Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Delving into the world of manga at the
Kyoto International Manga Museum
(
CLICK
HERE
).
Shopping for the perfect gift in the shopping district around Shijō and Kawaramachi
streets.
Explore: Downtown Kyoto
The downtown area is two subway stops north of Kyoto Station (about 2km). Downtown
Kyoto is bounded by the Kamo-gawa (the river) to the east, Karasuma-dōri to the west,
Oike-dōri to the north and Shijō-dōri to the south. In this relatively small square area, you
will find the thickest selection of restaurants, shops, hotels and businesses in all of Kyoto.
While Downtown Kyoto does contain a handful of first-rate sights, sightseeing here is
more about soaking up the vibe. Downtown Kyoto is easily reached from almost any-
where in town: the city's two subway lines serve the area, as does the private Hankyū line,
and the private Keihan line, which stops just across the river. You could even walk from
Kyoto Station to Downtown Kyoto in about half an hour.
The main streets of Shijō and Kawaramachi hold some of the biggest shops, but you'll
also find a huge selection of shops in the area's four covered shopping streets (known as
shōtengai
): Sanjō (good for restaurants), Teramachi (a mix of art, religious items and tat),
Shinkyōgoku (mostly tacky souvenirs for kids) and Nishiki Market (the city's main food
market). But don't just explore these main shopping streets: also head into the maze of
smaller streets west of Teramachi, where you'll find a great array of interesting boutiques
and restaurants.
Local Life
Loft stores, is popular with everyone.
»
Meeting Point
The Starbucks at Sanjō-Ōhashi is the preferred meeting spot for locals
and foreigners alike.
