The futuristic glass and steel facade of Kyoto's train station, though not universally welcomed by locals when it was unveiled in 1997, is proof that Kyoto is not stuck in the past. So too is Shijo, Kyoto's brand-name adorned central shopping precinct. It begins near Shijo Station, with the Daimaru department store, eight floors of cosmetics, jewelry and fashion that are topped off by a restaurant floor. Fifteen minutes east, by Kawaramachi Station, the edge of the district is marked by the larger Takashimaya department store, which sits directly across from Koto + (pronounced Koto Cross), home to eight narrow floors of fashion, beauty salons and cafes aimed at a young female crowd. Inbetween you'll find brand-name boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Armani, plus several traditional Japanese craft and high-end souvenir shops. If it weren't for the wooded hills in the distance, you could easily think you were in Tokyo.

• 1. Daimaru
  79 Shijo Takakura, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; 81-(0)75-211-8111 35.004312135.761908 daimaru.co.jp/kyoto
• 2. Takashimaya
  52 Nishiiru Shincho, Shijo-dori Kawaramachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; 81-(0)75-221-8811 35.002937135.756680 takashimaya.co.jp/kyoto
• 3. Koto +
  392 Komeya-cho, Kawaramachi-dori, Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 35.003993135.769621 kotocross.hankyu.co.jp