Shichimiya

Higashiyama, or the Eastern Mountains, is one of Kyoto's most charming and well preserved areas. There's no escaping the hordes of schoolchildren on their way up or down from Kiyomizudera temple, so just relax and enjoy all the traditional shops selling food and arts and crafts.

I stocked up on shichimi togarashi at Shichimiya, the 300 year old shop that only sells various versions of the mixed spices and containers for serving and storing it. The little packets make great presents.