Rainy days are perfect for shopping in Kyoto streets — your ultimate guide to shopping in Kyoto without worrying about the rain

Text and photos by /MATCHA

What to do when it rains in Kyoto? Besides copying sutras at temples to find inner peace or becoming a cultured visitor at museums, Kyoto’s main shopping streets all have roofs, and its sidewalks are covered with awnings — making rainy-day shopping a great option too. Now, the MATCHA editorial team is here to introduce you to Sanjo Shotengai, lined with long-established shops; Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Street, home to over 170 stores; Nishiki Market, which has a 400-year history; and Kawaramachi, packed with department stores.

Sanjo Shotengai: A Street Packed with Long-Established Shops

Starting from Kyoto Sanjo-Kyobashi Station, it takes less than five minutes on foot to reach Sanjo Shotengai. This is a covered shopping street along Sanjo-dori, between Kawaramachi and Teramachi, and while it’s only about 150 meters long, it houses quite a number of shops.

These include the hand-sewn needle shop “Fukui Misuya,” which has been in business for over 300 years, Oosaka Kyohodo, a fan store that opened during the Tenpo era in 1830, and Kikuichimonji, a knife shop with over 700 years of history and even honored with an imperial chrysanthemum crest. Each is a historic and storied shop worth visiting.

Wander Freely Between Teramachi-dori and Shin Kyogoku

Although Teramachi-dori stretches from Kuramae-kido to Gojo on the map, the main shopping area is between Sanjo and Shijo. Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Street has seen the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, and its biggest charm lies in the coexistence of old and new — allowing you to shop both contemporary stores and traditional shops.

The section of Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Street between Sanjo-dori and Shijo-dori focuses on clothing and daily goods, featuring a total of over 170 stores. And if you’re looking for Japanese cosmetics and drugstore products, MATCHA recalls there are at least six pharmacies in this area alone.

Nishiki Market: A 400-Year-Old Culinary Gem

If you start from Sanjo-dori and walk south along Teramachi-dori, you’ll pass by Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, and the “Nishikikoji-dori” that leads out from the shrine is Nishiki Market.

With a 400-year history, Nishiki Market isn’t just a place where locals shop for ingredients — it’s also a hub for gourmet food and souvenirs. In addition to various types of Kyoto pickles, you can find freshly grilled seafood, a wide range of mochi, and seasonings. If you’re in Kyoto on a rainy day, heading to Nishiki Market is a sure bet for a delicious and filling experience.

Nishiki Market

Kawaramachi: Brimming with Brands and Department Stores

Kawaramachi-dori, between Sanjo and Shijo in Kyoto, is one of the city’s busiest streets, featuring multiple department stores. For example, “Kyoto BAL,” which reopened after renovation in the summer of 2015 — home to Kyoto’s largest Muji store — is located here. Right across from Kyoto BAL is Mina Department Store, which not only has the fun shopping destination LOFT for stationery and daily goods, but also features large UNIQLO and GU stores on the sixth and seventh floors.

If you continue south, you’ll find OPA Department Store, which not only has a pharmacy that opened at the end of 2016, but also offers various brands of shoes, bags, and clothing. MATCHA has a little secret: if you’re shopping for clothes here, the higher the floor, the lower the brand prices tend to be.

At the intersection of Kawaramachi and Shijo, you’ll find O1O1 Department Store and Takashimaya, as well as a Disney Store at this very convenient crossroads.

Additionally, if you head from Shijo-Kawaramachi toward Shijo-Karasuma, you’ll come across Fujii Daimaru and Daimaru department stores. There’s so much to see in this area that one day isn’t enough. Most importantly, both Kawaramachi-dori and Shijo-dori have covered sidewalks, so even on rainy days — even if you forget your umbrella — you can still shop comfortably.

Money-Saving Tips

When shopping on Sanjo and Shijo during rainy days, besides bringing your wallet and credit card, make sure to carry your passport. Not only do many shops offer tax refunds for purchases over 5,000 yen, some stores may even give you a 5% discount (like LOFT and Takashimaya) simply by showing your passport (tourist visa required).

Since there are so many shops, there are often promotional campaigns. One common one is 10% off coupons handed out by staff at drugstores — though these are only valid for single items and cannot be combined with tax refunds, they’re still a nice bonus when you’re not spending enough to qualify for a tax refund.

A Friendly Reminder from MATCHA

Also note that most department stores in Kyoto close around 8 PM, clothing stores on shopping streets usually shut their doors between 8:30 and 9 PM, and drugstores close around 10 PM. If you’re going shopping in the evening, be sure to plan your time wisely to avoid a wasted trip.

Author: MATCHA
Blog　Facebook Page