Shopping in Kyoto, Japan
Shopping even seems like a sport, the amount of people walking around with their bags in the streets. Even in a country country like Kyoto, shopping is a great choice and you can find many decorative items or travel souvenirs.
In Japan, where space is increasingly valued, there are many department stores and therefore don’t understand that they are simple stores; we are talking about gigantic stores, practically shopping malls, that sell an incredible amount of products from the most varied brands – in them, you can find everything and a little more! Most of these department stores have several floors, each floor dedicated to certain types of products, including food.
The Kyoto Station area is very good for shopping. The station itself has a huge variety of stores ranging from food items to clothes and decorative items. Next to the station is the department store Isetan and the shopping mall Porta, both with an excellent variety of products. In this region and in its surroundings, you will find good electronics stores, such as Bic Camera and the huge Yodobashi, which sells a little of everything.
The Shijo Street (Shijo Dori) is one of the main streets of the city and she is concentrating much of the trade. It is a busy street with a large number of stores, including Takashiyama, Marui and Daimaru department stores, which sell products from more exclusive brands. Along Shijo Dori, you will find everything from stores that sell geta (typical Japanese clogs) to wonderful cosmetics stores.
The Shijo Dori area between the Kamo River and the Yasaka Shrine (in the vicinity of the Gion district) is a great place to buy artisanal products, food, candies, etc.
Another good area for shopping is the Nishiki Market area, which has a lot of typical Japanese food and you will see things you have never eaten in your life! It is an interesting place for those who like to try new flavors. Two pedestrian streets are in the vicinity of the market, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku, which also have many shops.
In the vicinity of frequently visited temples, you will also find shops selling handmade products and travel souvenirs. The street that gives access to the Ginkaku-ji temple and the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka hills in Higashiyama, can yield good shopping.
Shopping in Bali
Bali is not the type of destination you plan to return with bags full of shopping, but the island offers good options for those who do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the trip to buy souvenirs.
The island has famous brand stores and many local shops, with more exclusive and funky products. If you like to buy, take a moment to admire the trade in handicrafts and products of Balinese origin, because in addition to being able to find this type of product at a great price, you still acquire a meaningful product. Near the tourist spots, there are always little boats selling souvenirs, sarong, fabrics and clothes – in this popular trade, the tip is always to bargain, because that way you guarantee products at a lower price.
Kuta is the most developed part of the island and it is there that big malls and famous brand stores are located, including surf and beach wear brands. If you want to visit malls with greater structure, visit the Kuta Beachwalk or the Mal Bali Galeria.
In Seminyak, you will see stores of well-known brands, mainly for beachwear. The streets of the neighborhood are great for finding smaller, intimate stores that sell stylish clothes or even designer clothes. As it is hot all year in Bali, clothes sold in stores tend to be geared towards a summer mood.
In Ubud, you will find a little bit of everything. The city has handicraft shops, decoration products, bookstore, objects for those who like Yoga or enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Ubud is an excellent place to find cheap products and travel souvenirs, especially at Ubud Market, which has a giant variety of stalls! The market is the best place to buy handbags, clothes and sarong, which is the traditional garb used by the Balinese to enter the temples.
Tips
There is always room to bargain at stalls selling local products and informal commerce. Many sellers start by offering a product at a high price when they see that you are a tourist; negotiate, because the price in this type of trade can always be improved.
Credit cards are accepted in structured stores, but in popular stores the sale is always in cash.