There is some wonderful shopping in Kyoto, so save time to explore the many options. My recommendations include:
Nishijin Textile Center, Horikawa-dori-Imadegawa: A short walk from the Karasuma subway line Imadegawa station. I passed on the fashion show and demonstrations for the tourists and went right to the showroom. This was a great place to buy textiles. I found obi (sash for the kimono) remnants and other pieces that I made into a great wall hanging.
Ippodo Tea Co., Teramachi-dori Nijo, Nakagyo-ku Kyoto: A store with a huge selection of Japanese teas. If you are a tea drinker as am I, it is not to be missed.
Takashimaya Department Store: Located at the Shijo Kawaramachi intersection (southwest corner), I really liked the floor with traditional Japanese handicrafts. The ceramics and tea bowls were really wonderful.
Across the street on Shijo are a number of stores selling kimonos and silk but don’t be shocked with the prices. Tachikichi is one of the largest stores selling pottery and ceramics. Tachikichi, on Shijo-dori west of Kawara-machi, has five floors full of contemporary and antique ceramics. One floor is an art gallery that hosts exhibits of very fine ceramics by Japanese and international artists. In business since 1872, Tachikichi has an excellent reputation.
Antique District: One of my favorite areas was the Antique District north of Shijo-dori and east of the Kamo River. Here you will find a large number of antique stores to explore. I found some nice small pieces. The prices can be very high, so be aware. This area is located between Nawate-dori and Higashio-ji-dori along Shinmonzen-dori and Furomonzen-dori.
Kikuo Shoten Co. Ltd, Sanjo-Agaru, Kawaramachi-dori: This is an antiquarian bookseller that also sells wonderful woodblock prints. I bought a number for my collection.
Nishiki Market Alley and Shin-Kyogoku Arcade: Nishiki Market is a fascinating market alley north of and running parallel to Shijo-dori. It has a wide selection of food items. Connected to this market is Shin-Kyogoku which is a street situated within a network of arcades and roads with many stores selling Japanese paper, books, block prints and other items that are great for gifts.