Two parallel covered shopping arcades in the centre of Kyoto with souvenir, sweet and local-fashion shops; free entry.
Teramachi and Shinkyogoku are two parallel covered shopping arcades in the heart of central Kyoto, between Sanjo and Shijo streets, that have operated as a shopping area since the 17th century. Together they add up to several hundred metres of roofed passages where Kyoto's downpour cannot ruin the shopping. Shinkyogoku, the more eastern, is aimed at the general public with souvenir shops, typical sweets, youth clothing and Japanese-style accessories at accessible prices. Teramachi, the more western, has a more refined tone: second-hand bookshops, stationery shops, art galleries, ceramics and quality kimonos. Between the two there are also dozens of restaurants, cafés and sandwich bars. Entry is free and the shops usually open from 10:00 to 20:00. To get there, take the subway to Shijo station (Karasuma line) and walk 5 minutes east. It is a good option for rainy afternoons or for the last day before returning, when you have to wrap up the souvenir shopping.
