Shijo Dori
Shijo Dori
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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The area
Neighbourhood: City Center
No district of Kyoto is quite as representative of its blended nature as the City Center. By day, the covered shopping arcades along Kawaramachi and Shijo Street bring deal hunters and fashionistas out in droves to peruse the clothing, accessories, gifts, and home goods offerings. When it grows dark, the City Center is a hip spot for nightlife, alive with bars and clubs. A trendy culinary scene and an abundance of local watering holes give the Center its youthful vibrancy. In contrast, the quieter areas of the City Center seem a world away, shielded from noise by the foliage of the public gardens and zen spaces surrounding the area's shrines, castles, and the Imperial Palace. These ancient and sacred spots are seamlessly folded into the scenery, providing a respite from the energy of the city, but close enough to put you directly back onto the pulse of the city when you're ready.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
49 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
24
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
0
lucem808
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States897 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
Most of my adventures on Shijo Dori are near Kawaramachi Station. This is the best place to be in the afternoon and evening, but you'll definitely arrive here to catch buses to nearly all shrines, temples, and attractions nearby. [One tip, if you're catching a bus, use an app to make sure you're catching the bus in the right direction, and check other buses arriving before it to make sure they also stop by, because you could be on the wrong side of the street heading in the wrong direction. I've wasted many an hour riding the wrong bus in the wrong direction.]
Either way, although most people focus on the expensive shopping. I have to say Nishiki Market is north of Karasuma Station and north-west of Kawaramachi--one of the best places (and crowded) to get fresh fried and cooked street-food. Did I mention it's crowded? It's closest, larger cousin is Kuromon Market in Osaka.
Also, north of Kawaramachi Station on Narayacho is a Book Off Plus, which means it has books, CDs, DVDs, but also used clothing at great deals, and some interesting styles to check out; this location also has a huge collection of Japanese anime figures, gundam, model trains, etc., it's an interesting stop to see a bisection of Japan's used and second-hand market. Also inside Kawaramachi OPA is a Daiso, in case you're looking for a smaller location that isn't as crowded as some of the larger stores. Just south of Kawaramachi Station is the Kyoto Pokemon Store located inside the Takashimaya shopping center.
The Kamo River also cuts through Shijo Dori near here, and you'll find tons of couples and groups sitting along the river bank during the evening. If you're lucky, you'll also find a musician you like--many local performers are here playing various types of music all the way from the Kawaramachi Station area to the Gion-Shijo Station area. It's another interesting slice of Japanese culture worth seeing, although they're mostly modern musicians and singers, it's still something worth witnessing.
Shijo Dori ends it's eastern street with Yasaka Shrine, the main entry point for many people visiting Gion.
And don't get me started on the food--there are so many vendors for food (and food gifts) along these streets. You just need to decide what you like to eat, and search for it. Especially close to Kamo River is the Pontocho area which is full of food and drinks, through tight alleys, for you to explore.
Overall, I'd consider this area to be more of an adult's paradise, for couples and groups of friends. Less for the kids to run around. But it makes for an interesting look at modern-day Kyoto, as you explore the older temples and shrines.
Either way, although most people focus on the expensive shopping. I have to say Nishiki Market is north of Karasuma Station and north-west of Kawaramachi--one of the best places (and crowded) to get fresh fried and cooked street-food. Did I mention it's crowded? It's closest, larger cousin is Kuromon Market in Osaka.
Also, north of Kawaramachi Station on Narayacho is a Book Off Plus, which means it has books, CDs, DVDs, but also used clothing at great deals, and some interesting styles to check out; this location also has a huge collection of Japanese anime figures, gundam, model trains, etc., it's an interesting stop to see a bisection of Japan's used and second-hand market. Also inside Kawaramachi OPA is a Daiso, in case you're looking for a smaller location that isn't as crowded as some of the larger stores. Just south of Kawaramachi Station is the Kyoto Pokemon Store located inside the Takashimaya shopping center.
The Kamo River also cuts through Shijo Dori near here, and you'll find tons of couples and groups sitting along the river bank during the evening. If you're lucky, you'll also find a musician you like--many local performers are here playing various types of music all the way from the Kawaramachi Station area to the Gion-Shijo Station area. It's another interesting slice of Japanese culture worth seeing, although they're mostly modern musicians and singers, it's still something worth witnessing.
Shijo Dori ends it's eastern street with Yasaka Shrine, the main entry point for many people visiting Gion.
And don't get me started on the food--there are so many vendors for food (and food gifts) along these streets. You just need to decide what you like to eat, and search for it. Especially close to Kamo River is the Pontocho area which is full of food and drinks, through tight alleys, for you to explore.
Overall, I'd consider this area to be more of an adult's paradise, for couples and groups of friends. Less for the kids to run around. But it makes for an interesting look at modern-day Kyoto, as you explore the older temples and shrines.
Written November 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelingourworldwithck
Indialantic, FL1,439 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I love this area because you will find many delicious desserts and restaurants. It’s also very safe and most of them are open till 11pm
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
germipeck
New York City, NY37 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Didn't realize one could spend so much time here. So nice, grab a coffee early while they are still setting up, catch every smell and sights that keep you enchanted, then lunch! Where to go? Backnto the main street, or to grab some of the snacks that you cant read the name, or simply get some noodles!? Such a wonderful amount of choices, every aisle, amd corner full of variety. We highly recommend.
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackmaxx
Denver, CO61 contributions
Oct 2018
There is a tremendous variety of shopping and dining along Shijo-dori roughly between Karasuma-dori on the West (business and banking district) and Higashioji-dori on the East (gateway to Yasaka Shrine). Everything from high-end retailers to small retail shops to traditional goods such as teas, confections, dolls -- all await the tourist and locals along with coffee shops, fast food, and Japanese cuisine. The major department stores Daimaru and Takashimaya are located along Shijo-dori as well as boutique shopping buildings Fuji Daimaru and Marui. Explore upper floors and lower floors for dining and shopping too. Don't forget to look past the arcade covering at the architecture of some of the narrow buildings that have been there since the 1960s. From Kawaramachi-dori to the east, the experience becomes more and more Japanese with food stalls and souvenir shops and mom and pop local shops. Explore and don't forget to look down some of the side streets.
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KahFui
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia445 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Exploring along one of the busy street of Kyoto. 四条通 Shijō-dōri.
Crossing the bridge of Kamogawa river and heading to 先斗町Pontochō alley.
Street performer, shopping malls, people in kimono and many more eateries and cafe.
Crossing the bridge of Kamogawa river and heading to 先斗町Pontochō alley.
Street performer, shopping malls, people in kimono and many more eateries and cafe.
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AChee74
Kuching, Malaysia1,286 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
what amazed me in the shade that they provide for the mass to walk around, away from the rain and shine.
Lots to see, lots to buy, take your time.
Lots to see, lots to buy, take your time.
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DipuKV
Pune, India3,164 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Vibrant, and teeming with tourists / locals / shops / restaurants, Shijo Dori is an experience in itself, be it for strolling or shopping or people watching!
Written June 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delagioventu
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg1,575 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Lively area in Kyoto, preferably to be visited at night, many shops still open and many people around. Very safe to walk around.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erico2709
Singapore, Singapore2,474 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Since every big city will surely need a major shopping belt so I guess in Kyoto, this is it. There are also nice restaurants along the way to stop to eat as well.
Written July 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarlyRetirementAbroa
Princeton, NJ3,128 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Shijo Dori or Fourth Avenue is the main shopping area in Kyoto. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the area. Not sure about the bargains but definitely an entertainment experience.
If you not in a shopping mood then sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery.
If you not in a shopping mood then sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery.
Written May 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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