Kyoto Shopping Guide: Traditional Crafts and Souvenirs

Kyoto has been the center of Japanese craftsmanship for over a thousand years. Don’t waste your money on cheap plastic trinkets; here is where to find the real deal.

Teramachi and Shinkyogoku

These covered arcades are filled with everything from high-end calligraphy brushes to quirky antique shops.

Nishiki Market

While mostly food, you can find beautiful handmade knives at Aritsugu, a shop with 450 years of history.

Gion and Pontocho

For high-end textiles, fans (Sensu), and accessories used by Geisha.

Uji

If you’re a tea lover, head to Uji for the best Matcha in the world.

Conclusion

When you buy a traditional craft in Kyoto, you’re not just buying a product; you’re supporting an ancient lineage of masters.