Kyoto: Shopping

Antiques Antique-lovers will be satisfied with what Kyoto’s Shinmonzen-dori neighborhood has to offer. Specialty shops each tend to have their own focus, allowing visitors to browse extensive selections of items like tea sets, dolls, or Buddhist art. East; www.kobijutsu-kyoto.jp/english/map.html
smart splurge | traditional | antiques

Crafts If wandering around tiny craft shops is your idea of heaven, head for the intersection of Kawaramachi-dori and Shijo-dori. You can browse through lacquerware, tea ceremony items, and fans. Central;
traditional | crafts

Flea Market Flea markets are very popular in Kyoto. The top spot for bagging bargains is at Toji Temple, which hosts a lively market on the 21st of each month. South-West; Toji Temple; 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku; 011-81-75-691-3325
budget | crafts

Isetan Japanese department stores sell reasonably priced craft goods and typically have their own kimono departments. Isetan department store in Kyoto station is a great place to start. Central; Karasuma-dori; 011-81-75-352-1111; www.wjr-isetan.co.jp/Kyoto/index.htm (Japanese only)
traditional | crafts | department store

Kyoto Ceramics Center The road approaching Kiyomizu Temple is full of quality pottery shops. None, however, matches the selection at the two-story Kyoto Ceramics Center, walking distance from the temple. East; Gojo-dori Higashi-oji Higashi-Iru, Higashiyama-ku; 011-81-75-541-1103
art | traditional | pottery

Sweets Wagashi (Japanese candy) is as beautifully presented as any Kyoto cuisine. There are shops scattered throughout Kyoto, but at Toraya there is a tearoom 65-feet away where you can taste before you buy. Central; Karasuma-Nishi-iru; Ichijo-dori; Kamigyo-ku; 011-81-75-441-3113; www.toraya-group.co.jp/english/shops/index.html#kyoto
candy