City: Kinki
Top Things to do in Kinki
Top Hotels in Kinki
- 1. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
- 2. Hotel Universal Port
- 3. Hotel Universal Port Vita
- 4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
- 5. Hotel Nikko Osaka
- 6. Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
- 7. Temple Town Hotel WAQOO Horyuji
- 8. Hotel Granvia Osaka
- 9. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
- 10. RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
Countries
What to do and see in Kinki, Japan: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
The Kansai region (関西地方, Kansai-chihō) or the Kinki region (近畿地方, Kinki-chihō) lies in the southern-central region of Japan's main island Honshū. The region includes the prefectures of Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo and Shiga, sometimes Fukui, Tokushima and Tottori. While the use of the terms "Kansai" and "Kinki" have changed over history, in most modern contexts the use of the two terms is interchangeable. The urban region of Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto (Keihanshin region) is the second-most populated in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
Restaurants in Kinki
1. Kyoto Denim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
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. Tower Knives Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Tower Knives Osaka is a unique knife gallery / knife shop, located near Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai, Osaka. We proudly carry a large range of selected knives crafted in Sakai, Osaka, and also from other Japanese regions. Come by to just view and learn more about Japanese knives, or select the knife that matches your needs, preferred design, and budget.
Reviewed By Martino_Mouse - San Diego, United States
Prior to my trip to Osaka, I knew I wanted to buy a Japanese knife. The tour director had contacted me if there was anything I was looking for on the free day in Osaka and I mentioned going knife shopping. She reached out to several knife shops and gave me a list of three options, but only Tower Knives had asked additional questions regarding what I was looking for and there was several emails with them, this put them at the top of the list! When I arrived, they asked what the intended purpose was, and proceeded to talk about the different types of knives, showed me the different cases, and which would probably be best for what I wanted. I browsed the cases without interruption, except when I had questions, and was interested in three knives; two with Japanese styled handles and the third with a western style handle. She allowed me to try them on carrots and apples. All of them sliced transparent thin carrots, but I felt I needed to go with one of the traditional Japanese handle knives and even bought a paring knife. The craftsman who made the knives was onsite, so he came out to meet me and take a picture. Another person then came out to show me how to properly care for and sharpen the knives. My one regret is that I didn't have my name engraved on the knives! I absolutely love the knives for their intended purpose.
3. Kyoto Shibori Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
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.
4. Mansagama
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
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!
5. Ninja Dojo and Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 641 reviews
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!!
6. Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi Osaka
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 208 reviews
At Kimono Photo Studio Wasabi, you can wear a beautiful, authentic kimono – and enjoy a unique experience, with photos to treasure forever. Our family-run, professional photography studio has vintage kimonos and traditional Japanese costumes for you to admire and try. Match the intricate patterns of your chosen kimono with makeup colours and geisha-style hair accessories. (We can bring in a hair and makeup artist if you’d prefer.) And we’ve got other props, too: parasols, a katana, and more. Your personalised shoot will be led by an experienced fashion photographer. Our team knows Japanese and English, so if there’s anything you need please just ask. Same-day printing means you get your photos straight away, with digital copies to share with friends and family.
Reviewed By RoyT797
My wife and I booked a kimono photshot here and it was a totally great experience culminating in asome beautiful photos of the two of us as a Japan visit keepsake. Our photographer Sayaka was highly professional in positioning us a variety of poses and accessories (katana, fan, umbrella). She is very friendly and made us feel totally comfortable. She gives you the option of group shots as well as individual shots.. There are a variety of package photoshoots available. We chose the one hard copy photo with 5 digital copies sent to your e-mail which I received before I even left Japan aand add-on of having my wife's hair and makeup done. Sayaka uploads all of the photos and we all reviewed the photos to delete photos until we got down to the one we wanted to pint and the ones to be sent digitally. Hard choice as all the photos were great, Beautiful kinonos and poses andeit difficult to choose, If you want a different Japan experience highly recommend this place and Sayaka to do a kimono photoshoot. Very near the Namba train station makes it easy to get to. Highly recommend. for single, couple or family.
7. Shigeharu Cutlery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
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.
8. Maiko Antiques Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
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!
9. SagaradenNomura
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 reviews
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!
10. Musubi Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 96 reviews
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. :)
