Shinkyogoku and Teramachi

Situated in downtown Kyoto, Shinkyogoku is a long shopping street lined with the cheapest souvenirs you could lay your hands on while travelling around Japan. A few hundred metres from the enormous Nishiki Market, this stretch is perfect for buying everything quintessentially local, right from Japanese dolls to herbal medicines. You can also purchase moderately priced, albeit rather tacky, clothing and cosmetics. Frequented by school children out on excursions, this arcade also plays host to plenty of affordable restaurants. Moreover, university students love buying all of their essentials from this place, which is an indication of the great bargains that can be found here.

While Shinkyogoku is on the Eastern side of Nishiki, its Western counterpart is the more elegant and historical Teramachi, with its bookstores and art galleries. In addition to that, there are modern coffee shops and confectionery stores lining this boulevard that once used to be an upscale residential address. Tea emporiums are other notable establishments on this street. Named by the great warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Teramachi attracts travellers because of its affordable souvenirs, tranquil ambience, and the fact that it is a mirror reflecting the rich culture and traditions of Japan. Spend a nice afternoon strolling around these lanes to make the most of your time in Kyoto. Both of these places are close to the Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Tozai subway line.