
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, Kyoto
Right in the middle of downtown Kyoto, running parallel to Teramachi street to the east, from Sanjo-dori to Shijo-dori, is another popular covered pedestrian arcade – Shinkyogoku. Together these two streets form the heart of the city's main shopping district. Shinkyogoku offers a great deal of things to choose from befitting every wallet or purse, whether you look for souvenirs and kitsch or seek to scope out a massive food court.
Compared to Teramachi, this shopping venue is for the young and the restless, and is lined with specialty stores filled to the brim with tacky souvenirs of almost every description, shoes, umbrellas, T-shirts, yukata (casual summer kimono), confectionery, character goods, and more. The things on sale here are cheaper and more to the liking of teens, therefore this place is usually packed with high-school and university students, as well as kids out on school excursions. Those who like to do their shopping whilst chomping down on some snacks, will find themselves at home in Shinkyogoku as there are many restaurants and cafes sprung up here lately accommodating the increasing demand for street food.
Other than fresh fare, Shinkyogoku is also a hub for fast fashion fixes. Trends-in-the-making can be spotted here in the tall windows of several one-of-a-kind stores featuring local labels and modish boutiques.
What to buy here:
Geta – traditional Japanese footwear made of one piece of solid wood with two wooden blocks underneath and a fabric thong. Resembling a mix of clogs and flip-flops, Geta were the most used type of footwear in Japan before shoes came into fashion. Nowadays, it is worn with traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono or yukata, as well as with Western clothing during summer. There are several styles of Geta differing in shape and design.
Why You Should Visit:
A good variety of shops with some locally made items that are perfect for souvenirs. Between arcades, outdoor concert spaces, mega department stores and small shops, enchanting cafes and restaurants, and a movie complex – this place really does have something for everyone.
If you need a shirt that reads “Ichi-ban” (Number One), Shinkyogoku is the place to go.
Great spot for wandering and there is actually a temple on this street too that you can spend a few minutes checking out.
Tip:
The street is covered so it’s a perfect hideaway when it rains; ideal for food, coffee, and nightlife. The local crepes make for a great snack in the afternoon. Very delicious!
Some online sources say it is open till 9 or 10 pm, but in reality it starts closing around 7 or 8 pm. Nothing really stays open too late around this area in Kyoto.
Make sure to walk up and down the different blocks to find something new around each bend.
Compared to Teramachi, this shopping venue is for the young and the restless, and is lined with specialty stores filled to the brim with tacky souvenirs of almost every description, shoes, umbrellas, T-shirts, yukata (casual summer kimono), confectionery, character goods, and more. The things on sale here are cheaper and more to the liking of teens, therefore this place is usually packed with high-school and university students, as well as kids out on school excursions. Those who like to do their shopping whilst chomping down on some snacks, will find themselves at home in Shinkyogoku as there are many restaurants and cafes sprung up here lately accommodating the increasing demand for street food.
Other than fresh fare, Shinkyogoku is also a hub for fast fashion fixes. Trends-in-the-making can be spotted here in the tall windows of several one-of-a-kind stores featuring local labels and modish boutiques.
What to buy here:
Geta – traditional Japanese footwear made of one piece of solid wood with two wooden blocks underneath and a fabric thong. Resembling a mix of clogs and flip-flops, Geta were the most used type of footwear in Japan before shoes came into fashion. Nowadays, it is worn with traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono or yukata, as well as with Western clothing during summer. There are several styles of Geta differing in shape and design.
Why You Should Visit:
A good variety of shops with some locally made items that are perfect for souvenirs. Between arcades, outdoor concert spaces, mega department stores and small shops, enchanting cafes and restaurants, and a movie complex – this place really does have something for everyone.
If you need a shirt that reads “Ichi-ban” (Number One), Shinkyogoku is the place to go.
Great spot for wandering and there is actually a temple on this street too that you can spend a few minutes checking out.
Tip:
The street is covered so it’s a perfect hideaway when it rains; ideal for food, coffee, and nightlife. The local crepes make for a great snack in the afternoon. Very delicious!
Some online sources say it is open till 9 or 10 pm, but in reality it starts closing around 7 or 8 pm. Nothing really stays open too late around this area in Kyoto.
Make sure to walk up and down the different blocks to find something new around each bend.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street on Map
Sight Name: Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walk on Philosopher's Path
Extending about 2 km along a canal carrying water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, the Philosopher's Path (so called because famed Japanese philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, used to walk it as a daily meditation before WWII) is perfect for a leisurely stroll with views that change through the seasons; cherries followed by new green leaves and, then again, the pastel hues of autumn.
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
It's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour
The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper’s paradise and is, without saying, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains and various “one-of-a-kind items” are all up for grabs here. If you would like to walk around Kyoto on your own two feet and enjoy shopping and authentic Japanese cooking, follow this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour
The former capital of Japan, Kyoto is the city of tradition, history and culture. Attesting to this is the central part of the city, replete with historic attractions – centuries-old imperial palaces, castles and shrines that have seen a lot in the turbulent past of Kyoto. The explore the most prominent of them and to feel the breath of antiquity, follow this self-guided walk.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Gion District Walking Tour
Famed for being one of the most mesmerizing parts of Kyoto, Gion is the area long associated with traditional Japanese entertainment, stunning temples, geisha and local eateries ideal to while away a day in the ancient capital of Japan. The district forms part of the Higashiyama (“Eastern Mountain”) neighborhood lying north and south of Shijo Street, stretching from Yasaka Shrine in the east... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Higashiyama Walking Tour
Kyoto is a city catering for tourists, especially the ones with love of history, religion and, of course, Japanese culture. Many of Kyoto's attractions are located in the eastern part of the city, which itself is split into wards. One of them is the Higashiyama Ward, home to several famous temples of Kyoto, including centuries-old Zen and Shinto sites such as lantern-lit Yasaka shrine and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour
The Arashiyama district is slightly out of way for tourists – but that just means one can enjoy it more comfortably. While arguably the most popular attraction here is the 'bamboo path' with its magnificent, towering bamboos, you should also enjoy other scenic attractions such as the Ōi River and Mount Arashi, or the Monkey Park, all within walking distance and selected/described in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Japanese Products To Bring Home from Kyoto
The old capital of Japan, the city of Kyoto has once again been the talk of the world lately, thanks to the bestselling "Memoirs of a Geisha" book and the namesake Hollywood blockbuster movie. Renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship, Japan has so much to amaze a foreign eye with. Many of...