7 Must-Try Souvenirs & Gourmet Stops While Strolling Through Gion

Gion is a district where you can enjoy the elegant atmosphere of Kyoto’s traditional townscape. In recent years, more and more restaurants, sweet shops, and souvenir stores have opened, making it a delightful place to explore. Here are 7 recommended spots to visit while strolling through Gion.
Since we’re here, let’s start from the main gate of Yasaka Shrine.

When introducing Yasaka Shrine, the vermilion-painted West Gate with stone steps is often featured, but the actual main gate is the South Gate with a stone torii gate. During shrine rituals and the Gion Festival, the three mikoshi (portable shrines) pass through this gate.
Entering from here, you’ll see the Maidono (dance stage), followed by the National Treasure main hall directly ahead. After paying your respects at the main hall, let’s take a little detour.
On the east side of the grounds is Utsukushigozen Shrine, extremely popular among women. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to beauty and virtue. The “Beauty Water” spring flowing beside the torii is famous as sacred water for beauty.
Now, let’s walk around to the West Gate and descend the large stone steps. At the bottom stretches Shijo Street, the heart of Gion. This area is lined with long-established and prestigious shops.
Rental Kimono Okamoto Yasaka Shrine Store is located just north of this West Gate. In this season, the street is filled with women in lovely yukata and stylish lace kimono, as well as couples enjoying Kyoto in traditional attire.

At the bottom of the Yasaka Shrine steps is the first stop of our gourmet stroll. Kyoto pickles are made with light salt to bring out the natural flavors of vegetables. Famous varieties include shibazuke, senmaizuke, and sugukizuke, each crafted with care for fragrance and color.
Kyoto, with its high-quality vegetable farms and the development of temple cuisine, cultivated a rich pickle culture that is an essential part of Kyoto’s food heritage.
At Gion Kawakatsu, the specialty is Kyoto-style ochazuke served in the back of the shop. Their “bubu-zuke” set with 11 varieties of pickles is especially popular. Of course, packaged pickles from the storefront also make excellent souvenirs.
京漬物 ぎおん川勝 (gion-kawakatsu.com)

Heading west along Shijo Street, you’ll find Kazurasei, founded in 1865. For over 150 years, this shop has adorned the hair of Kyoto’s women with elegant combs and kanzashi.
Their selection ranges from cute boxwood combs to exquisite mother-of-pearl lacquered kanzashi, as well as modern hair accessories and stylish Japanese goods.
A top recommendation is their pure camellia oil, hand-picked in the Goto Islands and extracted with a unique method. The classic bottle design has remained unchanged for generations. Their original cosmetic line using camellia oil is also beloved by locals across generations.
kazurasei.co.jp

Continue west and you’ll arrive at Yojiya, another century-old brand. The name comes from their early product line of toothbrushes, once called “yoji.”
Yojiya is now synonymous with oil blotting paper, but they also offer original cosmetics and makeup brushes made with yuzu and silk cocoons. Perfect Kyoto-style beauty souvenirs.
よーじや (yojiya.co.jp)

Crossing the street, you’ll notice the large red building of Ichiriki Ochaya, one of Gion’s most famous teahouses. This area is Gion Kobu, home to maiko and geiko. Hanamikoji Street is especially atmospheric with its stone paving and rows of teahouses.

Tucked inside a traditional Kyoto machiya, Cacao 365 is a unique chocolate boutique created by Malebranche, a famous Kyoto patisserie. Inside, mysterious motifs cover the walls and ceiling—representing Kyoto’s 365 days through crests.
Must-try sweets include:
“Cacao 365” fresh chocolate cakes
“Kyo no Sora” bonbon chocolates inspired by 30 Kyoto landmarks
Limited-edition chocolate cream puffs (Gion store only)
A paradise for chocolate lovers!
加加阿365 | マールブランシュ (malebranche.co.jp)

Back on Shijo Street, tea is a must in Kyoto. Introduced from China over 800 years ago by the monk Eisai, Uji tea has since flourished as Kyoto’s tea culture.
At Gion Tsujiri, the upstairs café (Saryo Tsujiri) is famous for its matcha parfaits. On the first floor, the tea shop offers a wide range—from everyday hojicha and sencha to premium gyokuro.
Don’t miss their matcha sweets, rich in flavor and aroma—perfect as gifts.
宇治茶 祇園辻利 (giontsujiri.co.jp)

Let’s take a short detour to the north, where you’ll find the serene Gion Shirakawa area. The small Tatsumi Bridge over the Shirakawa River is one of Gion’s most photogenic spots, especially in kimono.

In a charming machiya with a garden view, Anon offers a relaxing sweets experience. Their signature treat is “Anpone”, a monaka (wafer) filled with sweet bean paste and mascarpone cheese.
At the tearoom, you can enjoy a wagashi set that includes Anpone and two seasonal sweets, paired perfectly with matcha.
京都祇園あのん (a-n.kyoto.jp)

Continuing down Shijo Street, you’ll pass antique shops and historic bag stores until you see the large red lanterns of Minamiza Theater, famous for its year-end Kabuki performances.

Near Minamiza are two renowned soba restaurants specializing in Kyoto’s classic dish, nishin soba (soba topped with herring):
Matsuba, founded in the late Edo period (next to Minamiza)
Yagura, founded in the Meiji era (across the street)
Both are beloved by locals for generations, serving comforting bowls of this Kyoto specialty.
sobamatsuba.co.jp
yagura-net.com

If you want to shop for souvenirs at your leisure, department stores are a great option. JR Kyoto Isetan, located right by Kyoto Station, is especially convenient for Shinkansen and train travelers.
Its huge basement food floor is packed with everything from traditional Kyoto delicacies to trendy new brands. They also offer reliable delivery services so you can shop without worry.

So, where will your next Kyoto adventure take you? Delicious food and unique treasures await, along with unforgettable encounters (and maybe a little surprise or two!).
Why not add kimono to your Kyoto memories? At Rental Kimono Okamoto, our stylish Decoco Plan is especially popular, offering a wide range of coordinated looks. Our yukata plans, available until late September, let you enjoy both chic and cute styles.
We also provide hotel return and next-day return options for a relaxed experience without time pressure.
We look forward to helping you create wonderful Kyoto stories in kimono.
👉 Reserve Your Kimono Rental Here


Author:
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Gion Store
523 Washio-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0072
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