10 Best Shopping Malls in Kyoto

AEON MALL Kyoto Gojo is one of the largest malls in Kyoto. It boasts a great selection of shops and is also a go-to spot for locals and travellers looking to try some flavours besides traditional Japanese cuisine. From international brands and local goods to multinational dining options, mall-goers are spoilt for choice here.

Thanks to its all-under-one-roof nature, many agree that AEON MALL Kyoto Gojo is a great place for last-minute shopping before leaving the city. The fun factor is also cranked up whenever a seasonal event is held. If you’re visiting Kyoto around Christmas or New Year, give this mall a visit.

Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden is among the latest additions to Kyoto’s shopping scene. Within the 8-storey mall, you can find each floor dedicated to different products and needs. These range from toys, mobile goods and electronics to home renovation centres and even tailored suits.

In between shopping, take a break by heading to Kyoto Kawaramachi Garden’s massive food hall. Whether you’re looking for some light bites and coffee or if you’re hankering for a more lavish unagi kabayaki (grilled eel), there’s a great variety of cuisines to choose from.

Porta Kyoto greets the city’s arriving and departing visitors as well as shopping locals beneath Kyoto Bus Station. It is connected to Kyoto Subway Station and the strategic, high-traffic spot makes it a perfect place for you to grab some souvenirs before leaving Kyoto.

Porta Kyoto is separated into east and west areas, and visitors who are looking for last-minute souvenirs are sure to be satisfied by the east area’s souvenir and food shops. In the west area, you’ll find fashion boutiques and other services. If you want to grab something to eat, head to Porta Dining in the west area for a majority of this underground shopping mall’s restaurants.

Kawaramachi Opa is a 9-storey shopping mall with some of the most sought-after fashion brands in Kyoto. It's a big hit with the young crowds who are looking to up their fashion game. You can also find other goods in this mall, though, ranging from books to cosmetics and plenty in between. The mall’s great location, a mere 1-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station’s exit no. 3, only adds to the overall shopping experience.

Another major plus for Kawaramachi Opa is their telephone translation service with friendly staff who will make sure that you’ll have a pleasant time, even for non-Japanese speakers.

Kyoto Avanti, only a stone’s throw from Kyoto Station’s south exit, offers a complete range of things to buy and do over 6 floors. It’s easy to see why this mall is popular with visitors of all ages.

The basement features both casual and proper sit-down restaurants, with stores selling shoes, kimonos, and imported goods just upstairs, and there are various clothing shops on the upper floors. Lovers of manga and anime will find plenty to browse on level 4F, including a game centre where you can spend a few hours.

AEON Mall Kyoto is home to lots of major Japanese brands, from stylish clothes stores like Uniqlo and Mamaikuko to well-known homeware brand Muji. You can browse the latest fashion trends at big international stores like Tommy Hilfiger, Gap and Montbell, or hunt down a bargain at Daiso, a 100-yen store filled with toys, gifts, and bric-a-brac.

Head to AEON Mall’s downstairs supermarket to stock up on snacks or supplies for a picnic. There are plenty of restaurants and a food court, where you can enjoy bibimbap (Korean mixed rice), Indian curry, barbecued pork ribs, Japanese noodles, and ice cream. The shopping mall has an onsite cinema showing the latest Japanese and international films, as well as a games arcade with video games, prize machines, and a fun photo booth.