Don Quijote, often shortened to Donki, is a popular discount chain store in Japan. Known for its wide variety of products, Don Quijote offers everything from groceries, electronics, and clothing to cosmetics, household items, and novelty goods.

The Don Quijote Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Store is conveniently located. It's just a three-minute walk north along Kawaramachi Dori from Hankyu Kyoto Line Kawaramachi Station, or a five-minute walk across the Kamo River from Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station.

The eight-story building exudes a calm atmosphere, yet the eye-catching Don Quijote display is hard to miss. The stone-paved floors and brown lattice accents on the signboard and pillars, along with Japanese-style decorations, add character to both the exterior and interior.

Products line the narrow passages from floor to ceiling, one of Don Quijote’s main attractions. However, this store boasts unique features both hidden and visible, starting at the front of the 1st floor.

Located near the historical site of the Omiya Inn, where Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka were assassinated at the end of the Edo Period, the store features the iconic blue Don Quijote penguin, Don Pen, dressed as Ryoma Sakamoto.

Lanterns hang from the ceilings, and the staff uniforms are distinct, featuring a blue polo shirt with a Japanese pattern apron and a chest badge with an image of Kyoto.

Additionally, the store incorporates the official color of Kyoto City, Kyo-murasaki (purple), into the product designs.

On the walls and behind the handrails of the 1st-floor staircase, you'll find images of Don Pen with Japanese motifs like vermilion torii gates and rickshaws. The elevators and up-only escalators are also decorated in a Japanese style.

Unique Don Pen images are scattered throughout the store, adding to its distinctive charm.

The regular Don Quijote shopping bag, available for a nominal price, is the well-known yellow bag. However, this store offers a special paper shopping bag: an M size for purchases over 1,000 yen and an L size for purchases over 2,000 yen. This limited-edition brown paper bag features scenic depictions of Kyoto, exclusive to this store.

Additionally, Don Quijote's original electronic payment system, majica, has a unique design specific to the Kyoto location.

Though a popular tourist destination in downtown Kyoto, the store primarily focuses on products for regular local customers.

Seasonal items, along with antibacterial products and masks, are prominently displayed on the 1st floor. Handy fans and cooling towels, perfect for Kyoto’s hot summers, are among the seasonal offerings.

The store adeptly stays current with customer needs, cleverly displaying products so shoppers can easily find what they need.

The first basement floor offers a wide selection of food, alcohol, and supplements, with an especially large supplements section. The food products include everyday items like seasonings and sweets, while the alcohol section caters to local shop owners by offering large quantities.

The 1st floor focuses on daily consumable items, emphasizing seasonal products and hygiene items. During the rainy season, folding umbrellas are particularly popular, featuring colorful patterns for women and plain designs for men.

The 2nd floor is dedicated primarily to cosmetics, offering a wide range of hair care products, including salon-style shampoos, wax, and brand-name cosmetics. With many new and convenient items available, you're sure to find what you're looking for.

The 3rd floor mainly features home appliances and clothing, creating a popular amusement area with atmospheric lights that capture the true essence of Don Quijote. You'll also find smartphone accessories and beauty appliances here.

The 4th floor focuses on brand goods and jewelry, offering a range of products for young women, such as perfume and color contact lenses. You'll also find a variety of bags, from affordable options to high-end brands.

Beyond the typical excitement of Don Quijote stores, the Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi branch offers unique Kyoto charms. One such perk is a free delivery service to the Kansai area for purchases over 5,000 yen (excluding tax). This service is convenient for visitors from Osaka or Kobe, allowing them to avoid carrying heavy bags.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to Kyoto, be sure to take advantage of this service.

Now when shopping at Don Quijote, you can get up to 15% off your purchase! Just tap the coupon below and show it to the cashier when checking out. (Conditions apply. See coupon page for details.)

(*This article was originally published in July 2020. Item availability and pricing may have changed. Please see the official website for the latest information.)