Kyoto

For any visit to Kyōto, a stop at Nishiki Market is a must. The over 400-year-old market with its 126 stalls is a foodie haven. All sorts of scents and flavours, from the sweet savouriness of tamagoyaki (the Japanese rolled omelette) to the fried treats, to the acidic tanginess of tsukemono (pickled goods), fill the thriving narrow shopping street. Besides the delicacies, the market is also famous for kitchen paraphernalia and tools, such as the acclaimed hand-crafted knives of Aritsugu. Fun fact: almost all edibles sold here are served on sticks.

Between Teramachi Kurabu and Nijo-dōri, on the east side of Teramachi, is Kyōto Antiques Centre, a mini department mall comprising 17 stores, set up in 1996. Ceramics, calligraphic paintings, vintage kimonos, lacquerware and many more oddities and treasures are displayed under one roof.

In downtown Kyōto, Ippōdō Tea is an old-style tea shop that has been providing the finest matcha in Kyōto since 1717. There is also an adjoining teahouse where guests can directly brew their tea. The English-speaking staff will help you choose your favourite matcha flavour.

Kyoto Handicraft Centre, occupying four floors, is a great spot to pick up a gift or souvenir for the folks back home. Colourful yukata (the summer kimono), pottery, jewellery, clay dolls, umbrellas, spinning tops, tea... it lives up to all expectations.

Morita Washi is known in the whole neighbourhood for its signature 'washi' (Japanese handmade paper made using fibres from the inner bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry bush). It provides a large variety of washi, from rough country style paper to intricately patterned paper perfect for framing.