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Top Rated Shopping in Kyoto

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This opulent, nine-story department store, located right in the center of the town, has all the features one would expect of a top-notch emporium. As one enters from the street, the elegant jewelry departments, including Tiffany's, attract the shopper. The store has a very good range of men's, women's and children's wear, the tie department having a particularly wide range. On the sixth floor, the art gallery is well worth a look for traditional ikebana(Japanese flower arranging) or Western art exhibitions.

Daimaru

Unperturbed as the Guards outside Buckingham Palace in London, the beloved elevator attendants here in Daimaru Department Store (not to be confused with Fujii Daimaru to the east on Shijo Street) is one of the features not to be missed. This is the store with perhaps the greatest range of goods in Kyoto from artificial flowers to incense, maternity clothing, Buddhist altars and yukata robes. The ceramics department (5F) is interesting, as is the kitchen goods department on the same floor. The art gallery is also worth checking out.

Fujii Daimaru

Unlike other big department stores, Fujii Daimaru offers some of the more creative choices in clothing, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Also its food hall contains a rare health food section. The store is particularly strong in women's clothing, which is to be found on six of the nine floors, both casual and formal. The top floor is devoted in its entirety to pets and products for them.

JR Isetan Department Store

JR Isetan Department Store can be found in the Japanese metropolitan city, Kyoto. It is located at the Kyoto Station and is a gigantic glass structure that goes up to 13 floors. Here, shoppers can find almost any product they want. The first floor is dedicated to international labels like Gucci and Dior. On the second floor you will find bags and shoes and even a repair store. And so it goes on, selling kimonos, homeware, crafts and the mall even has a food court.

Umeda Loft

An alternative to the traditional department store, Loft is the choice of the young and the hip. While the clothing selection is minimal, just a few hats and other accessories, the choice of stationary, handbags and house wares is impressive. Loft is where you can find the perfect throw pillow for the couch, an interesting set of Tarot cards or a briefcase sure to be the envy of all in the office. But don't stop there; be sure to make your way to the “party section” and pick up a Halloween costume—Samurai and other Edo era characters are always popular for a gag gift.

Ninja Dojo & Store

At this storefront, not only can you buy some cool throwing stars or an authentic Katana (sword), but you can also learn Ninja techniques from knowledgeable instructors. Ninja Dojo functions as both an ancient weapons shop and a place where visitors can learn about the history, techniques and methods from these silent, stealth warriors. It's perfect for the entire family, the lessons are in English and rates vary from individual to group instruction.

More Shopping

Ninja Dojo & Store

528 Hakurakutenchō, Shimogyō-ku, Kyōto-fu, Kyoto, Japan, 600-8422

Kikuo Shoten Bookshop

430 Ebisucho, Sanjo-Agaru, Kawaramachi-Dori, Kyoto, Japan, 604-8005

Kikuo Shoten booksellers are an academic and antiquarian outlet on the west side of Kawaramachi. They stock a wide variety of Japanese and foreign books in both paperback and hardback. Kikuo also publishes a catalog of its foreign books as many of these volumes are stored in a separate stock room at the rear of the small, crammed shop. Kikuo has an interesting selection of old editions of books on Japan, which could be collectors' items but prices are higher than overseas, though the proprietors are open to a spot of haggling.

Aizenkobo

Nakasuji-Omiya Nishi, Yoko-omiyacho, Kyoto, Japan, 602-8449

The Aizen Kobo indigo fabric workshop and retail store produces and sells Japanese and Western-style clothing for both men and women, tablecloths, bags and other finely made items. The indigo dye is extracted using traditional techniques and the cloth repeatedly dyed to produce the rich, distinctive deep blue color. Aizen Kobo also has a stock of antique indigo fabrics for sale. In the early twentieth century the family business changed from obi to indigo and the premises were given a new name by novelist Tanizaki Junichiro. As a specialty it is possible to order a pair of shops curtains, noren, with your shop's name produced by a local calligrapher. English spoken.

Fujii Daimaru

Shijo-Teramachi, Kyoto, Japan, 600-8031

Inobun

26 Otabi-cho Nishi-Iru, Kawaramachi Shijyo-dori, Kyoto, Japan, 600-8002

Trendy, spacious Inobun retails everything from cutting-edge stationary to modern kitchen utensils, from funky furniture to cool and cooling cosmetics to personal and household accessories. The second floor specializes in aromatherapy goods. When you have got all your essential lifestyle necessities, there is a good cafe on the third floor. Inobun is located in the chic Kitayama area to the east of Kitayama Station on the city subway.

Kappa Yokocho

1-7-2 Shibata, 1-F, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, 530-0012

If you did not have anything particular in mind but were simply looking for the largest array of dining selections in one location, then this is the place. This building houses a total of 34 restaurants covering a range of culinary traditions and price ranges. While most restaurants are casual, there are a few higher-end establishments as well. The place is particularly busy during lunch hours and in the early evening after regular working hours. There are also a few other businesses besides restaurants.