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Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle, Osaka — where to start?

Today's weather in Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle
Mon Nov 2, 22:21 Japan now
17° Average temperature
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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.

SouvenirsYatsuhashi, Kyoto pickles, matcha sweets and Kyoto-only treats

Shopping tipShops inside Kyoto Station stay open late, handy for your last day.

Shopping spots in Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle
Getting around Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle

MainKarasuma subway line — Kyoto Sta., Shijo, Karasuma-Oike (north–south); Tozai Line — Nijo Castle (east–west)

BusCity buses to all parts of Kyoto leave from the terminal in front of Kyoto Sta.

PassSubway and bus 1-day pass. Buses are always crowded, so mix in trains and walking

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Shopping

Shopping streets & markets in Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle, 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.

SouvenirsKyoto Station & Nijo Castle

Kyoto Station Shopping

京都駅

The station building and underground mall are full of Kyoto sweets and souvenir shops.

Kyoto Sta.

Local products & gift ideas

6 gifts to bring home from Osaka and where to buy them · Kyoto Station & Nijo Castle 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.