Kyoto Shopping

  1. Avanti

    This department store has a decent bookshop on its 6th floor, and a food court and supermarket on its B1 floor. It's geared mostly to younger Kyoto shoppers but it's good for browsing if you have time to kill while waiting for a train. Take the underground passage from Kyoto Station.

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  2. Chion-Ji Tezukuri-Ichi

    The Tezukuri-ichi (handmade market) is held at Chion-ji on the 15th of each month. Wares include food and handmade clothes. This is a good chance to see Kyoto's alternative community out in full force.

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  3. Ippo-Dō

    This old-style tea shop sells the best Japanese tea in Kyoto. Its matcha (powdered green tea used in tea ceremonies) makes an excellent and lightweight souvenir. Try a 40g container of wa-no-mukashi (meaning 'old-time Japan') for around ¥1600 , which makes 25 cups of excellent green tea. The tea shop is north of the city hall, on Teramachi-dōri. If you need a break while there, it has an adjoining tea house.

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  4. Meidi-Ya Store

    This famous Sanjō-dōri gourmet supermarket has an outstanding selection of imported food and an excellent selection of wine. Prices are high.

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