Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street: Kyoto's Old Shopping Street
Based on my experience of spending two years in Kyoto as a graduate student, I'd like to share the charm of Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street.
This street, along with the adjacent Kyogoku Shopping Street, is a place I often visited and holds many memories. I would relax at cafes with friends or stop by to look for souvenirs for my family. I've interacted with this shopping street in various ways.
The interesting aspect of Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is the coexistence of Buddhist supply shops next to stylish cafes, and traditional long-established stores alongside modern shops. This peculiar harmony gives you a sense of Kyoto's essence.
I'll share the appeal of this street from both a tourist's perspective and my experience as a temporary "local"!
Table of Contents
・What is Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street? Difference from Nishiki Market
・Access to Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
・Recommended Shops and Restaurants in Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
・Places to Visit Along with Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
What is Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street? Difference from Nishiki Market
Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is a historic shopping street located in the center of Kyoto city.
The history of this shopping street dates back about 500 years. It got its name from the concentration of temples in the area, which was rebuilt after being reduced to ashes in a war.
As a result, even today, there are long-established shops selling Buddhist supplies. On the other hand, there are also many modern cafes and restaurants, making it loved by a wide range of generations from young people to the elderly.
Website: https://www.kyoto-teramachi.or.jp/
Difference from Nishiki Market
Right next to Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is the famous Nishiki Market. While both are attractive spots in Kyoto, their characteristics differ greatly.
Nishiki Market is called "Kyoto's Kitchen" and is mainly specialized in food. It's lined with shops dealing in fresh ingredients and Kyoto specialties, bustling with tourists enjoying food-hopping. It has a strong Kyoto atmosphere and is particularly popular among foreign tourists.
On the other hand, Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street has many shops that locals use daily. There's a wider variety of stores including restaurants, cafes, and general goods shops. While it may not have as strong a Kyoto feel as Nishiki Market, you can experience the modern daily life of Kyoto.
When I guided my international student friends, I often chose a course where we would first experience Kyoto's food culture at Nishiki Market, and then enjoy leisurely shopping at Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street. I think visiting both allows you to feel the multifaceted charm of Kyoto.
Difference from Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Immediately to the east of Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. Many people visit these two shopping streets together as they are adjacent.
As its name suggests, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is newer than Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street and has more shops aimed at younger people. It's particularly bustling with people on weekends, full of energy. It features many fashion stores, game centers, and movie theaters, characterized by its high entertainment value.
On the other hand, Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street has a more relaxed atmosphere. It has many long-established stores and shops dealing in traditional goods, suitable for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll. I often walked around Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street to refresh myself between study sessions. Its quiet atmosphere helped calm my mind.
By visiting both shopping streets, you can enjoy both the traditional and modern sides of Kyoto. I recommend experiencing modern Kyoto in Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and then slowly feeling the history in Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street.
Access to Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is very conveniently located in the center of Kyoto. Here's how to access it from major stations:
From Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
It's about a 15-minute walk east from the station. Head east on Shijo Street and you'll find it just past Kawaramachi Street.
From Gion-Shijo Station or Sanjo Station on the Keihan Main Line
It's about a 15-minute walk west from either station. You can enjoy the atmosphere of Gion as you walk.
From Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway
This is the closest station. It's just a short walk west after exiting from Exit 9.
Combining with Other Tourist Spots:
If you're combining it with tourist attractions in the Higashiyama area like Kiyomizu Temple, Hankyu's "Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station" or Keihan's "Gion-Shijo Station" are convenient. You can tour the Higashiyama area and Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street in one day using these stations as your base.
Recommended Shops and Restaurants in Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street has many attractive shops. I'll introduce recommended shops for those looking for souvenirs and those who want to enjoy a meal.
Shops Recommended for Souvenirs
Hakuchikudo－Kanpu－: Kyoto Fans
Source: Google Map by Hakuchikudo
Hakuchikudo－Kanpu－ is a long-established shop with 300 years of history, a valuable presence that carries on the tradition of fan-making in Kyoto. When you step into the store, you'll be captivated by the beautifully displayed colorful fans and their high artistry.
What I particularly like is that they have a rich selection of not only traditional Japanese patterns but also modern designed fans. When I bought them as souvenirs for friends and family, they were very well received. Fans are practical and also perfect for dealing with Kyoto's summer heat.
<Store Information>
Address: 223 Eirakucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8071
Closed: None
Phone: 075-221-8500
Hours: 12 PM –5 PM
Website: http://www.hakuchikudo.co.jp/shop/sanjyo.html
Akarame: Kyoto Accessories
Akarame sells bags, pouches, brooches, straps, and other items with modern arrangements of traditional Kyoto motifs. The designs that change with each season are also attractive, and my friend looked forward to checking out new products every season.
What was particularly impressive were the accessories expressing Kyoto's four seasons, such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and bamboo. The pouches with delicate Japanese patterns were very well received as souvenirs for my overseas friends.
The atmosphere in the store is also relaxed, allowing you to leisurely choose products. The staff are friendly and carefully explain the features and usage of the products. If you're looking for accessories or fashion items that give you a sense of Kyoto, I definitely recommend visiting Akarame.
<Store Information>
Address: 291 Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8043
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 075-211-7016
Hours: 11:30 AM –7 PM
Website: Unavailable
Shops Recommended for Meals and Drinks
Kyo Tsuke-men Tsurukame
Source: Tabelog by yoshi157638
For those who want to experience ramen culture, I highly recommend Kyo Tsuke-men Tsurukame. Here, you can enjoy "tsukemen".
Tsukemen is a type of Japanese ramen where boiled noodles and rich soup are served separately. By dipping the noodles in the soup as you eat, you can simultaneously enjoy the texture of the noodles and the rich taste of the soup.
Kyo Tsuke-men Tsurukame is a popular tsukemen specialty shop in Kyoto. When I first visited, I was surprised by its popularity. There's often a line, but it's well worth the wait.
I highly recommend this shop not only to ramen lovers but also to those interested in Japanese food culture.
<Store Information>
Address: Kikusui Building 1F, 559 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8042
Closed: None
Phone: 075-211-7016
Hours: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Website: https://www.instagram.com/tsurukame.rokkaku.honten?igsh=YzEwam1ybDQyMm52
B no Kaidan: Cafe with Kyoto Menu
Source: Tabelog by B no Kaidan
B no Kaidan, a hidden cafe in Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, is a wonderful space where Kyoto-ness and modern cafe culture blend.
The charm of B no Kaidan lies in its unique menu. In addition to typical cafe menu items like pasta and parfaits, they also offer "dashi chazuke", which gives you a sense of Kyoto. Dashi chazuke is a Japanese-style rice dish eaten with dashi broth poured over it, allowing you to easily enjoy Kyoto's food culture.
What I particularly like about this cafe is its calm atmosphere. Being on the second floor, you can spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the street.
I recommend B no Kaidan when you want to heal your tired body from sightseeing or when you want to slowly enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto.
<Store Information>
Address: Kadoma Building 2F, 294 Higashidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8043
Closed: None
Phone: 075-221-5955
Hours : 11 AM–5 PM
Website: http://b-kaidan.jp/
MORITOSHI: Kyoto's Obanzai Izakaya
Source: Google Map by MORITOSHI
For those who want to experience Kyoto's food culture more deeply, I recommend the obanzai izakaya MORITOSHI.
"Obanzai" refers to Kyoto's home-style cooking. It's seasonal cooking using local ingredients, and can be said to be the essence of Kyoto's food culture. At MORITOSHI, you can enjoy this obanzai along with delicious drinks.
The menu changes with the seasons, but it always features dishes using fresh local ingredients. What I particularly liked were the dishes using Kyoto's traditional vegetables. You can enjoy tastes unique to Kyoto, such as dishes using Kujo green onions.
If you want to enjoy authentic Japanese food and drinks in a Kyoto-like atmosphere, I highly recommend visiting MORITOSHI.
<Store Information>
Address: 265 Shikibucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8061
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 075-221-5955
Hours (Tuesdays to Fridays): 6 PM–10:30 PM
Hours (Saturdays & Sundays): 5 PM–10:30 PM
Website: Unavailable
Places to Visit Along with Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street
After enjoying Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street and the adjacent Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, there are many spots where you can experience Kyoto's charm more deeply.
Nishiki Market
Just a few minutes' walk from Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, you'll arrive at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen.
Nishiki Market is Kyoto's largest market in the Shijo Kawaramachi area, with about 130 shops lined up. Here, you can find fresh fish, colorful Kyoto vegetables, fragrant pickles, and various Kyoto-like souvenirs.
What I particularly like is the "food-hopping" culture of this market. Many shops offer samples or small portions of products, so you can enjoy Kyoto flavors one after another.
Nishiki Market is also an excellent place to learn about Kyoto's food culture. You can see seasonal ingredients and foods unique to Kyoto.
It's a market used daily by locals as well as tourists, so you can get a glimpse of Kyoto's daily life. However, as it's a popular spot, it gets crowded, especially around lunchtime. If you want to enjoy it leisurely, I recommend visiting in the relatively early morning or towards evening.
Website: https://www.kyoto-nishiki.or.jp/en/
Pontocho
If you want to enjoy Kyoto's nightlife, I recommend Pontocho.
Pontocho is a narrow alley stretching north-south along the Kamo River, lined with old teahouses and traditional restaurants. While it has a quaint atmosphere during the day, I especially love the atmosphere at night. The alley lit by lanterns makes you feel as if you've wandered into the world of a period drama.
This area is one of Kyoto's traditional streets, and if you're lucky, you might spot maiko or geisha. However, photographing them is against the rules, so if you see them, please just quietly observe.
Pontocho has various dining establishments. There's a wide range of choices from high-end traditional restaurants to casual izakayas. My recommendation is a restaurant where you can enjoy kawadoko (riverside) dining.
Dining on a cool riverside platform overlooking the Kamo River on a summer night is a uniquely Kyoto experience.
Website: https://www.ponto-chou.com/
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
If you're visiting Kyoto, you can't miss Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage site.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is about a 20-minute walk from the Gion area where Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is located, and it's one of Kyoto's representative tourist spots. When I first visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple, I was overwhelmed by its grandeur. What was particularly impressive was the view from the main hall's stage. The view overlooking Kyoto city was truly spectacular.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple has many highlights. The Niomon Gate at the entrance, the three-storied pagoda, and the main hall (Kiyomizu Stage) are all full of history and artistry.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, are lined with souvenir shops and cafes. You can find Kyoto-like sweets and crafts, so shopping here is also one of the pleasures.
The path to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is uphill, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes when visiting.
Website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/
Kodai-ji Temple
Lastly, for those who want to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, I recommend Kodai-ji Temple.
Kodai-ji Temple is a temple about a 15-minute walk from Gion, known for being founded by Nene, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. What I particularly like about Kodai-ji Temple is its serene atmosphere. While there are many tourists, it's not as crowded as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, allowing you to slowly enjoy the beauty of the temple.
The highlight of Kodai-ji Temple is undoubtedly its beautiful garden. The garden expressing water flow with stones and sand has a charm that encapsulates the beauty of Japanese gardens.
Kodai-ji Temple is also a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. The weeping cherry blossoms in spring are especially spectacular, and at night they are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical scenery. The autumn foliage is also beautiful, with the entire garden turning red and yellow.
Website: https://www.kodaiji.com/
By visiting these spots along with Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, you can experience the diverse charms of Kyoto at once. I believe you can enjoy various faces of Kyoto, from shopping streets to historical temples.
Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street is a charming place where Kyoto's tradition and modernity harmonize beautifully. Historical buildings coexist with new shops, allowing you to feel the multifaceted appeal of Kyoto.
I recommend this place not only to tourists but also to international students and long-term visitors. Find your own Kyoto experience in Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street, where Kyoto's everyday and extraordinary intersect!
