Kyoto Shopping

  1. Kagoshin

    Kagoshin is a small semi-open bamboo craft shop on Sanjō-dōri, only a few minutes' walk east of the Kamo-gawa. It has a good selection of baskets, chopstick holders, bamboo vases, decorations and knick-knacks. The baskets make a good, light souvenir and look great in alcove displays.

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  2. Kyōsen-Dō

    Kyōsen-dō sells a colourful variety of paper fans; here you can see the process of assembling the fans and even paint your own.

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  3. Kyoto Handicraft Center

    The Kyoto Handicraft Center is a huge cooperative that exhibits and sells a wide range of Japanese arts and crafts. It also has two in-house wood-block printmakers and a corner where you can try your hand at making some of your own prints.

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  4. Kyūkyo-dō

    This old shop in the Teramachi covered arcade sells a selection of incense, shodō (calligraphy) goods, tea ceremony supplies and washi (Japanese paper). Prices are on the high side but the quality is good.

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  5. Matsuya

    Just north of Shijō-dōri, on the eastern side of Kawaramachi-dōri, Matsuya sells an impressive assortment of delicately painted kyō-ningyō (Kyoto dolls).

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  6. Onouechikuzaiten

    With a name that even residents find hard to pronounce, this fine little specialist store stocks a selection of bamboo crafts. It's only a few steps away from its main competition, Kagoshin, which allows for easy comparison shopping. Like Kagoshin, it stocks baskets, bamboo vases, decorations and knick-knacks.

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  7. Rakushi-Kan

    On the 1st floor of the Museum of Kyoto, this fine little shop sells a variety of washi goods and traditional Japanese stationery. There are several interesting items here that make good souvenirs, including fine letter-writing paper and cards. You can also pick up blank washi business cards to have printed up when you get back home.

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  8. Tadashiya

    This shop has an abundance of high-quality used kimono and obi. The prices are a bit on the high side. It's on the corner with the name of the shop written in English in small letters on the door.

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