Best Souvenirs to Buy When Visiting Kyoto

Kyoto is renowned for offering a wide variety of traditional arts, crafts, and local specialties that make perfect souvenirs. Here are some of the best souvenirs to purchase that encapsulate the spirit and culture of Kyoto.

Traditional Crafts

1. Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery: Known for their delicate patterns and beautiful colors, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery makes for a perfect souvenir. These pieces of art are perfect for use in daily life, such as teacups, vases, and plates.

2. Japanese Folding Fans: Kyoto is famous for its handcrafted folding fans, known as Sensu. These intricate fans come in many designs, showcasing the traditional art form of the region.

3. Kimonos: Kyoto is known for producing some of the finest kimonos in Japan. A custom-fitted kimono would be an excellent keepsake of your trip.

Kyoto's Foods and Sweets

4. Matcha Tea: Kyoto, being home to Uji, the epicenter of Matcha production, offers the best quality green tea. A tea set complete with Matcha Powder would be a great gift.

5. Yatsuhashi: A popular traditional sweet of Kyoto, Yatsuhashi is made from glutinous rice and filled with sweet red bean paste. The most common flavor is cinnamon.

6. Sake: Kyoto is famous for its Sake, a rice wine that is a central part of Japanese culture. A bottle of delicious Kyoto Sake would make a good souvenir.

Local Specialties

7. Maiko Dolls: Maiko are apprentice Geiko (the Kyoto term for Geisha) and dolls that emulate their image are popular souvenirs.

8. Incense Sticks: Kyoto's long Buddhist history makes it a prominent producer of high-quality incense. They come in a variety of scents and are believed to be calming and therapeutic.

9. Kyoto Cosmetics: The city is known for its cosmetics, particularly those made with natural ingredients. Some local favorites are Yojiya oil blotting paper and the Maiko-san lipstick.