Takashimaya Kyoto

I was first introduced to Takashimaya when I lived in New York. I couldn’t afford anything there but it was just an amazing place to see amazing Japanese products. Flash forward 20 years and presto Takashimaya in Kyoto. It is not as wow as the one in New York. Yeah they have small boutiques: Tiffany, Channel, Cartier blah blah blah. Stuff you can find anywhere and I have no interest in anyway.
What is really unique is on the 6^th floor: All of the Japanese plates, artwork, unique Japanese accoutrements.
I bought nice rice bowls, small condiment bowls, prints, and other items for friends. Prices are not bad… bowls were 5 – 6 dollars (hopefully they are not made in China),
Tip: Tourists that spend 100 dollars or more and present a photo ID get 8% tax back.
Hollah

A large-​scale department store located in the excellent location of Shijyo Kawaramachi. The major department store, Hankyu had been located in front before and competed with Takashimaya. However as Hankyu withdrew its business from Kyoto, Takashimaya is now a winner-​take-​all state. If you come here, you can find every product from first-​class brands to daily use products.
Another major department store Daimaru stands in Karasuma next to Kawaramachi, but I think Kawaramachi is more convenient in its location. This is because high accessibility for Keihan users or commuters. Anyway, tourists flock to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples in Kyoto and they will choose Osaka if they go shopping in Kansai. They don’t seem to bother to come here only for shopping. Probably its best user may be local citizens.
Tips: Hot news for foreign customers, some staff members attend on you by interpreting in some languages. So you will feel safe and comfortable in your shopping.