This tiny sliver of a shop in the upscale shopping neighborhood of Aoyama sells beautiful, delicate pieces such as skirts made from paper-thin, floral-print fabric. There is also a selection of menswear.

This famous Kyoto shop, located in the Nishiki Market, sells a fine selection of knives, each of which has a different purpose. Originally started by a master sword maker, Aritsugu has been creating quality knives and utensils for 18 generations.

A pretty little store that looks like it could be right at home in New York City's West Village, Arts & Science sells high-quality, beautifully made clothing and accessories. The clothes are all natural colors – army green, heather grey, white, cream and light.

Printed words on paper reign in this unique concept complex spread across three interlinked buildings that are adorned with lattices of interlocking Ts (they stand for the Japanese retail chain Tsutaya). Inventory in this sleek emporium extends to English-language titles, art books, and a global array of glossy magazine including back issues. In-store conveniences include a Starbucks, as well as Anjin, a cocktail lounge upstairs finished in distressed wood floorboards low-slung, leather couches. Elsewhere in the complex are a stationery boutique and shops specialized in cameras and bespoke bicycles. This architectural landmark makes an excellent starting and meeting point for those exploring the trendy boutiques of Daikanyama, including the nearby Okura.

This confectionary established in 1885 sells possibly ever variation of Japanese cracker as well as some of Kyoto’s sweetest delicacies (don't miss the go-shiki-mame, five-colored-beans, a popular Kyoto treat). Funahashi-ya is a must for tourists looking for a delicious souvenir.

Located across the street from its inspiration, Gallery Yukei is a small shop from the Tawaraya Ryokan family. You can purchase the famous ryokan’s slippers, bath amenities, sheets and bedding along with a range of artisan gifts like ceramic tea cups. True Tawaraya devotees can ensure a future of sleeping futon-style by purchasing one to bring home.

Traditional kimonos with a modern twist are found at this series of five stores. Even if you don’t plan to pick up a formal, or just an everyday, kimono, it is a fascinating place to look around, if only to be amazed at the range on offer. It is always a surprise to see that the kimono survives in a city where there is so much emphasis on the new and modern.

Haibara sells exquisite cards and stationary, as well as traditional Japanese noshi envelopes. Helpful and knowledgeable staff graciously walk shoppers through the process of picking the right item, whether it is a gift for a friend or a personal treat.

Unsurprisingly, given Japan’s detailed-oriented culture, Hakuhodo makeup brushes deliver close to perfection in their quality and precision. Utilizing 14 types of animal hair to hand craft each brush, the company headquarters are located in Kumano, which has been the brush production capital of Japan for centuries. Their flagship store in Kyoto fuses minimalism with modern Japanese Zen, and has earned a host of design awards.

Visit this authentic teashop to sample varieties of matcha—powdered green tea—served by expert tea masters (plus, pick up some teas to bring home). The high-quality tea leaves are grown locally in Kyoto and have a distinct, delicate taste.

Famed for its amazing range of pens, brushes and special papers, this fabulous store is where to pick up distinctive, and affordable, souvenirs. Occupying eight floors, Ito-ya sells everything from utilitarian office supplies to limited-edition wrapping paper and brushes for expert calligraphers. There is also an annex specializing in Japanese washi papers.

Established in 1875, the artistans of Kaikado hand-make chazutsu (Japanese tealeaf caddies) out of tin, brass and copper. The airtight containers are used to keep primarily green tea leaves safe from moisture and humidity. While functional, the cylinder shaped tea caddies this sixth-generation, family-run company construct are true objects of art. Located a bit out of Kyoto’s ‘downtown’, this beautiful workshop and store is worth the trip.

For stylish stationary, in-the-know locals and tourists head to Kakimori. The Japanese are famous for their superb attention to detail, and Kakimori is no exception, as the writing supplies and paper goods on offer are all exquisitely made and displayed. Guests can head next door to InkStand, the sister shop, to have a fountain pen personalized with their choice of ink.

For the paper-obsessed among us (you know who you are) this boutique will delight with hand-painted note cards, handmade paper for origami, decorative design tape, and Japanese stationary. Watching the shop girls wrap your purchases is an experience in itself.

This cutlery store founded in 1792 first made its name among the shoguns of that era for its precision perfect blades and slicing instruments. These days the inventory encompasses a comprehensive selection of Japanese and European modern steel and titanium tools, making this a must-stop for serious and aspiring chefs. Specialty items here include the Fugu knife and the elongated Takohiki “exclusively” for octopus. For those who do not cook, pick up a pair of Kiya’s ultra-precise nail clippers.