Shijo Dori in Kyoto is a major shopping street that connects Yasaka Shrine in the east to Matsuo-Taisha Shrine in the west. It practically crosses the whole of Kyoto city. The eastern side of Shijo-Dori is an important point of attraction thanks to its mix of traditional and modern shops.
Shijo Dori also intersects with Kawaramachi Street, another key shopping area. Just off Shijo Dori, you’ll find Hanamikoji Street in the Gion District, a must-visit for anyone exploring Kyoto for the first time.
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About
Shijo Dori has been a commercial center since the Heian Period (794-1185), serving as a marketplace and meeting spot over the centuries.
From 1912 to 1972, the Shijo Line tram ran on Shijo-dori, but it was replaced by trolleybuses until they stopped running in 1969.
Today, Shijo-dori is a key bus route in the city. Below it, you’ll find Hankyu Kyoto Line’s tracks, with stations at key points like Kawaramachi and Karasuma. Other rail lines like the Keihan Main Line and the Karasuma subway also cross Shijo-dori.
Shopping along Shijo-dori
Shijo Street is a busy shopping area, especially from the Gion district to Karasuma Street, where the sidewalks are mostly covered and lined with big stores like Takashimaya and Daimaru. The heart of the shopping scene is at Shijo and Kawaramachi Streets. Beyond the Kamo River, the shops switch to smaller ones offering local foods and crafts.
Shijo-dori is an excellent place to purchase unique souvenirs. You’ll find many small shops selling sweets, matcha desserts and tea from Uji.
Key landmarks near Shijo Dori include Yasaka Shrine, the Kamo River, and the Gion district.
In July, the street buzzes with the Gion Matsuri parade, featuring traditional floats.
Notable Shops
- Daimaru Department Store
- Takashimaya Department Store
- Pokemon Center Kyoto
- Yojiya
- Nishiki Market
- Shijo Takakura Pharmacy
- Isetan Department Store
- Compasso Teramachi Kyogoku
What to eat
Shijo-dori might be lined with tons of shops, but it also has lots of eateries, including stalls serving street food.
If you like tea, you’ll find plenty of shops selling all kinds of Japanese teas, from the popular matcha to more unusual blends like ume tea (plum). Try traditional Japanese sweets like mochi (a soft, rice cake) and dorayaki (a type of pancake filled with sweet red bean paste), or go for unique matcha cakes that look as good as they taste. No trip to Shijo-dori is complete without sitting down in one of the dessert shops and trying warabi mochi with a side of matcha tea.
Shijo Dori has many options for traditional meals like tempura, sushi, ramen, and katsu curry.
Shijo-dori
Shijo-dori, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
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