Kyoto Shopping Guide: Best Places to Buy Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs
Introduction:
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is not only famous for its temples and gardens but also for its rich artisan traditions and unique shopping experiences. Whether you’re searching for authentic souvenirs, handcrafted pottery, or beautifully made textiles, Kyoto offers a variety of shopping options that reflect the city’s cultural heritage. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to shop in Kyoto for traditional crafts, unique local products, and meaningful souvenirs to take home.
Table of Contents:
- Best Places for Traditional Crafts in Kyoto
- Top Souvenir Shops in Kyoto
- Kyoto’s Artisan Markets and Specialty Stores
- Modern Meets Tradition: Blending Contemporary and Classic Kyoto Shopping
- Tips for Shopping in Kyoto
1. Best Places for Traditional Crafts in Kyoto
Exploring Kyoto’s Famous Pottery Shops
Kyoto is renowned for its beautiful pottery, particularly Kiyomizu-yaki, a type of ceramics that originates from the Higashiyama area near Kiyomizu-dera. These elegant ceramics are perfect souvenirs, featuring delicate designs and rich colors. Some of the best shops to find authentic Kiyomizu-yaki include:
- Asahido: Located near Kiyomizu-dera, this well-established shop offers a wide selection of Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, from tea sets to decorative pieces.
- Hashimoto Kansuke Shoten: A family-owned shop known for its handmade ceramics and personalized service. It’s ideal for finding unique, one-of-a-kind items.
Where to Buy Kyoto’s Iconic Textiles: Kimono, Nishijin Weaving, and More
Kyoto is also famous for its textile traditions, particularly Nishijin-ori, a luxurious silk weaving technique that dates back over 1,000 years. Whether you’re looking to purchase a traditional kimono or a more modern interpretation, here are the best places to explore Kyoto’s textile heritage:
- Nishijin Textile Center: Located in the heart of the Nishijin weaving district, this center offers visitors the chance to see live demonstrations of traditional weaving techniques. It’s also a great place to shop for high-quality kimonos, obi belts, and other textiles.
- Kyoto Handicraft Center: A convenient one-stop shop for traditional crafts, the Kyoto Handicraft Center offers a range of textile products, from hand-dyed fabrics to scarves and furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloths).
2. Top Souvenir Shops in Kyoto
Unique Kyoto Souvenirs: From Fans to Furoshiki
Kyoto is a treasure trove of traditional souvenirs that reflect the city’s cultural heritage. Here are some must-buy items:
- Sensu (Folding Fans): Kyoto’s folding fans, or sensu, are made with intricate designs and delicate craftsmanship. Kyosendo, a well-known shop in Gion, offers a wide range of hand-painted fans, perfect for both practical use and as decorative items.
- Furoshiki (Wrapping Cloths): These versatile cloths are traditionally used for wrapping gifts, carrying goods, or as eco-friendly bags. Musubi, located in Kyoto’s Teramachi shopping district, specializes in beautifully designed furoshiki in various sizes and patterns.
Must-Visit Shops in Gion and Higashiyama
The historic districts of Gion and Higashiyama are not only famous for their temples and geisha but also for their charming streets lined with traditional shops. Some notable stores include:
- Kintakedo: A small shop in the heart of Gion, specializing in handmade incense and fragrant sachets that make for unique souvenirs.
- Saka Maruyama: Located near Yasaka Shrine, this boutique offers an array of Kyoto crafts, including lacquerware, ceramics, and traditional Japanese accessories.
3. Kyoto’s Artisan Markets and Specialty Stores
Exploring Kyoto’s Flea Markets: Handcrafted Goods and Antiques
For those looking to find hidden gems and antiques, Kyoto’s flea markets are a must-visit. These markets offer everything from handmade crafts to vintage kimono, pottery, and more:
- Toji Temple Flea Market (Kobo-san): Held on the 21st of every month at Toji Temple, this market is one of the largest and most popular in Kyoto. It’s a great place to hunt for antiques, handcrafted goods, and traditional souvenirs.
- Kitano Tenmangu Flea Market (Tenjin-san): Held on the 25th of each month, this market near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is known for its wide selection of traditional crafts, including pottery, textiles, and wooden carvings.
Best Stores for Traditional Japanese Tea and Sweets
Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s finest tea and sweets, and shopping for these local delicacies makes for an authentic souvenir experience:
- Ippodo Tea: A well-established tea shop known for its high-quality matcha, sencha, and other Japanese teas. Located near the Imperial Palace, Ippodo offers both loose-leaf tea and tea-making accessories.
- Tsuruya Yoshinobu: One of Kyoto’s oldest wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops, Tsuruya Yoshinobu is renowned for its delicate and beautifully crafted sweets, perfect for pairing with Kyoto’s famous green tea.
4. Modern Meets Tradition: Blending Contemporary and Classic Kyoto Shopping
Shopping in Kyoto’s Department Stores: Local and International Brands
Kyoto’s department stores offer a blend of traditional and modern shopping experiences, with floors dedicated to local crafts, gourmet food, and high-end fashion:
- Daimaru Kyoto: Located in the Shijo-Kawaramachi area, Daimaru is one of Kyoto’s top department stores, offering a mix of international brands, Japanese fashion, and a gourmet food section featuring Kyoto delicacies.
- Takashimaya Kyoto: Another popular department store, Takashimaya is known for its variety of goods, including local crafts, homeware, and high-end fashion. The basement food hall (depachika) is particularly famous for its selection of Kyoto’s finest sweets and snacks.
Hidden Gems: Boutiques and Shops that Blend Traditional and Modern Design
In addition to large department stores, Kyoto is home to many small boutiques that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics:
- Sfera: This design shop in Gion combines contemporary design with traditional Kyoto craftsmanship. The shop offers a range of products, including ceramics, glassware, and home décor items.
- Karancolon Kyoto: A boutique offering a modern take on traditional Kyoto crafts, Karancolon Kyoto specializes in accessories and bags made from colorful kimono fabrics and other traditional materials.
5. Tips for Shopping in Kyoto
How to Choose Authentic Kyoto Products
When shopping for traditional crafts, it’s important to ensure you’re purchasing authentic Kyoto-made products. Look for shops with the Kyoto Handicraft Certification mark, which guarantees that the products are made using traditional techniques by local artisans. Ask shopkeepers about the origins of the products, as many are happy to share the history and craftsmanship behind their goods.
Tax-Free Shopping for Visitors
Many stores in Kyoto offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors. To take advantage of this, you’ll need to spend a minimum amount (usually around 5,000 yen) and present your passport at the time of purchase. Look for the Tax-Free signs in stores, and keep in mind that some shops may offer the tax refund directly at the counter, while others require you to claim it at the airport.
Q&A
Q: What are the best souvenirs to buy in Kyoto?
A: Kyoto offers a wide range of unique souvenirs, including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, Nishijin-ori textiles, folding fans (sensu), and traditional Japanese tea. Other popular items include handmade incense, furoshiki, and wagashi (Japanese sweets).
Q: Are there any shopping districts in Kyoto where I can find everything in one place?
A: The Shijo-Kawaramachi area is one of Kyoto’s main shopping districts, home to department stores like Daimaru and Takashimaya, as well as smaller boutiques and traditional craft shops. Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades are also nearby, offering a variety of souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, and specialty stores.
Q: Can I find modern fashion and international brands in Kyoto?
A: Yes, Kyoto has several department stores, such as Daimaru and Takashimaya, that offer both local and international fashion brands. In addition, you’ll find modern boutiques that blend traditional Kyoto craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Conclusion:
Kyoto is a city where tradition meets modernity, and its shopping scene reflects this unique blend. From traditional crafts like Kiyomizu-yaki pottery and Nishijin-ori textiles to modern boutiques and artisan markets, Kyoto offers a wide range of shopping experiences that allow you to take a piece of the city’s rich culture home with you. Whether you’re looking for authentic souvenirs, luxury fashion, or handcrafted goods, Kyoto’s shops and markets have something for every traveler.
