Where to Buy Hiking Gear in Kyoto: 6 Recommended Outdoor Stores
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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. 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. Montbell Kyoto Store
I like Decathlon products because they are affordable yet offer decent quality. Unfortunately, Decathlon no longer has any physical stores in Japan. 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.
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.
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).
Yamato
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2. Montbell Kyoto Station Store
Located inside AEON Mall KYOTO, just a few minutes from Kyoto Station, this Montbell store is perfect for travelers who want to shop without going far from their hotel or train. The store carries Montbell’s full range of products—from lightweight jackets and down wear to backpacks, rain gear, and camping accessories. Whether you’re preparing for a casual day hike around Kyoto or heading to the Japan Alps, you can find everything in one stop.
What makes this location especially convenient is that AEON Mall also has Uniqlo, MUJI, Workman, and Kojitsu Sanso (好日山荘) under the same roof. This means you can compare different styles and budgets: Montbell’s technical gear, Workman’s budget-friendly options, MUJI’s minimalist designs, and Uniqlo’s simple basics. If you’re short on time, it’s the easiest way to check many shops at once before heading into the mountains. Plus, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants in the mall—perfect for grabbing a meal before or after shopping.
•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, it has expanded its product line to include outdoor and sports apparel, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
Store Highlights:
Yamato
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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
Yamatomichi (山と道) is one of Japan’s most beloved ultralight (UL) gear brands, and their Kyoto store is the official flagship. Opened in 2023, it’s located in the Gojo area, about a 7-minute walk from Keihan Shichijo Station. The shop has a calm, spacious design, allowing you to try on backpacks and clothing at your own pace. Staff are knowledgeable about UL hiking and can give advice in English, making it a rare chance for international visitors to experience the UL community in Japan.
What to look for here: the famous MINI and THREE backpacks—light, durable, and designed for long-distance treks—as well as the popular 5-Pocket Pants, which cleverly include a smartphone-sized pocket for easy access. Clothing like Merino wool hoodies and UL shirts are also worth checking out, especially if you’re planning summer hikes in humid Kansai weather.
The shop is close to cultural spots like Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Kyoto National Museum, so you can easily combine gear shopping with sightseeing.
• 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
Conclusion – Which Store Should You Choose?
Kyoto offers a surprising variety of hiking gear shops, each with its own strengths:
- Montbell – Reliable Japanese quality, easy to find, wide range.
- Workman Plus – Best for budget-friendly clothing.
- Kojitsu Sanso & Ishii Sports – Strong selection of international brands and technical gear.
- Yamatomichi Kyoto – Unique UL experience, a must-visit for gear enthusiasts.
If you’re short on time, head to AEON Mall Kyoto near the station—you’ll find Montbell, Uniqlo, MUJI, Workman, and Kojitsu Sanso all in one spot. But if you’re curious about Japan’s ultralight hiking scene, don’t miss Yamatomichi Kyoto, a rare flagship store that represents the cutting edge of hiking culture in Japan.
So next time you’re in Kyoto, whether you need a rain jacket, a new backpack, or just want to browse Japan’s outdoor scene, these stores will keep you ready for the trails.
Happy hiking! ⛰️🏕️🎒
Yamato
Yamato
