Kyoto has some great shopping, especially if you want traditional Japanese arts and souvenirs. If you are looking for the latest fads and fashions, this is not the best place to go. There are malls and stores that sell a lot of merchandise, but overall, the best type of shopping to do in Kyoto is by looking for the smaller shops that sell finer things. There are tourist shops all over the city as well. Some are specific for cheap gifts, such as coffee cups, t-shirts, and keychains. Others are a bit higher end. These shops sell items like fans and traditional sweets. Some other traditional gifts that may be bought in Kyoto are paper parasols, carved wooden dolls, pottery, and washi paper.
The prices for everything you buy will seem extremely expensive, as the value of the Yen is considerably lower than the dollar. For example, Kyoto is known for samurai swords, which cost about 3,000,000 Yen. That's about $30,000. (A quick way to estimate cost in dollars is to mentally remove the last 2 digits in the price.) Expect to go through a lot of Yen, and try to keep a considerable amount on you at all times. Japan is primarily a cash economy, and many small stores take cash only. To complicate things, there are not a lot of ATM machines around. However, large department stores like Takashimaya, take credit cards and also have ATM machines. That store is based in Namba Osaka, and has branches nationwide. The merchandise is quite fine, though some of it is quite expensive. There is an amazing food court in the basement.
The head branch of Takashimaya in Kyoto is in the heart of the shopping district. From the Kamo River, go west on Shijo-dori (4th Street). You will find all sorts of shops along the street. There is also a branch at the main train station, and ATM machines are there, of course. Some of the smaller stores in the train station mall have nice souvenirs. Another good place to shop for unusual gifts is at the many temples and shrines in the city. You may find things like incense, keychains with carved wooden Chinese zodiac symbols, reasonably priced picture books of their dry gardens, etc.
