2nd Street Kyoto Guide – Best Thrift Shops Near Kyoto Station & Shijo Kawaramachi for Outdoor & Hiking Gear
#Kyoto #Gear
If you’re visiting Kyoto and love the idea of a bargain hunt, 2nd Street is a must-visit. This popular Japanese chain of second-hand shops has several locations in the city—three near the Shijo Kawaramachi and Sanjo area and one near Kyoto Station, making it easy to drop by while sightseeing.
Why Visit 2nd Street in Kyoto?
2nd Street is one of Japan’s most popular thrift shop chains. In Kyoto, it’s not just a place for everyday clothes—it’s also a hidden spot for outdoor and hiking gear at surprisingly low prices.
- Eco-friendly choice: Buying secondhand reduces waste and gives gear a second life.
- Budget-friendly: jackets, backpacks, and trail shoes often cost only one-third of the new price.
- Unique finds: Sometimes you’ll spot Japan-only sportswear or rare outdoor gear.
For hikers visiting Kyoto, 2nd Street is like a side quest—you never know what gear you’ll bring home.
What You Might Find
Outdoor & Hiking Gear
Montbell, The North Face, Patagonia, Houdini, Arc’teryx, Columbia
Sportswear
Nike, Adidas, Puma (sometimes Japan-exclusive designs)
Japanese Outdoor Brands
Snow Peak, Yamato-Michi, atelier Blue bottle, and wander (appear less often, but are worth hunting for)
💡 Price Range: From as low as ¥300 (USD 2) for T-shirts to around ¥10,000+ (USD 70+) for high-quality jackets.
⚠️ Stock changes daily—what you find today may not be there tomorrow.
Japan is currently in the middle of an outdoor fashion boom, so famous brands can still be pricey—often not the “super cheap” deals you might expect. However, patient browsing sometimes leads to surprising finds.
What Makes It Fun
Shopping here feels like a treasure hunt. Stock changes daily, some days you find a perfect Montbell rain jacket; other days, only a neon ski suit from the 80s. But that’s the charm—no two visits are ever the same. For anyone who enjoys thrift shopping in Kyoto, 2nd Street is the perfect mix of outdoor gear and quirky fashion.
Store Locations in Kyoto
Here are the most convenient 2nd Street locations for travelers:
Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit)
• Best for travelers arriving or leaving by train.
• Good selection of travel bags, jackets, and outdoor gear.
• 🚶♂️ About a 5-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
Shijo Kawaramachi
• Located in the busy downtown shopping area.
• More fashion-focused, but hiking jackets and backpacks often appear.
• Perfect stop while exploring Nishiki Market or Gion.
Sanjo Kawaramachi Street
• Specializes in higher-end and luxury brands.
• Worth a visit if you enjoy vintage streetwear alongside outdoor finds.
📍 See all Kyoto 2nd Street shops on Google Maps
🕒 Opening hours: Usually 11:00–20:00.
(Check official website for updates: 2nd Street Store Info)
Tips: How to Remove Second-Hand Clothing Smell
One common worry is the “secondhand store smell” after buying used clothes. It’s harmless but can be persistent.
Here’s how I usually handle it:
- First wash – Soak with mild dish soap (neutral detergent) in lukewarm water, then rinse well.
- Sun-dry – Hang outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours.
- If smell remains – Soak overnight in an oxygen-based bleach (e.g., OxiClean), then wash normally.
- Repeat if needed – Some jackets need 2–3 washes before the smell fades.
⚠️ Note: Oxygen-based bleach (e.g., OxiClean) can damage prints, seam tape, or delicate fabrics. Always check the care label first and test on a hidden spot.
Try at your own risk.
Yamato
