15 Best Souvenirs to Buy at Kyoto Station in 2024

1. Matcha Sweets

jpellgen/Flickr

When you think of Kyoto, matcha, or green tea, is one of the first things to come to mind. In Kyoto, you can find so many different types of matcha desserts and sweets, making it heaven for fans of green tea. The three most popular matcha sweets are the "Kyoto limited edition Uji Matcha Kit-Kat (Nestle), the Kansai region listed edition Uji Matcha and chocolate flavored kaki-no-tane made by Bourbon, and the Uji Matcha flavored giant Pocky made by Glico. These three are popular with the tourists from overseas and make great souvenirs.

HP: www.gnavi.co.jp/kinmei/english_site/index.html

HP: www.gnavi.co.jp/kinmei/ (Japanese)

Address: Kintetsu Kyoto Station (Kintetsu Meitengai Miyakomichi), 31-1 Higashishiokojikamadonocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

2. Traditional Japanese Style Bags - ERISHO

This long-standing store established in 1775 handles a variety of Japanese-style clothing and accessories. They also have traditional Japanese style bags which are perfect for everyday use. Their retro yet simple design and soft coloring really embody the Japanese aesthetic. A great souvenir if you're looking for something from the kimono capital of Japan, Kyoto.

HP: www.erisho.com (Japanese)

Address: 308 Higashi Daimonjicho, Teramachi Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

3. Kokeshi Dolls

Hitty Evie/Flickr

With their traditional Japanese design, kokeshi dolls are popular souvenirs. You can find them at a wide variety of prices, ranging from expensive branded kokeshi from old stores to cheap dolls from 100 yen shops. You can also find all sorts of different types of kokeshi, including kokeshi mobile phone straps and key holders.

HP: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/

Address: Kyoto Tower, 721-1, Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichi-jo Kudaru, Karasumaru Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

4. Chopsticks (Hashikobo Oshita) 

A specialist chopstick store in Kyoto. Here you can have your own unique, personal named chopsticks made for you. These chopsticks, lacquered in bright colors, are one of Japan's traditional handicrafts, and a named set of chopsticks will make a great present for anyone.

HP: www.ohashi-ohshita.com/index.html (Japanese)

Address: 2F, Arashiyama Shoryuen, Sagatenryuji-monmae, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

5. Kyoto Cosmetics - Yojiya

These Kyoto cosmetics are well known for being the makeup of choice for the famous maiko-san, and are a very popular souvenir of the city. Originally established in 1953, Yojiya is one of the popular brands of cosmetics in Kyoto, and is famous for selling traditional makeup and equipment. Yojiya cosmetics are made with natural ingredients, and their cute packaging with a simple, traditional Japanese style design makes them popular as a souvenir among women.   

HP: www.yojiyacosme.com (Japanese)

Address:  Asuti Kyoto 1F, Higashishiokoji-cho, Shiokoji Kudaru, Karasumaru Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

6. Geta

Geta are a traditional type of footware made of wood that you can wear like a pair of sandals. In the past, geta were traditionally worn with kimono or yukata, but nowadays there are many young people who wear them like beach sandals in summer.  They are a popular souvenir with foreign tourists, and can be bought from all sorts of stores, including shoe shops and traditional arts and crafts shops. The price isn't too high either - you can find a good pair for $50.

HP: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/

Address: Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokoji, Nanajo Kudaru, Karasumaru Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

7. Pottery - Kyoto Tachikichi

Kyoto Tachikichi is a famous pottery brand of Kyoto. They make a wide variety of types of containers, including teacups, cups and glasses. Their products have a great reputation and are often given as presents. You can find dedicated stores in most of the major department stores in Kyoto that will allow you to see and hold the products for yourself.

HP: www.tachikichi.co.jp (Japanese)

8. Furoshiki - Eirakuya Hosotsujiiheeshoten

A furoshiki is a remarkable cloth that can be used to wrap things or as a bag. With their low cost, size and very Japanese look, furoshiki make great souvenirs. The Eirakuya is a famous brand, and their store was originally set up in 1615, around 400 years ago, and in the store you can find more than 200 different types of furoshiki on display.

HP: eirakuya.shop-pro.jp/?mode=f6 (Japanese)

Address: JR Kyoto Station 1F ASTYROAD, 8-3 Takakura-cho, Higashishiokoji, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

9. Kyoto Dolls - Kyoningyo

The dolls made by the artisans of Kyoto are one of the areas traditional craftwares. The little dolls dreassed in kimono are popular as souvenirs. There are not many dedicated Kyoto dolls stores so if you are looking to buy one, we recommend you search for a souvenir store that sells traditional handicrafts. You might be able to find some in the streets around Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station. 

HP: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/

Address: Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokoji, Nanajo Kudaru, Karasumaru Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

10. Japanese Sake - Tomiya

Japanese sake, known as Nihonshu, is currently growing in popularity around the world. Made with rice, each region around the country makes their own Nihonshu, each with a unique method and flavor. If you're even in Kyoto, we really suggest buying some Nihonshu as a souvenir. If you are after some local Nihonshu, we recommend Tomiya. They regularly hold tasting sessions as well. 

HP: www.kyo-tomiya.com/cube/ (Japanese)

Address: Inside Miyako, 2F, Kyoto Porta, 901, Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

11. Replica Swords

Replicas of Japanese samurai or ninja swords are really popular with men. Some people like to decorate the interior of their rooms with them, some people simply like to collect them, but what you do with them is up to you. You can usually find them at souvenir shops that handle traditional crafts. There are all sorts of designs and sizes available at a wide range of prices, with the more expensive replicas being over $200.

HP: https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/en/

Address: Kyoto Tower, 721-1 Higashishiokoji, Nanajo Kudaru, Karasumaru Dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

12. Fans - Kyosendo

Tomomarusan/Wikipedia

Kyosendo is a specialist fan store. The fold-up fans, or sensu, are the higher class version of the uchiwa unfoldable fans that are a godsend in summer. Large sensu can also make a great decoration in the home, with their bright color and elegant Japanese style design. They come at all sort of prices, with the more expensive sensu costing over $1,000.

HP: www.kyosendo.co.jp/en/

HP: www.kyosendo.co.jp (Japanese)

Address: 46, Tsutsugane-cho, Higashi Notoin-dori Shomen-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

13. Kyoto Limited Edition Hello Kitty Goods - The Kyoto Hello Kitty Teahouse *CLOSED

Located close to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, you can find the Hello Kitty Teahouse. Themed like a collaboration between Japan's tea culture and Hello Kitty, here  you can find all sorts of cute Hello Kitty themed dishes and drinks, as well as Kyoto limited edition kimono-wearing Hello Kitty goods. This place a must see for any Hello Kitty fans. 

14. Kyoto Limited Edition Tumblers - Starbucks Coffee

Tumblers with traditional Japanese style patterns from Kyoto are popular as souvenirs. The fashionable limited edition Kyoto tumblers from Starbucks feature a design incorporating the sights of Kyoto and are bound to be a big hit with whoever you bring them back for.

HP: www.starbucks.co.jp (Japanese)

Address: Kyoto Tower Bldg., 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasumaru Dori Nana-jo Kudaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)

15. Second hand Kimono - Tansuya

Tansuya is a recycle shop selling second hand kimono at a very low price. They don't just sell second hand goods though - you can find new kimono, obi and tabi as well. The store is often visited by tourists from overseas and their goods are popular as souvenirs.

HP: remo178.wix.com/tsytyo

HP: tansuya.jp/ (Japanese)

Address: Abanti 1F, Nishi Sanno-machi 31, Higashi Kyu-jo, Minami-ku, Kyoto City (Google Map)