Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [284]
Food & Kitchen Utensils
Nishiki Market (Map), in the centre of town, is Kyoto’s most fascinating food market (Click here).
If you do choose to visit, be sure to stop into the knife shop Aritsugu (Map; 221-1091; 219 Kajiya-chō, Gokōmachi nishi iru, Nishikikōji-dōri, Nakagyō-ku; 9am-5.30pm) near the eastern end of the market. Here you can find some of the best kitchen knives available in the world, as well as a variety of other kitchenware.
For an even more impressive display of food, check the basements of any of the big department stores on Shijō-dōri (perhaps Daimaru has the largest selection). It’s difficult to believe the variety of food on display, or some of the prices (check out the ¥10,000 melons or the Kōbe beef, for example).
Japanese Arts & Crafts
The paved streets of Ninnen-zaka and Sannen-zaka (close to Kiyomizu-dera), in eastern Kyoto (Map), are renowned for their crafts and antiques. You’ll also find lots of pottery shops along Gojō-dōri, between Kawabata-dōri and Higashiōji-dōri.
North of the city hall, Teramachi-dōri, between Oike-dōri (Map) and Marutamachi-dōri (Map), has a number of classic old Kyoto shops, and this area is pleasant for strolling around and window-shopping.
Kamiji Kakimoto (Map; 211-3481; 54 Tokiwagi-chō, Nijō agaru, Teramachi, Nakagyō-ku; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun & holidays) This place sells a good selection of washi (Japanese paper). It’s not as good as Morita Washi, but it’s great for things like washi computer paper.
Morita Washi (Map; 341-1419; 1F Kajioha Bldg, 298 Ōgisakaya-chō, Bukkō-ji agaru, Higashinotōin-dōri, Shimogyō-ku; 9.30am-5.30pm, to 4.30pm Sat, closed Sun & holidays) Not far from Shijo-Karasuma, it sells a fabulous variety of handmade washi for reasonable prices.
Rakushikan (Map; 221-1070; Takoyakushi-dōri Takakura nishi iru, Nakagyō-ku; 10.30am-6pm, closed Mon) This downtown Kyoto paper specialist carries an incredible variety of washi and other paper products in its spacious new store. You can also try your hand at making your own washi here (ask at the counter for details).
Kyūkyo-dō (Map; 231-0510; 520 Shimohonnōjimae-chō, Aneyakōji agaru, Teramachi, Nakagyō-ku; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, closed Sun & 1-3 Jan) This old shop in the Teramachi covered arcade sells a selection of incense, shodō (calligraphy) goods, tea-ceremony supplies and washi. Prices are on the high side but the quality is good.
Ippo-dō (Map; 211-3421; Teramachi-dōri, Nijō, Nakagyō-ku; 9am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun & holidays, cafe 11am-5pm) This is an old-fashioned tea shop selling all sorts of Japanese tea. You can ask to sample the tea before buying.
Kyoto Handicraft Center (Map; 761-5080; 21 Entomi-chō, Shōgoin, Sakyō-ku; 10am-6pm, closed 1-3 Jan) Just north of the Heian-jingū, this is a huge cooperative that sells, demonstrates and exhibits crafts (wood-block prints and yukata are a good buy here). It’s the best spot in town for buying Japanese souvenirs and is highly recommended.
Kagoshin (Map; 771-0209; 4 chō-me, Sanjō-Ōhashi higashi, Higashiyama-ku; 9am-6pm, closed Mon) This small shop sells a wide variety of inexpensive bamboo products like flower holders and baskets.
Onouechikuzaiten (Map; 751-2444; 3-39 Sanjō-dōri, Higashiyama-ku; 10am-7pm) Just a few doors from the previous, it’s almost a carbon copy.
Tessai-dō (Map; 531-9566; Kōdai-ji Kitamonzen-dōri, Higashiyama-ku (west side on Nene-no-Michi); 10am-5pm) Just outside Kōdai-ji, this small shop deals in original wood-block prints. Prices average ¥10,000 per piece.
Iwai (Map; 221-0314; Shijō agaru, Shinkyōgoku, Nakagyō-ku; 10.30am-9pm Mon-Fri, 10am-9pm Sat, Sun & holidays) At the southern end of the Shinkyōgoku shopping arcade, you’ll find this excellent little all-round souvenir shop, which handles all manner of inexpensive Japanalia, from paper to incense to used kimonos.
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