The 10 Best Gift & Specialty Shops in Kyoto, Kinki

November 11, 2021 Jana Sager

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Kyoto Denim

79-3 Koinaricho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8208 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-352-1053 [email protected] http://kyoto-denim.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Kyoto Denim

Kyoto Denim utilizes traditional kimono dying techniques to create handmade jeans decorated with unique patterns, as well as other denim products such as handmade stuffed animals.

Reviewed By Skywalker0606 - Singapore, Singapore

Interesting concept shop, focus on kyoto denim. Many hand crafted designs in the shop, and it comes at a price! Shop keeper is friendly and kind.

2. Kyoto Shibori Museum

127 Shikiamicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8261 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-221-4252 [email protected] http://shibori.jp
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 64 reviews

Kyoto Shibori Museum

Kyoto Shibori Museum is located southeast of Nijo castle; 5-min. walk from subway Nijojo-mae station; Adults 800yen; Open: 9:00-17:00; Shibori arts, tools and samples of shibori are displayed. You can try on shibori kimono in a quick and simple way for FREE. Shibori class in English is available(reservation recommended); silk scarf: from 3,850yen, approx 30-min. Museum shop: variety of original shibori items, scarves, bags, fabrics and souvenirs are sold at the reasonable price. Museum for all textile lovers on this planet.

Reviewed By 490emmak - Newcastle, Australia

The Shibori workshop was a highlight of my trip. I arrived at 10 am and was able to immediately attend a Shibori workshop with an instructor who spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. As I was the only English speaker there I got a private class. It was great to be able to try my hand at this ancient craft. Following the class I got a private tour of the small museum, I did not realise there were so many techniques. If you enjoy craft I highly recommend doing a class.

3. Mansagama

148 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto 606-8404 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-751-8199 [email protected] https://mansagama.localinfo.jp/
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

Mansagama

Why don’t you make your own souvenir of Kyoto. Hand-on pottery wheel experience. Process takes 20min. You can make your original cup or bowl. And you can choose the color you like. Baking takes about 3weeks, but don’t worry, we’ll ship it to your doorstep. In about a month and half time. Your work will pleasantly surprise you and remind you of your travel.

Reviewed By raeredqueen - Cardiff, United Kingdom

I found this unexpectedly whilst walking down the philosopher's path. I didn't have a ton of time but it said outside it only took 20 minutes, so it fitted in really well. It was a fun experience with a great teacher! I am very excited to receive my finished cup, it will make such a special souvenir. The international shipping is also pretty reasonable so it removes the stress of getting it back without breaking it. Definitely recommend!

4. Ninja Dojo and Store

528 Hakurakutencho, Shimogyo-Ku 2f, Kyoto 600-8422 Kyoto Prefecture +81 70-2289-2228 [email protected] http://ninjadojoandstore.com
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 641 reviews

Ninja Dojo and Store

Ninja hands-on training in english and ninja items store in down town Kyoto. Original and unique training which ninja actually used to train in the distant past. You can learn ninja arts, techniques, wisdom, spirits and survival skill. Experience authentic, traditional, historical, educational and cultural ninja training with ninja clothes, ninja meditation, ninja walking ,shuriken(ninja stars), ninja sword, kunai(dagger) and other ninja weapons. We provide two level of lessons. Entry level (1-hour lesson / 8,500 JPY per person) is basic ninja training. Elementary level (2-hour lesson / 12,500 JPY per person) is based on the entry level lesson and additional 5 more techniques. Ninja training is good for Group, Couple, Solo, Kids, Family, Activity, Martial arts, Workout, Exercise, City, Indoor, Rain and All seasons. At the store like a museum there are various ninja arms, tools, clothes and items that you couldn't find at other places. Feel the ninja spirit!

Reviewed By MaryH804

This was recommended by our travel company and I am so glad we booked it. It was an awesome experience for our family of 5. Kids ages 5, 8 and 11 all loved it. From the ninja outfits, the excellent instructor ( a woman- love my daughters and son getting great female role models) through a nice variety of information about ninjas from weapons and stealth walking, the hand movements regarding strength and the willingness to take as many photos as we wanted. It didn’t feel rushed or touristy at all. It was such a nice change from temples and shopping. Thank you for a great memory. The only negative- not having a T-shirt in my sons size!!

5. Shigeharu Cutlery

77 Horikawadori Sanjo Agaru Anehigashi Horikawacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8263 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-231-1403
Excellent
91%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Shigeharu Cutlery

Reviewed By Halide69 - Ballina, Australia

I've been wanting to get a useful souvenir from my trip to Japan. I enjoy cooking (and eating) so I've had my eye on an authentic Japanese Nakiri knife. I purchased one from Shigeharu in damascus steel for ¥20000. This price included putting my name on the blade. I'm looking forward to using the knife and trying to improve my knife skills.

6. Maiko Antiques Kyoto

157 Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-541-2626 [email protected] http://maiko-antiques-kyoto.strikingly.com/
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Maiko Antiques Kyoto

Our store not certain when are store days off. It vary each week. Please make a reservation with us three days in advance since we are only able to check E-mail every two days, it is not possible to answer immediately with short notice. When upon visiting our shop, we suggest that it is best to make a reservation with us three days in advance. The shop closes during rainy days, and therefore we like to ask for three possible visiting dates when making reservation. Maiko Antiques is packed with geisha items, kimono,Vintage accessories, clothing, photographs, dolls, books, postcards, jewelry, masks, one-of-kind oddities, and other vintage and retro Japanese treasures. There are plenty of specials bargain vintage item in the garage sale outside the store. These are ideal for souvenirs. Kimono can find many rare clothes from 500 yen. &Tax free shop.

Reviewed By monroehome

We were on our way back from the crowded streets near the Kiyomizu Shrine when we saw some kimonos outside a quiet little shop on the back roads. It was different from any of the other shops, odd things at crazy good prices ( bought a vintage kimono for 20 US dollars.) Inside the shop was a tiny wonderland of old things, from prints on the ceiling, to dolls, jewelry, books, pottery, masks, you name it. We did 90% of all our gift and souvenir shopping here. But we both are artists with a pension for the old and weird. Great place!

7. SagaradenNomura

26 Sagashakado Daimoncho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8422 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-871-4353 [email protected] http://sagaraden.com/en/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 95 reviews

SagaradenNomura

Get your own handcraft with Raden and Makie! In our class, you can get hands on experience to make either a tray or a couple coasters. We hope you have a wonderful time to experience this beautiful japan art. We have an English-speaking instructor. You can book the class from our HP. Only 5 min from bamboo grove and 10 min from JR SAGA ARASHIYAMA St. Raden means handcrafts of lacquer ware with seashells and Makie means a traditional lacquer ware technique with gold powder to decorate.

Reviewed By bechyy - Spencers Wood, United Kingdom

My boyfriend and I visited today and made some beautiful trays. We were seated in the traditional workshop, and made our trays alongside the 4th generation family who run the shop, and have been making their artwork for over 100 years. Nick also showed us some of the beautiful pieces his grandfather had made which were exquisite, alongside all the beautiful newer pieces in the store! Nick was an incredible host, and very informative and accommodating, with excellent English. If you are in Kyoto, would highly recommend this class, it’s easy to book on the website and is only a 5 min walk from the bamboo forest and temples. Thank you again, Nick!

8. Musubi Kyoto

495-2 Sakuranocho Shin Kyogokudori Sanjo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8035 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-256-0303 [email protected] http://musubi-kyoto.jp/store/
Excellent
98%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 96 reviews

Musubi Kyoto

Located in Shinkyogoku Shopping District, Musubi Kyoto offers kimono, yukata, accessories like geta and traditional hair ornaments, snowglobes, and other Kyoto-related gifts and souvenirs.

Reviewed By Marton-Budapest

The store has a great selection of traditional clothing for both men and women accompanied by a very friendly and helpful staff. :)

9. Hayakawa Hamonoten

399-12 Higashimaecho Sakaimachidori Bukkoji Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8074 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-351-6731 http://www.hayakawa-hamonoten.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 32 reviews

Hayakawa Hamonoten

Reviewed By Shawnsonvacation

A must for your japan trip. We went there and bought 5 knives 3 for me and 2 for a good friend back in the USA I just can’t wait to get home and cut up a tomato ????. They are really friendly and helpful to tell you about what kinds of knives to buy. Steel carbon and stainless they have all kinds. Great prices from the other stores I checked out they seemed to be higher. A great line of scissors and stones. They only take cash ????but there’s and exchange a block away and they will give you a cute little map ???? to get their. The best part about my new knife set is they engraved my name in it. How amazing to own a personal set of hand forged custom knives ???? with your name on it. I am sure I will be back again. ????????

10. Fuuka-Kimono

302 Ayahorikawacho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto 600-8482 Kyoto Prefecture +81 75-365-0099 [email protected] http://www.fuukakimono.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 74 reviews

Fuuka-Kimono

Fuuka-Kimono is a Kyoto-based manufacturer of high-quality kimono, yukata, and jinbei, all made of washable polyester and available in many patterns for rent or to buy at reasonable prices.

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