This is the KyotoFoodie overall ranking of department stores in Kyoto.
＊ENGLISH SERVICE: ONLY Takashimaya offers dedicated interpreters for service in English, so if you desire English service, Takashimaya is your only option.
＊＊TAX REFUND: For tourists, (or people residing in Japan less than 6 months) a tax refund is available at Daimaru, Isetan, Takashimaya and Hankyu for purchases of non-expendable products (no food, alcohol, etc) over 10,001 yen (excluding tax). You need your passport and refunds are legally only available on the day of purchase. If you pay with a credit card, the passport and credit card name must be identical. (Sorry, this point is complex and the rules change, please call the department store directly for details.)
1. Daimaru Department Store 大丸 京都店
Best (Japanese language) service, best overall selection, excellent ‘Gochiparakan’ food court.
location: Just east of Shijo Karasuma intersection on the north side of Shijo Street, above Hanyu Karasumai Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe).
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Takakura Shijo 79
tel 075-211-8111
English website: http://www.daimaru.co.jp/english/kyoto.html
2. Isetan Department Store JR京都 伊勢丹
Kyoto’s newest department store, excellent overall selection, stylish clothing stores, good food court and numerous restaurants on upper floors.
location: JR Kyoto Station Complex (rail access to all of Japan and Kansai International Airport)
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Karasuma Shiokoji Higashi Shiokoji-cho
tel 075-352-1111
website http://www.wjr-isetan.co.jp/Kyoto/index.htm
3. Takashimaya Department Store 高島屋 京都店
The only department store in Kyoto with English interpreters available to serve foreign customers. English website too. Excellent overall selection and excellent food court.
location: Shijo Kawaramachi intersection (southwest corner), above Hanyu Kawaramachi Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe)
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Kawaramachi Shincho 52
075-221-8811
English wewbsite: http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/corp/english/index.html
4. Fujii Daimaru Department Store 藤井大丸
Smallest department store in Kyoto. New, interesting, trendy shops. Has trendy cafes rather than restaurants. The food court, ‘Tavelt’ (タベルト) is small but excellent. The fish market usually has the best fresh fish in Kyoto, often at quite reasonable prices. Prices get cheaper before closing.
location: Shijo Teramachi intersection (southwest corner) 1 or 2 minute walk west of Shijo Kawaramachi.
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Teramachi
tel 075-221-8181
website: http://www.fujiidaimaru.co.jp/top.html
5. Hankyu Department Store 四条河原町 阪急
Pretty rundown. No food court, so-so clothing retails stores, not much selection for men, restaurants on top floor are pretty good. We like Harvest.
location: Shijo Kawaramachi intersection (southeast corner), above Hanyu Kawaramachi Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe)
Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Kawaramachi Shincho 68
tel 075-223-2288
website: http://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/shijo/
