Where to Buy Hiking Gear in Kyoto: 6 Recommended Stores
Where to Buy Hiking Gear in Kyoto: 6 Recommended Stores
Kyoto is surrounded by beautiful mountains, making it a great destination for hiking and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for high-quality hiking gear, Kyoto has several excellent stores to check out. Here are six recommended shops where you can find everything you need for your next adventure.
💡 Store hours may change, so please check Google Maps or contact the stores directly for the latest information.
1. Mont-bell Kyoto Store
Montbell products offer an excellent balance between price and performance. Their lineup includes heavy-duty gear for snowy and high-altitude environments, as well as equipment suitable for Kyoto’s lower mountains. They also have a variety of gear for trail running, river trekking, cycling, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Kyoto has two Montbell stores.
Located on Shinkyogoku Street, Montbell Kyoto Store offers a wide range of outdoor equipment, including hiking, camping, climbing, and cycling gear. The spacious store allows you to browse and test various products.
• Access: 3-minute walk north from Exit 9 of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
2. Mont-bell Kyoto Station Store
Located inside AEON Mall KYOTO, this Montbell store is perfect for travelers and business people passing through Kyoto. It offers a wide range of outdoor products, catering to both beginners and experienced adventurers.
•Access: 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit
3. Workman (AEON Mall Kyoto)
Workman was originally a workwear brand known for its durable and functional clothing designed for professionals in demanding environments. In recent years, they have expanded their product line to include outdoor and sports apparel, making them a popular choice among budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
I personally like Decathlon products because they are affordable yet offer decent quality. In Japan, Montbell might be considered the equivalent of Decathlon, but in my opinion, Montbell’s quality is superior—especially in terms of stitching precision and overall usability.
However, since Montbell is so popular in Japan, it is very common to see people wearing the same gear while hiking. That’s why in recent years, I have stopped buying eye-catching Montbell items like jackets or backpacks (though Montbell products are still amazing in terms of quality and price).
Unfortunately, Decathlon does not have any physical stores in Japan anymore, and their products are only available through their online shop. This is where Workman comes in—a brand that has gained popularity among budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Store Highlights:
•Product Range: Offers a wide selection of outdoor, sports, and rainwear for women, men, and children. The store also features accessories like hats and socks, catering to various needs from daily commuting to camping and golfing.
•Quality and Functionality: Products are designed to endure tough conditions, making them suitable for both professional use and casual wear. Features like water repellency and resistance are incorporated into their footwear, providing practicality without compromising on style.
Here are some reasons why Workman is worth checking out:
•You can buy 2-layer or 3-layer rainwear for under $50
•Merino wool socks cost around $10
•Decent quality, simple designs, and incredibly low prices
Since the Workman store is located inside AEON Mall Kyoto, you can compare their products with Montbell right in the same building.
•Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit.(Situated on the 3rd floor of the Sakura Building in AEON Mall Kyoto)
4. Ishii Sports Kyoto Yodobashi Store
Located inside Yodobashi Camera near Kyoto Station, Ishii Sports offers a variety of hiking boots, backpacks, climbing gear, camping supplies, and outdoor apparel.
This store carries major hiking brands such as The North Face, Patagonia, Millet, and Mammut, as well as essential outdoor gear like cooking equipment. They also have a great selection of trail running shoes and accessories.
• Access: 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station’s Central Exit (Located on the 3rd floor of Yodobashi Camera)
5. Yamatomichi Kyoto
This is the official brand store of Yamatomichi, a brand specializing in ultralight hiking (UL hiking) gear.
Opened in 2023, Yamatomichi Kyoto is located in the Gojo area and focuses on lightweight and high-performance hiking equipment. The spacious store lets you try out the latest gear and clothing.
• Access: 7-minute walk from Exit 6 of Keihan Shichijo Station
6. Mountain High
Located in Fushimi, Mountain High is a specialized outdoor gear store offering a wide selection of hiking and trekking equipment.
Though it is a small shop, the knowledgeable staff can provide excellent advice on choosing the right gear. They carry Teton Bros products and also sell UL (ultralight) backpacks that are handmade by the store owner. These backpacks are made-to-order only.
• Access: 10-minute walk from Keihan Fushimi-Momoyama Station
Final Thoughts
These six stores offer a variety of hiking and outdoor gear to suit all levels of adventurers. Whether you’re looking for ultralight hiking equipment, quality boots, or expert advice, Kyoto has something for you.
Happy hiking! ⛰️🏕️🎒