Takashimaya Kyoto is located next to the bustling Shijo-Kawaramachi intersection, one of Kyoto’s most vibrant areas. It is one of the city’s most upscale department stores, surrounded by well-known tourist attractions such as yG Garden, 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.
Sweet Shop [Baton d'or] Opens
On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, the Western confectionery corner [Baton d'or] officially opened on the basement level of Takashimaya Kyoto. [Baton d'or] had previously only been available in department stores in the Osaka area, making Takashimaya Kyoto its first store 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 with a 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, smooth texture, and unique aroma. It is similar to the familiar “Pocky” or “Pretz.”
[Baton d'or] offers a variety of chocolate stick flavors, including yuzu, matcha, strawberry, and almond. The yuzu-flavored chocolate stick is a Kyoto-exclusive product, so 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 gourmet courtyard called “Kyō Kairō,” whose modern Japanese garden design leaves a deep impression on visitors. Currently, there are 16 restaurants housed here. You can enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine here, which is highly recommended. Two particularly notable establishments are “Kumakichi” and “Tagoto Kagetsu.” Both excel in seasonal ingredients, cooking techniques, tableware, ambiance, and cultural presentation.
Kumakichi is one of Kyoto’s renowned kaiseki (traditional multi-course) restaurants, adhering closely to the essence of Japanese traditional cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is Zen-inspired, and its refined and elegant service is also impressive, making it especially suitable for important evening banquets.
Tagoto Kagetsu, on the other hand, is a long-established Kyoto cuisine restaurant with over 140 years of history. Its specialty lies in bringing out the exquisite flavors of seasonal delicacies, conveying to every diner the joy that nature bestows—a hallmark of Kyoto cuisine.
Special Offers Are Now Available
Visitors to Takashimaya Kyoto can now apply for a 5% discount card featuring a Hello Kitty dressed in a kimono. It’s highly collectible and makes for a memorable souvenir.
Additionally, foreign tourists can enjoy tax-free shopping here. When completing the tax exemption process, customers will also receive an original Kyoto Takashimaya Hello Kitty A4 folder, which is equally memorable and exclusive to this location. Tax-exempt items include general goods priced over 10,001 yen or consumable goods priced over 5,001 yen. Consumables mainly refer to food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumable items.
Travelers planning a trip to Japan should not miss the chance to enjoy sweets and cuisine at Takashimaya Kyoto. There are also various special offers you won’t want to pass up!