto allows visitors to experience contemporary and ancient elements of the city. Selling from everything modern to numerous traditional products, Kyoto city is a haven for shopaholics out there. From canvas bags, printed socks, fashion brands, and electronic gadgets to old calligraphy sets, handicrafts, washi, yukata, and incense, everything can be found in the cheerful markets of Kyoto. Scan through this list of markets and shops that one must visit on their vacation to this spellbinding city of Kyoto.
6 Places For Shopping In Kyoto
One can not go to Kyoto markets and leave after buying just the things they needed. Making it difficult for visitors to not spend some extra pennies, shopping in Kyoto is an extraordinary experience in itself. From flea markets to high-end malls, there is no dearth of places to shop from when in Kyoto. Take a look at the places that one should not miss out when engaging in a shopping spree in this stunning city of Kyoto!
1. Nishiki Food Market
Also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, Nishiki Food Market houses everything related to food- from fresh produce and freshly made pickles to kitchen cookware and knives. Allowing the visitors to go on an extensive gastronomical roller coaster, this food market is a narrow, long shopping street spread over five blocks. Being famous for its cuisine, Kyoto is an action-packed city blanketing something for everyone, especially the foodies and shopaholics. This market also houses numerous food stalls that sell some of the most delectable and scrumptious dishes. Nishiki Food Market allows travelers to engage in the best shopping in Kyoto, Japan.
Location: Parallel to Shijo Avenue
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
What To Buy: Fresh Seafood, Local Sweets, Sushi, Knives, Cookware
Must Read: 14 Places For Shopping In Japan That Will Make Your Shopping Experience Worth It!
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2. Teramachi Street
Surrounded by shops selling traditional and authentic Japenese goods like old scrolls, preserved antiques, green tea, and much more, Teramachi Street is a famous shopping area in Kyoto. Travelers visiting this shopping street cum arcade can also encounter some of the modern style clothing items that mostly attracts the youth residing or studying in Kyoto. For travelers looking for ways to get an insight into the Japanese culture, taking a trip to this market can surely be fruitful. From comics and rice bowls to Obi and Noren, travelers get to witness a wide variety of local items.
Location: Downtown Kyoto
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
What To Buy: Japanese Sweets, Tea, Comics, Antiques, Furoshiki, Souvenirs, Apparels, Shoes, Bags
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3. Kobo-San Flea Market
Taking place on the 21st of every month on the ground of Toji Temple, Kobo-San Flea Market is one of the popular shopping places in Kyoto. With no dearth of stalls selling traditional Japanese products and antiques, Kobo-San or Toji Market envelops numerous hidden treasures that are worthy of spending some Yen on. The friendly stall owners, blend of modern and traditional products, and the beautiful handicrafts leave visitors in awe.
Location: Toji Temple
Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (21st of every month)
What To Buy: Paper Fans, Jackets, Belts, Kimono, Calligraphy Sets, Scrolls, Teapots, Flute, Tea Bowls, Traditional Chop Sticks
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4. Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Another famous shopping street cum arcade sitting in the heart of Downtown Kyoto, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street blankets beautiful souvenirs that travelers can surely take back for their friends and families. Apart from the souvenirs, this street is a hub for all kinds of trendy fashion fixes and numerous restaurants selling scrumptious delicacies. Located parallel to the Teramachi Street, this shopping stretch attracts flocks of tourists and locals, especially the young crowd.
Location: Downtown Kyoto
Timings: 10 am to 8:30 pm (Mon-Fri), 11:30 am to 8:30 pm (Sat-Sun)
What To Buy: Baked Food Items, Souvenirs, Fashion Apparels, Bags, Japanese Chop Sticks, Art and Craft Products
Suggested Read: Himeji Castle: For A Mesmerizing Trip Through The Renowned Epic Architecture Of Japan!
5. Tenjin-San Flea Market
One of the largest monthly markets in Kyoto, Tenjin-San Flea Market amalgamates two of the important elements of a vacation- shopping and food. With over a thousand stalls selling unique and vintage products, and numerous food stalls serving extremely mouthwatering delectables, this flea market is nothing less than heaven on earth for shopaholics and foodies alike. Tenjin-San Flea Market is also perfect for good quality fabric shopping in Kyoto. Taking place on the 25th of every month, Tenjin-San Flea Market is held in front of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
Location: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Timings: 6 am to 4 pm (25th of every month)
What To Buy: Quality Fabrics, Kimono, Tea, Vintage Items, Woodworks
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6. Takashimaya
Acting as a one-stop shopping area, Takashimaya is a departmental store that envelops every kind of product one can think of and more. Ranging from cosmetics and high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Hermes, Tiffany to travel items and men’s apparel, there is no dearth of products in this shopping mall. This store also blankets some of the most amazing and authentic Japanese restaurants that will leave the visitors crave for more and more. Housing latest fashion trends and brands, Takashimaya is a perfect destination for those who are seeking a spot for a luxurious and lavish shopping spree in the former capital city of Japan, Kyoto.
Location: Shincho, Shimogyo Ward
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
What To Buy: Home Decor, Latest Fashion Clothing, Babies’ Wear, Sports Equipment
Further Read: 10 Cool Museums In Japan For An Insight Into The Country’s Intriguing History
With no dearth of places for shopping in Kyoto, this spiritual heart of the ‘Land of Rising Sun’ is nothing less than a paradise on earth that satiates the shopaholic souls of its visitors. Blanketing products from modern times along with the traditional items, Kyoto offers a remarkable experience to the travelers visiting the city. Embracing contemporary and ancient times well, this city of Japan envelops each and every kind of product that one can think of and more. Catering to travelers with every budget, Kyoto is certainly a fascinating destination to shop. So, if you are looking for ways to satisfy the shopaholics in you or simply wish to indulge in a mini retail therapy, an enthralling vacation to Japan could be your answer!
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A pastry-chef turned writer, Srishti has a knack for traveling to various corners of the country and penning them down in the most justifiable manner possible. When she’s not writing you can find her petting mountain dogs and not eating cottage cheese!
