Shopping

Shopping in Japan

Kyoto

If you’re looking for traditional Japanese arts and souvenirs, you are in the right place. A good selection of traditional souvenir shops around Arashiyama station in Western Kyoto, selling fans and traditional sweets. More stores can be found in Gion and the approach to Kiyomizu Temple, selling key rings, cuddly toys, and garish ornaments. Other traditional souvenirs from Kyoto include parasols and carved wooden dolls. You can buy wooden votive tablets made by temples which bear an image relevant to the temple in the reverse. This can be a souvenir worth taking back for friends and family.

Manga and anime enthusiasts should visit Teramachi Street, a covered shopping street off the main Shijo-dori, which boasts a large manga store on two floors, as well as a two-storey branch of Gamers (a chain of anime stores), and a small two-storey anime and collectables store.

Gallery Gado 27 Miyashiki-cho Hirano, Kitaku (on Kinukake no Michi, near Kinkakuji). 075-464-1655. Open everyday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Gallery Gado sells modern woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) with traditional themes. The gallery also has catalogs of the work of artists who are maintaining this art form. All prints are authentic woodblock prints; postcard-sized prints are available for ¥800, medium-sized prints for ¥2000-3000, and large prints for a few ten thousand yen. [1] (http://www.gado.jp)

Splurge

In the shopping areas adjacent to Kiyomizudera (on the other side of the Kamo River), it is possible to purchase samurai swords and top of the line kimono. Do not be surprised if the prices for either item exceed JPY 3,000,000 or more (USD 30,000).
Kyoto incense is also famous. It usually has a very delicate yet fragrant bouquet. Fortunately, incense is much more agreeable in price (ie, JPY 400-2,000).