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Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji, Osaka — where to start?

Today's weather in Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji
Mon Nov 2, 22:21 Japan now
17° Average temperature
Average November high
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Tax-free & shopping guide

Tax-freeFrom November 1, it switches to a 'refund system.' You pay tax-inclusive prices in stores and get the tax back after a customs check at the airport when you leave. Be sure to bring your passport.

SouvenirsYuba and tofu sweets, chirimen goods and Kyoto pickles

Shopping tipMany shops close around 5 p.m.; browse in the morning before the afternoon crowds.

Shopping spots in Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji
Getting around Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

MainJR Sagano Line: Kyoto Sta. to Saga-Arashiyama in about 15 min; Hankyu and Randen also reach Arashiyama

BusCity buses reach Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji; from Ryoan-ji, the Randen Kitano Line is easiest to Arashiyama

PassThe bamboo grove is quiet before 8 a.m.

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Shopping

Shopping streets & markets in Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji, Osaka · 1

Tax-free shopping changes from November 1, 2026

Instead of tax being deducted at the store, you now pay including tax and get it refunded later.

  1. Show your passport at a tax-free store and pay the tax-inclusive price
  2. When leaving Japan, customs at the airport checks your passport and purchases
  3. Once checked, the store (or a refund agent) refunds the consumption tax

Minimum spend and refund methods can vary by store, so ask before paying.

Shopping streetKyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji

Arashiyama shopping street

嵐山商店街

The street from Togetsukyo Bridge to Tenryu-ji, lined with Kyoto sweets and kimono-fabric goods shops.

Randen Arashiyama Sta.

Local products & gift ideas

6 gifts to bring home from Osaka and where to buy them · Kyoto: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji first

FoodDotonbori

551 Horai Butaman

551蓬莱 豚まん

Big steamed pork buns; they're refrigerated, so eat them the same or next day.

SweetsDotonbori

Rikuro Ojisan Cheesecake

りくろーおじさんのチーズケーキ

Fluffy cheesecake fresh from the oven; a bell rings each time a batch is baked.

SweetsKyoto: Gion

Yatsuhashi

八ッ橋

Cinnamon-scented rice-dough sweets, either baked or as 'nama yatsuhashi' wrapped around bean paste.

SweetsKobe

Kobe Western-style sweets

神戸 洋菓子

Cookies, chocolates and puddings born in the port city of Kobe.

Most are also sold at souvenir shops in airports and major stations. Check hours and stock via the Google Maps links.