Shopping in Gion

1.Chocolate at MALEBRANCHE CACAO 365 Gion Store

Kakao Sanrokugo is a specialty chocolate shop produced by Kyoto Kitayama Male Branche, famous for its green tea confection loved by matcha lovers around the world.  Its Gion store is located in Gion, one of the five geisha districts where tradition still lives.

2.Sweet at Tawaraya Yoshitomi Honten

Described as edible jewelry, sweets at Kyo Maiko-chan bonbon are super cute traditional sweets that you don’t want to eat.

At the Gion store of Tawaraya Yoshitomi, traditional sweets shop founded in 1755, limited editions of “Maiko-chan bonbons”, kimonos and hairpin shaped sweets are available. They make a great souvenir for those who like cute and sweet things.

3.Oil for hair at Kazurasei Camellia Oi

Kazurasei, Toshi Wax

The blessings of golden nature!  Kazurasei Camellia Oil is a natural blessing of the Goto Islands in Kyushu that was endowed with abundant nature.

Their versatile camellia oil is popular as it can be used on the whole body, including hair, scalp, and face.  It contains about 85% of oleic acid, the natural moisturizing component closest to the skin component of humans, and has the effect of bringing the skin to a normal condition while supplementing the missing components.

In addition, oleic acid is particularly resistant to oxidation compared with other types of oil.  So, you can use it with peace in mind every morning and evening.

4.Cosmetics at Yojiya

Yojiya’s famous oil-blotting facial paper was created by the wisdom of women in Kyoto.  It was first released in the 1920s, and its outstanding performance to absorb excess sebum without removing makeup has gained an excellent reputation among women working in geisha districts as well as stage and screen actors of Kyoto.

By the 1990s, oil-blotting facial paper became known nationwide, together with their name, Yojiya.  It is their flagship product that has been loved for more than 100 years.

5.Cosmetics at Kamiya

Kamiya is a company with a history of nearly 100 years in Kyoto and they developed new products, Kami (paper) cosmetic products out of paper combining their knowledge and techniques with the new innovation.

In addition to oil blotting paper, cotton paper and other cosmetic paper products, silk balls for massaging the face, green tea soap, and other beauty care products are available at Kamiya.  Kyoto-style gift packs are popular souvenirs and the shop attracts tourists from all over the world.

6.Towel at Eirakuya

Kyoto’s Eirakuya was established in the year 1615 and considered the oldest company that sells cotton-related products, specializing in tenugui and furoshiki.

Furoshiki could be used to wrap your books, plastic bottles, and a packet of gifts. It is also recommended to use them as table cloth and tapestry.  It is also a good and environmental-friendly idea to make a bag out of furoshiki. The staff at the shop is happy to show you how to do it.

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