The Shinkyogoku Shopping District is one of the best places to go in Kyoto for a real local experience. This fun, car-free street has lots of tasty food, interesting souvenir shops, and traditional Japanese culture. Located right in the center of downtown Kyoto, it’s a great place to see both old and new parts of the city. From old craft stores to modern food stands, here are 10 must-see spots you’ll want to check out.
Best Stores in Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a lively spot in Kyoto filled with unique stores, souvenirs, and local charm. Below are 10 of the best stores you should check out while exploring.
1. Bentendo
If you’re exploring Kyoto and want unique souvenirs, Benten-do is the place to visit. It’s located in the heart of the busy Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. This shop has been around since the Meiji era and started offering Kyoto-themed souvenirs after World War II.
What makes it special? Many of the items are designed and made by the shop itself. This mix of tradition and fresh ideas makes it unique.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of classic Japanese gifts. They offer items like kimono, katana swords, Kyoto dolls, folding fans (sensu), hanging scrolls, Japanese cologne, and kneaded perfume. Benten-do also carries Imabari towels, which are famous for their softness and are made in Imabari City. One standout item is the gold folding fan. It’s small but shines like a golden screen.
The shop is clean and cozy. It’s easy to take your time and browse. If you want a real Kyoto souvenir, Benten-do is definitely worth a stop.
📍 Address: 〒604-8035 京都府京都市中京区新京極通六角下る桜之町440−3
Sakuranocho 440-3, Shinkyogoku, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8035
📞Phone: 075-221-1322
Bentendo Store
2. SOU · SOU Hotei
SOU・SOU is a brand from Kyoto, Japan, started in 2003. It was created by three people: Katsuji Wakisaka (a designer), Hisanobu Tsujimura (an architect), and Takeyuki Wakabayashi (a producer).
SOU・SOU makes things like socks, kimonos, Japanese sweets, and even furniture. Their designs show off the beauty of Japan’s seasons, but they also make the products modern and fun. They use old, traditional materials but make them cool for today’s world. SOU・SOU wants to make Japanese culture new and exciting, while still keeping some old traditions.
📍 Address: 569-10 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward
📞 Phone: 075-212-959
Website: https://www.sousou.co.jp/
SOU · SOU Hotei
3. Kyogoku Iwai
This cozy shop in Kyoto sells beautiful handmade items made with Nishijin silk, a colorful fabric with shiny gold threads. The shop looks like an old Japanese house and smells nice with floral incense. Inside, you’ll find pretty paper goods, folding fans, and scented sachets. Many people love the small accessories like sparkly coin purses, scrunchies, and pouches.
There are also great gifts for men, like wallets and ties. Everything is made with care and shows Kyoto’s famous craftsmanship. These items are small, affordable, and perfect as souvenirs.
📍 Address: 556 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku
📞 Phone: 075-221-0314
Kyogoku Iwai
Image Source: japantravel.navitime.com
4. Londonya
This shop sells London-yaki, which are small, round cakes made from fluffy castella and filled with sweet white bean paste. As you walk through Shinkyogoku Shopping Street—a fun and busy place for students and tourists—you might hear a clanging sound. That’s the machine making the London-yaki! It’s fun to watch, and lots of people stop to see how it works.
These treats don’t have any dairy, so they can stay fresh for days without a fridge. They’re soft, smooth, and gently sweet—once you try one, you’ll want more!
📍 Address: 565 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku
📞 Phone: 075-221-3248
Website: https://londonya-kyoto.com/
London-yaki
Image Source: japantravel.navitime
5. Kyowadou – Classic Kyoto Sweets
If you want to try classic Kyoto snacks, Kyowadou is a fun shop to visit. They are known for Yatsuhashi, a soft and chewy mochi with a cinnamon taste, filled with sweet red bean paste. The shop picks sweets from local makers to make sure they are tasty and traditional.
You can also find other yummy treats like matcha langue de chat cookies, which are crispy cookies with a green tea flavor, and warabi mochi, a soft, jelly-like dessert that tastes really good when it’s cold. These snacks are great as souvenirs, light treats, or special gifts to bring home.
📍 Address: 〒 604-8035 Kyoto City Nakagyo Ward Shinkyogoku Sanjo Sagaru Sakuranocho 406
📞 Phone: 075-241-2425
Website: https://kyowadou.com/
Image Source: kyowadou.com
6. Kyo no furusato
Kyonofurusato is a great place to buy souvenirs in Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku Shopping District. It has been around for over 100 years, since 1919! The shop sells real Kyoto items like pretty handmade folding fans, tasty local sweets, and fun traditional gifts. The staff are really friendly and can speak seven different languages to help you.
Their folding fans are especially popular because they’re light, beautiful, and easy to pack. This shop is the perfect place to find unique gifts, tasty treats, and special items to remember your trip to Kyoto. It’s a welcoming place where everyone can find something they love!
📍 Address: 439 Sakurano-cho, Nakagyo-ku
📞 Phone: 075-221-6071
Image Source: Store's GBP
7. Kyogoku Stand
If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy food in Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku Shopping District, you should check out "Kyogoku Stand." This shop has a charming, old-fashioned vibe and feels very cozy. It’s often packed with both locals and tourists, making it a lively spot.
Kyogoku Stand opens at noon and gets busy right away with people coming in for a tasty and filling lunch. It's also a great place to enjoy drinks starting at lunchtime. One special dish you can try here is "dojou" (Asian pond loach), served with egg and burdock root. It’s a unique dish that’s not easy to find in Japan, so if you're looking for something different, give it a try!
📍 Address: 546 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku
📞 Phone: 075-221-4156
Website: https://shinkyogoku-stand.jp/
Image Source: shinkyogoku-stand.jp
8. Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi – Shinkyogoku Branch
If you’re looking for fresh and affordable sushi in Kyoto’s Shinkyogoku area, Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi is a great pick. This fun conveyor-belt sushi spot serves tasty seafood starting at just 100 yen per plate. Whether you like classic nigiri or fun sushi rolls, there’s something for everyone. They also have yummy side dishes like noodles if you want a bigger meal.
Ordering is easy with English tablets, which is super helpful for visitors from other countries. The place can get a little crowded because it’s popular, but the quick service and fresh sushi make it worth the wait!
📍 Address: 545-1 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-
📞 Phone: 075-252-0211
Website: https://sushi.daiki-suisan.co.jp/
Image Source: sushi.daiki-suisan.co.jp
9. Guf Kyoto (Japan Culture & Character Shop)
If you love anime or video games, Guf Kyoto is a fun shop to visit in Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. It’s full of cool, official merch from your favorite shows and games. What makes it extra special is how it mixes Japanese tradition with pop culture—like folding fans with Demon Slayer designs or Ghibli-style towels.
You’ll find all kinds of things like plush toys, keychains, stickers, and fun surprises you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for rare items or just something fun to take home, Guf Kyoto is an awesome place to explore!
📍 Address: 1F, 571 Nakanocho, Shimogyo Ward
📞 Phone: 075-600-704
Website: http://www.bb-guf.co.jp/
Image Source: bb-guf.co.jp
10. Teppan – Kyoto-Style Ikayaki
As you stroll through the lively Shinkyogoku shopping arcade, be sure to try Teppan’s famous Kyoto-style ikayaki—a hot, tasty snack that’s perfect for eating on the go. It’s made by pressing fresh squid onto a hot grill, turning it into a golden, pancake-like treat.
On top, there’s a fluffy egg layer, sweet and savory sauce, and a swirl of mayo. The result is a snack with crispy edges and a soft, seafood-filled middle. It’s great for a quick bite while shopping, especially if you love seafood or want something fun (and super photogenic) to post on Instagram!
📍 Address: 397-5 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo-ku
📞 Phone: 075-708-5925
Ikayaki
Image Source: travelfoodatlas.com
Final Words
Whether you're a foodie, a souvenir hunter, or someone who just loves to wander, the Shinkyogoku shopping district Kyoto has something for everyone. With its rich mix of traditional and modern, it's a must-visit spot to truly experience Kyoto’s charm.
If you missed Benten-do or want to remember Kyoto from home, our soft Imabari towels are ready for you. Made with care in Japan. Check out our collection and bring a little bit of Kyoto to your home.