Isetan at Kyoto Station

Occupying a dozen floors of the iconic Kyoto Station, Isetan is yet another well-known department store that plays host to a number of celebrated fashion labels along with souvenir shops and restaurants. Yet again, all the Diors, Dolce and Gabbanas, and Salvatore Ferragamos can be found in this massive mall, alongside silk kimonos and dainty ceramics that are emblematic of the artistic prowess of the Japanese. The basement floors of Isetan are great to buy fresh produce, baked delectable, and Bento Boxed lunches along with bottles of Sake. The 11th floor of this place is fondly known as ‘Eat Paradise,’ and has everything from Italian, Korean, and Chinese to Japanese cuisine. This particular floor also offers some arresting views of the city of Kyoto, and is therefore a great place to relax. If you aren’t much of a shopper, it might interest you to know that the 7th floor of Isetan is in fact the ‘Museum Eki Kyoto,’ replete with intriguing Japanese and European artworks and Manga displays.

Loved by locals and travellers in equal measures, Isetan is open from 10 am till 8 pm, and has free WiFi for all its visitors along with some great tax-free shopping options. Moreover, its central location has made it a landmark of sorts when it comes to shopping in Kyoto.