Teramachi Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades Kyoto
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
These two covered shopping arcades are the most popular shopping streets in all of Kyoto, and they’re often crammed with kids out on school excursions.
[Teramachi Shopping Center ©
enerva]
Right in the middle of downtown Kyoto, these two streets form the heart of Kyoto’s main shopping district. The eastern street, known as Shinkyogoku, is filled with tacky souvenirs of almost every description — need a shirt reading “Ichi-ban” (Number One)? This is the place to go.
The western street, known as Teramachi, is an altogether more refined place, with a variety of art galleries, bookshops, and clothing shops. In addition, you’ll find several shops selling religious goods like incense, Buddha images, prayer beads and the like. These shops are a holdover from the 16th century, when the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved many of the city’s temples to Teramachi Street in an effort to control the clergy (the name of the street, Teramachi, literally means “temple town.”
Nishiki Market branches off Teramachi about 100 meters north of Shijo Street and an exploration of the two market streets, perhaps combined with a trip to one of the nearby department store food floors, is a great way to spend a rainy day in Kyoto.
There’s plenty of accommodation around Shinkyogoku — see Agoda for more details.
Near To Here:
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades is located in Kyoto’s
Downtown district. See our complete list of
things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places
to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.