When strolling in Kyoto, don't forget to take a photo with the giant Mario at Shijo Kawaramachi

Shijo Kawaramachi is the main shopping district in the center of Kyoto City, gathering numerous shops, department stores, and dining places, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Here are my shopping recommendations in this area, including some of my personal experiences and interesting discoveries. Takashimaya Department Store 🛍️ Takashimaya is one of the well-known department stores in Japan, located in the heart of Shijo Kawaramachi. Not only does it offer a variety of high-end brands and Japanese specialties, but it also has an array of food and gifts. • Recent Highlight: The first floor of Takashimaya has set up a giant Mario decoration using the space of one shop! This decoration is really fun and has attracted many tourists and Mario fans to come and take pictures. 🎮👾 • Brand Recommendations: • Shiseido: A famous Japanese cosmetics brand known for its high-quality skincare and makeup products. • Issey Miyake: Known for its unique fashion designs and innovative materials, it is one of the top fashion brands in Japan. Hankyu Department Store 🌟 Adjacent to Takashimaya, Hankyu Department Store is also a great place for shopping. It offers a rich selection of fashion apparel, beauty products, and home goods. I especially like the dining area here, which offers a variety of delicacies, making it an excellent place to rest after shopping. • Brand Recommendations: • MUJI: Popular for its minimalist design and high-quality products, offering everything from home goods to fashion apparel. • Uniqlo: Offers cost-effective fashion clothing suitable for consumers of all ages and styles. Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street 🛒 This is a shopping street full of history and traditional charm, with many specialty shops and handicraft stores, perfect for taking home as souvenirs. • Handicrafts: There are many shops selling Kyoto-specific crafts, such as washi paper, ceramics, and lacquerware. I particularly like a shop that sells handmade fans with beautiful Kyoto landscape paintings, which are definitely worth a look. • Food Recommendations: If you're tired of walking, take a break at a traditional Japanese restaurant on the street and taste the local cuisine. 🍣🍵 Kyoto BAL 🎨 This is a trendy shopping center that gathers many international and designer brands, very suitable for young people and fashion enthusiasts. • Brand Recommendations: • Matsumoto Kiyoshi: One of the largest drugstore chains in Japan, offering a variety of skincare, beauty, and health products. • Comme des Garçons: Known for its avant-garde and unique fashion designs, it is a fashion pioneer in Japan and around the world. • Bookstores and Cafés: In addition to shopping, you can relax in the bookstores and cafés here, enjoying leisure time. I particularly like to buy a few travel guides in the bookstore and then slowly browse through them in the café. 📚☕ Transportation Information 🚉 Shijo Kawaramachi is located in the center of Kyoto City, with very convenient transportation: • Tram: You can take the Keihan Main Line to Shijo Station, or take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi Station, and then walk to the main shopping area. • Bus: Multiple bus routes pass through Shijo Kawaramachi, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Kyoto City. Tips 💡 1. Avoid peak hours: The area is crowded during weekends and holidays, so it is recommended to avoid peak times for a more comfortable shopping experience. 2. Bring a shopping bag: Japan promotes environmental protection, and some stores do not provide free plastic bags, so it is advisable to bring your own shopping bag. 3. Pay attention to promotions: Takashimaya and other department stores often have promotional activities, so keep an eye on their official websites or in-store announcements to enjoy more discounts.