Takashimaya Kyoto is located near the bustling Shijo-Kawaramachi intersection, one of Kyoto’s most vibrant areas, and is one of the city’s most upscale department stores. The area also boasts well-known tourist attractions such as Kodai-ji, Yasaka Shrine, Pontochō, Kiyamachi, and the Kamo River. In recent years, it has become one of the best choices for Chinese tourists visiting Kyoto for shopping, leisure, and sightseeing.
Dessert Shop [Baton d'or] Opens
On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, the Western confectionery corner dessert shop [Baton d'or] officially opened on the basement level of Takashimaya Kyoto. Prior to this, [Baton d'or] had only been available in department stores in the Osaka area, making Takashimaya Kyoto its first branch outside of Osaka.
The most popular item at [Baton d'or] is the “Chocolate Biscuit Stick,” which features a butter-rich baton-shaped bretzel coated in melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. After production, it is left to rest for several days to allow the butter and chocolate to fully meld, resulting in a delicious snack with a glossy finish, silky texture, and unique aroma. It’s similar to the well-known “Pocky” or “Pretz.”
[Baton d'or] offers a variety of chocolate stick flavors, including yuzu, matcha, strawberry, and almond. Among them, the yuzu-flavored chocolate stick is a Kyoto-exclusive product—anyone visiting Takashimaya Kyoto should definitely try this local delicacy.
Authentic Kyoto Cuisine Is a Hit
Located on the 7th floor of Takashimaya Kyoto is the “Kyō Kairō” (Kyoto Corridor) food courtyard. Its modern Japanese garden design leaves a deep impression on visitors, and currently, 16 restaurants are housed here. You can enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine here—it’s highly recommended. Two shops, in particular, stand out: “Tanzan Motsu Honke” and “Tagoto Kōetsu Hō.” Both excel in seasonal ingredients, cooking, tableware, ambiance, and cultural presentation.
Tanzan Motsu Honke is one of Kyoto’s renowned “kaiseki” (multi-course) cuisine restaurants. It adheres strictly to the essence of traditional Japanese cuisine, with a Zen-inspired atmosphere and refined, elegant service that leaves a lasting impression—especially suitable for important evening banquets.
Tagoto Kōetsu Hō is an old-established Kyoto cuisine restaurant with over 140 years of history. Its specialty lies in bringing out the finest flavors of the four seasons, conveying to every diner the joy bestowed by nature—a true representation of Kyoto cuisine.
Special Offers Are Available
Visitors to Takashimaya Kyoto can now apply for a 5% discount card, featuring a Hello Kitty dressed in a kimono—perfect for collecting and as a memorable souvenir.
Additionally, foreign visitors shopping here can enjoy tax-free benefits. When processing tax exemption, customers will also receive an original Kyoto Takashimaya A4 Kitty folder, which is equally meaningful and exclusive. Tax-free items include general merchandise priced over ¥10,001 or consumable goods over ¥5,001, with consumables mainly referring to food, beverages, medicine, cosmetics, and other consumables.
Travelers planning a trip to Japan must not miss the chance to enjoy desserts and cuisine at Takashimaya Kyoto. And don’t forget the various special offers available too!