🏮 A complete guide to Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

—— The editor takes you to Kyoto's most lively young people's fashion mecca

📍Where is Shinkyogoku Shopping Street?

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street (新京极店街) is located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, adjacent to Shijo Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market. It stretches approximately 500 meters. It runs parallel to Teramachi-Kyogoku Shopping Street , and together they are considered the most prosperous shopping district in central Kyoto.

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street was built in 1872 (the fifth year of the Meiji era) as an entertainment and consumer district in the heart of Kyoto. It later evolved into a comprehensive shopping district encompassing fashion, entertainment, food, and culture . Today, it's a favorite destination for young people in Kyoto and a must-see shopping paradise for tourists.

When I first stepped into Shinkyogoku, it really felt like "Shibuya in Kyoto": the crowds were huge, the shops were dazzling, and the atmosphere was lively without losing Kyoto's unique cultural heritage.

🌟 The unique atmosphere of Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

🛍️ Shopping and entertainment coexist

• There are a large number of affordable fashion brands, drugstores, and beauty stores.
• There are all kinds of anime peripherals, souvenir shops, and handmade sundries.
• There is a large game center, claw machines, karaoke, and plenty of entertainment.

🏮 Fusion of history and modernity

• Although it is mainly composed of modern shops, many temples and shrines are still preserved on the street, such as Shiganji Temple and Shiganin Temple .
• While shopping, you can also visit temples at will. This combination of "shopping + culture" is a unique feature of Kyoto.

The editor feels that Shinkyogoku is like a "miniature of Kyoto", with both traditional cultural heritage and a youthful vitality.

🍣 Must-eat food in Shinkyogoku

How can you miss delicious food when shopping!

🍡 Snacks and desserts

• Matcha ice cream : A must-try in Kyoto, the rich aroma of matcha can be found everywhere.
• Japanese confectionery shop : Dorayaki, Daifuku, Monaka, exquisite and delicious.
• Crepes and takoyaki : suitable for eating while walking, adding to the fun of shopping.

🍜 Restaurant selection

• Ramen shops : From Japanese soy sauce ramen to tonkotsu ramen, you can find it all.
• Izakaya : There are a lot of people at night, with office workers and tourists gathering.
• Cafe : A small shop hidden in the alley, suitable for taking a break and taking photos.

My favorite is to eat "matcha desserts + Japanese snacks" while walking around, which is the perfect combination for a stroll in Kyoto!

👗 Shopping Highlights

👕 Affordable fashion brand

• UNIQLO, GU, WEGO : affordable clothing brands favored by young people.
• Shoe stores and accessories stores : Lots of trendy accessories and small items.

🎁 Souvenirs and sundries

• Anime peripherals : Kyoto limited edition character goods, a must-have for fans.
• Japanese-style sundries : chopsticks, hand towels, pottery, perfect for taking home.
• Drugstores : Don Quijote and Daguo Drugstore are favorite shopping destinations for tourists.

Editor's note: Shinkyogoku has a wide selection of cosmetics and souvenirs, but it's also quite crowded, so it's recommended to visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience.

🎎 Historical and cultural background

The birth of Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is closely linked to the history of Kyoto:

• 1872 : In order to revitalize the economy, Kyoto transformed the open space between temples and houses into an entertainment street, which gradually became a bustling commercial district.
• Meiji and Taisho periods : Shinkyogoku was home to many theaters and cinemas, earning it the nickname "Orient's No. 1 Entertainment Street."
• Postwar to present : Although the number of theaters gradually decreased, the shopping street continued to prosper and transformed into a district where shopping and entertainment coexisted.

The editor feels that visiting Shinkyogoku is not just about shopping, but more like experiencing Kyoto’s 150-year prosperous history.

🚉 Transportation

It is very convenient to go to Shinkyogoku Shopping Street:

• Hankyu Kyoto Line : Get off at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and walk about 3 minutes.
• Keihan Railway : Get off at Gion-Shijo Station and walk about 10 minutes.
• Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line : Get off at Shijo Station and walk about 10 minutes.

Our editor recommends planning your trip to Shinkyogoku, Nishiki Market , and Teramachi-dori on the same day, as they are adjacent to each other and can be visited in one go.

💡 A friendly reminder from the editor

✨ The place is busiest on holidays, so it’s recommended to visit on weekdays in the afternoon.
✨ There are many choices of drugstore and beauty products, so you should compare prices before making a purchase.
✨ Most snack shops offer takeout, and it’s fun to eat while walking.
✨ There are temples along the shopping street, so don’t forget to take the time to visit and experience the cultural atmosphere of Kyoto.

🌟 Editor's summary

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street is a must-see destination in Kyoto, offering a fusion of shopping, dining, entertainment, and history . Here, you can find trendy clothes, enjoy traditional snacks, and even visit temples to soak in the cultural heritage.

To me, Shinkyogoku is "Kyoto's busiest youth scene." If Nishiki Market is Kyoto's kitchen, then Shinkyogoku is its entertainment and fashion hub . When visiting Kyoto, don't forget to visit this street and enjoy a shopping extravaganza that blends the past and the present! 🎉