Destination
Type of Shop
Editors Pick
Read More45R Kyoto
An outpost of Japan’s 45rpm brand, 45R Kyoto sells indigo-dyed clothing for men and women, distressed denim, airy tunics and accessories including straw hats.
Read MoreAritsugu
This famous Kyoto shop, located in the Nishiki Market, sells a fine selection of knives, each of which has a different purpose. Originally started by a master sword maker, Aritsugu has been creating quality knives and utensils for 18 generations.
Read MoreArts & Science
A pretty little store that looks like it could be right at home in New York City's West Village, Arts & Science sells high-quality, beautifully made clothing and accessories. The clothes are all natural colors – army green, heather grey,...
Read MoreEvam Eva
This small boutique in central Kyoto sells delicate made-in-Japan clothing. Evam Eva has shops throughout Japan and is known for its sophisticated but supremely wearable designs including knitwear and dresses in mostly white and cream hues. The styles are made...
Read MoreFunahashi-ya
This confectionary established in 1885 sells possibly ever variation of Japanese cracker as well as some of Kyoto’s sweetest delicacies (don't miss the go-shiki-mame, five-colored-beans, a popular Kyoto treat). Funahashi-ya is a must for tourists looking for a delicious souvenir.
Read MoreGallery Yukei
Located across the street from its inspiration, Gallery Yukei is a small shop from the Tawaraya Ryokan family. You can purchase the famous ryokan’s slippers, bath amenities, sheets and bedding along with a range of artisan gifts like ceramic tea...
Read MoreGranpie
A hodgepodge boutique in Kyoto, Granpie opened in 1971 and spans two storefronts across the street from each other. The global shop sells Japanese textile clothing, artsy beaded jewelry from India and Japan, ceramics from Spain, rugs from Turkey and...
Read MoreHakuhodo
Unsurprisingly, given Japan’s detailed-oriented culture, Hakuhodo makeup brushes deliver close to perfection in their quality and precision. Utilizing 14 types of animal hair to hand craft each brush, the company headquarters are located in Kumano, which has been the brush production capital of...
Read MoreIppodo Tea Co.
Visit this authentic teashop to sample varieties of matcha—powdered green tea—served by expert tea masters (plus, pick up some teas to bring home). The high-quality tea leaves are grown locally in Kyoto and have a distinct, delicate taste.
Read MoreKaikado
Established in 1875, the artistans of Kaikado hand-make chazutsu (Japanese tealeaf caddies) out of tin, brass and copper. The airtight containers are used to keep primarily green tea leaves safe from moisture and humidity. While functional, the cylinder shaped tea...
Read MoreKamiji Kakimoto
For the paper-obsessed among us (you know who you are) this boutique will delight with hand-painted note cards, handmade paper for origami, decorative design tape, and Japanese stationary. Watching the shop girls wrap your purchases is an experience in itself.
Read MoreKyukyodo
A sprawling store on Kyoto’s historical Teramachi street, Kyukyodo opened in Kyoto in 1663 as a pharmacy. The boutique is a must-visit for paper goods, and you can find incredible notebooks, calligraphy brushes, pens and pencils here, as well as...
Read MoreNishiharu
Come to this beautiful little shop to peruse an authentic selection of tatami mats and antique woodblock prints. The shopkeeper will provide a selection to choose from, all of which come with an English translation.
Read MoreNittodo
Opened in 2018 in the Higashiyama neighborhood, Nittodo is a two-floor lifestyle shop with a café and lounge area. The boutique stocks curated, high-quality finds like pastel-colored tea pots, tote bags, pens and stationery.
Read MoreOtsuka Gofukuten
This vibrant boutique in the Higashiyama neighborhood sells modern kimono-style fashion. Otsuka Gofukuten’s uber-cool pieces some in geometric patterns and bright colors and are custom-tailored to the buyer. The shop also sells accessories and purses.
Read MorePass the Baton
Located in a restored machiya (traditional wooden townhouse) in Gion, Pass the Baton is a secondhand shop with a spectacular array of finds, including vintage Chanel earrings, delicate china plates and clothing from top Japanese brands such as Issey Miyake and...
Read MoreRobert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
American-born Robert Yellin has lived in Japan for decades, and has settled in a haven for artists and expatriots alike. His gallery located in a residential neighborhood of Kyoto is part of his home; the building itself a carriage house...
Read MoreSfera
Located in Gion, Sfera bills itself as a culture center and spans four floors, encompassing a gallery, café, bar and shop. The boutique sells great Japanese home goods and accessories such as tea sets, furniture and art.
Read MoreSou Sou Kyoto
Sou Sou’s Kyoto flagship is actually a series of boutiques, all of which sell quirky Japanese-style designs. The company is known for its vibrant prints, kimono-inspired womenswear and patterned socks, which make for fun souvenirs. Located in a series of...
Read MoreSoutatu
Culinary fiends unite at this petite white laboratory dedicated to the art of dashi, the most important ingredient in Japanese cooking. Begin with a dashi tasting, where three varieties of seasonings (blends of kelp and shavings of fermented bonito) are...
Read MoreTakamura
The first store for bamboo craft company Takano Chikko, Takamura is a tiny boutique in central Kyoto that sells bamboo and wooden products made by local artisans. You can find beautiful Japanese treasures here, including fans, tea ceremony sets, chopsticks...
Read MoreTessai-do
One of the most reputable antique stores in Kyoto, Tessai-do is known for its traditional wood-block prints, some of which date back centuries. The shop, which offers about 3,000 works, is a great spot to pick up souvenirs like scrolls, screens...
Read MoreTezomeya
A retail shop and workshop, Tezomeya sells T-shirts and other cotton garments that have been dyed using only natural resources such as dried plants, bayberry tree bark and palm tree nuts. Almost all come from kampo, Chinese medicine. In turn, the...
Read MoreZohiko
Zohiko is filled with every type of tableware imaginable, and they specialize in Japan’s finest handmade lacquerware. This incredible craft is made by covering wooden objects with lacquer and finishing it with decorative designs. Though not cheap, lacquer objects make...
