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Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-ji, Osaka — where to start?

Today's weather in Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-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.

SouvenirsYatsuhashi, Kyoto fans and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery

Shopping tipShops cluster on the Ginkaku-ji approach and around Heian Shrine.

Shopping spots in Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-ji
Getting around Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-ji

MainTozai subway line: Keage Sta. for Nanzen-ji, Higashiyama Sta. for Heian Shrine

BusFor Ginkaku-ji, take a city bus to Ginkakuji-michi and walk

MainKibune is about 30 min from Demachiyanagi on the Eizan Railway

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Shopping

Shopping streets & markets in Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-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: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-ji

Ginkaku-ji approach

銀閣寺参道

The slope up to Ginkaku-ji from the north end of the Philosopher's Path, with yatsuhashi, fan and pottery shops.

Ginkakuji-michi bus stop

Local products & gift ideas

6 gifts to bring home from Osaka and where to buy them · Kyoto: Nanzen-ji & Ginkaku-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.