JR Kyoto Isetan — Local services in Kyoto

I was browsing for some backpacks on the 9th floor, when the lady at the luggage store asked if we needed any help.

They didn't have any bag that interested me. My husband had been passively looking for a high quality cabin luggage for a while. He brought it up, and the lady immediately advised my husband, and helped him figure out what he was looking for.

She was speaking very good English, and cared about making sure my husband got a luggage that fitted his needs. They had the luggage with the right colour and the right specification in stock. My husband was sold! Unfortunately the luggage was a little quirky when my husband tried it out, it looked like a defect on that one specific unit. The lady, rightfully, refused to sell it because she was uncomfortable selling low quality item. Since this was our last day in Kyoto, she recommended that we visit a department store in Tokyo (where we were headed to) that sells that same luggage. This is top service, this saleslady should be named employee of the month. If we would have stayed longer in Kyoto, we would have bought that luggage because how professional the people at the luggage store on the...

Nice shops but I experienced the weirdest customer service ever. I went there to purchase a pair of shoes that I wanted to buy as I already tried them on a couple days before. I requested my size, but the lady brought a size bigger to prove these shoes are not for my feet apparently. I ended up having to try on different styles and sizes to prove her point about the style not being right for my feet. It all felt extremely awkward, she told me I would get an ingrown toe nail, she would point at my toes, awkwardly laugh and say my toes are too long. Wow. I honestly felt good and comfortable in the shoes and size I picked, and instead of respecting my choice it felt like she just wanted to prove that she was right. I understood her options and worries but as a customer I would appreciate if she also accepted mine. I was extremely close to leaving and not buying anything as she was so pushy.

I’m sure it was stressful for her because of the language barrier and cultural differences but I just wanted to buy this pair of shoes. I think you need to respect the customer’s choice and options too and I think...

Isetan at JR Kyoto Station is a well-known and convenient stop for travelers. Whether you’re looking for fashion, souvenirs, or snacks for the Shinkansen, the store is beautifully organized and offers a little bit of everything. The basement food hall (depachika) is always impressive, with beautifully packaged sweets, bento boxes, and seasonal specialties.

That said, the upper dining floors (especially around the 10th and 11th floors) really feel like they haven’t changed in years. The restaurant selection is outdated, and many places seem to be stuck in time—both in terms of menu and decor. For a location as busy and central as this, you'd expect more innovation or variety. After several visits over the years, the offerings feel repetitive and uninspired.

Still a convenient spot, especially if you're short on time—but for a more exciting meal, you might want to explore Kyoto Station's other dining areas or head out...