Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Located around Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka Ninenzaka is a slope full of Kyoto charm and is also one of Japan's most important traditional building preservation districts. Ninenzaka stretches southward from the north side of Kodaiji Temple, with well-preserved old residential buildings on both sides. These buildings feature red lattice and insect cage windows, giving them a unique flavor. In Ninenzaka, you can find various Japanese snacks and traditional goods shops, as well as the 'Donguri Republic' which sells Studio Ghibli merchandise. Sannenzaka, on the other hand, has toy stores, kimono shops, and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery shops, making it an unmissable place for buying Kyoto souvenirs.
Shichimiya Honpo
This is a long-established store with a history of over 350 years. The store specializes in Shichimi powder, an essential seasoning in Kyoto kitchens. It can be added to soups or dishes, providing a slightly spicy taste and unique aroma that is unforgettable. Upon entering the store, the staff will offer a complimentary cup of soup with Shichimi powder for tasting, which is said to be very delicious, making you want to buy a few bottles to take home immediately. The small bottle packaging is convenient to carry, making it suitable not only for personal use but also as a gift. It is one of Kyoto's unique snacks.
Nishiki Market
This is a historic shopping street in Kyoto, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. It sells a variety of common Kyoto culinary items such as pickles, seasonings, and fresh fish and vegetables, making it very lively. Nowadays, with the increase in tourists, there are also many souvenirs, stationery, and specialty snacks for sale here, making it a great place for shopping and strolling. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor from afar, this is a friendly and enjoyable place to visit.
Shijo Kawaramachi
This is the busiest commercial area in Kyoto City and one of the most famous shopping streets in the western Japan region. It is located at the intersection of Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street. Here you will find large department stores such as Takashimaya, Fujii Daimaru, and Kawaramachi OPA, as well as well-known brands like the largest Uniqlo and LoFt in Kyoto. As night falls, bars, teahouses, and alleys adorned with red lanterns add to the lively atmosphere. A stroll along the Kamo River offers a mesmerizing view of Kyoto's beautiful summer nightscape.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
This street, known as the busiest street in Kyoto and one of the second oldest shopping streets in Japan, is very popular among local residents. Even though Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is not long, it has many unique shops, forming a shopping culture unique to Kyoto. In addition to various clothing stores and specialty shops, there are also many drugstores with complete brands and affordable prices.
Kiyomizuzaka Shopping Street
Kiyomizuzaka is a stone street in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the main passage leading to the temple. This quaint street is lined with various Kyoto specialty and craft shops, such as Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics, Yatsuhashi sweets, Kyoto confectionery, Kyoto tea sweets, Kyoto fans, and more. Additionally, there are many food shops, specialty stores, and cafes along the street, with many snack shops even offering free tasting events. Kiyomizuzaka also branches out into Ninenzaka and Gojozaka. Shichimiya Honpo is the starting point of Ninenzaka, while Gojozaka is mainly known for Kiyomizu-yaki shops and galleries. Ninenzaka is a convenient route to Kodaiji Temple.
Kyo Komono Kinugasa
Kyo Komono Kinugasa is a specialty store located in front of Ryoanji Temple, specializing in original small items made with Kyo Yuzen and Nishijin weaving. The most popular item in the store is the twist box sachet. Although twist boxes are now sold in other small item stores, Kinugasa was the first to offer twist boxes with sachets. After the fragrance dissipates, the twist box can also be used to store small items. Additionally, the store offers a variety of handmade accessories, fans, and other small items, making it an excellent choice for personalized selections.
Yojiya Cosmetics
Yojiya is a brand marked by the geisha doll face, mainly selling cosmetics and skincare products. They adhere to the traditional Kyoto beauty methods used by geishas to provide customers with the best products. These products are not only suitable for personal use but also make excellent gifts. Due to its unique charm, the store is always crowded, especially their oil blotting paper, which is one of the must-buy beauty products in Kyoto. There are multiple stores in Kyoto to choose from.
