Page 188 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

Where to shop
186  JAP AN REGION B Y REGION

Specialty Souvenirs Pickles and Sweets
Kyoto’s many vegetables
Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to buy crafts and are delicious; pickled
souvenirs, many of them local specialties. Some outlets (tsukemono), they become
are actually outside the central shopping district. Among sublime. In addition to Nishiki
the best places to look are the roads leading up to major Market (see p184), two stores
are notable. Narita, east of
temples such as Kiyomizu-dera. Kamigamo Shrine, has preser­
vative­free delicacies, including
its famous suguki-zuke (turnip
pickle). Murakami-ju, in the city
center, has more than 20 types
of pickles. Works of art, wagashi
(sweets) come in a variety of
styles. The exquisite namagashi
are meant to be eaten the same
day they are made, preferably
accompanied by matcha
(powdered tea). Those at
Tsukimochi-ya Nao masa
are traditional favorites.

Footwear
On Nawate, Minochu has
Craft shop on the canalside Philosopher’s Walk a stunning collection of
traditional Japanese footwear,
General Crafts Dolls
some in larger than standard
The Gion, or eastern, end Kyoto dolls have been sizes. The tall koppori-geta
of Shijo has a number of famous throughout Japan worn by Kyoto’s apprentice
interesting craft shops, includ­ for centuries. Oshido, on the geisha can be bought here.
ing the Kyoto International front approach to Kiyomizu
Craft Center (Wazagu), which Temple, has a fine selection
carries many contem porary of dolls, and all kinds of Bamboo Products
craft items. The Kyoto accessories such as netsuke An abundance of bamboo
Handicraft Center, north of and kanzashi (hair in neighboring Shiga
Heian Shrine, gives regular ornaments). They also pre fecture and the
handicraft demonstrations. stock a wide range of development of the
wooden sandals, utensils used in the
Japanese swords, and tea ceremony have
Ceramics and Tableware textile goods. K1 Doll helped make Kyoto a
Kiyomizu­yaki is the city’s has an impressive prime center for the
refined porcelain ware. A collection of lifelike production of this
fine selection of this and Ichimatsu-ningyo, which flexible natural material.
other porcelains can be were once considered Kagoshin, east of the
found at Tachikichi. Asahi- standard trousseau One of Kyoto’s Sanjo Bridge, makes
do offers a comprehensive items. Tanaka-ya is famous dolls wonderful bamboo
range, as does Roku Roku Dou. known both for its craft items, including
Asobe, east of Shijo, has been dolls and its Noh masks. baskets for ikebana arrange­
in business since 1807 and is ments. Tsujikura, on
well known for lacquerware. Kawaramachi, north of Shijo,
Ichi hara, south of Shijo, offers Incense stocks a good selection of
a good selection of chopsticks Incense has been a Kyoto handsome and sturdy bamboo
and bamboo utensils. specialty since Heian times. umbrellas, as well as various
Kungyoku-do, a shop with types of paper lanterns.
a 400­year­old history, has
Tea an aromatic selection in
Tea in Kyoto means Uji­cha, for stick, chip, and pellet form.
neighboring Uji is, with Shizuoka, Toyoda Aisan-do, in the
one of Japan’s most famous Gion, has a wide selection
tea­producing regions. There of incense and incense
are many fine tea shops in burners. Lisn is an intriguing
town, but Ippodo Chaho is boutique with some novel Umbrella with a bamboo frame, a
the granddaddy of them all. forms of incense. popular shade at restaurants

186-187_EW_Japan.indd 186 08/08/16 3:07 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm