Yamaya Import Foods
There are two main locations for this import foods store that carries a large wine stock of both new and old world wines. The most convenient location is steps from Karasuma Oike subway station on the Karasuma line. Also located in Qanat shopping centre on Kitaoji east of the Takanogawa river. Cheap to top of line wines available.
Meidi-ya
Meidi-ya (pronounced "Meiji-ya"), established in 1885, is Japan’s oldest import foods store with outlets all over the country. The Kyoto branch is small but centrally located near Keihan Sanjo railway station and the Kiyamachi entertainment area. The selection isn't huge but what's on offer is usually solid wine stock. Best for higher-end wines.
Department Stores: Daimaru, Takashimaya, Hankyu
Japanese department store basements have a well-deserved reputation as a ‘foodies’ paradise. If you can endure looking at all the sumptuous fare being sold - everything from Chinese dishes to mouth watering roasted meats - these food basements are also great places to go for wine. Takashimaya has it’s own wine bar with monthly specials.
Wine Grocery
A family run wine distributor on Shijo near Hankyu Omiya station. Mostly French wines are sold but the selection is extensive. They also run two elegant wine bars: Bar Wine Grocery on Rokkaku dori west of Karasuma; and "Coupe" on Hanami-koji north of Shijo dori.
Wine Crazy わいんくれじー
A quirkily named wine shop (the sign is written in hiragana Japanese) in western Kyoto near Nishioji-Oike subway station on the Tozai line. The building is a large renovated machiya townhouse, which makes for a unique interior. Wines available for tasting.
Picasso
Hole-in-the-wall wine shop near Keihan Sanjo station that stocks top class wines. Most likely serving the many bars in the area, this is place to go if you're looking for Chateau Margaux or Opus One late at night.
Ebina Wines
A former sake brewery business turned wine shop, Ebina is not far from the southern gate of the Imperial Palace on Marutamachi dori. You can find excellent French wines here that are not sold anywhere else in Kyoto. It’s a handy stop if you're looking for a bottle to take to a picnic by the river (a 5 minute walk away).
Michael's
Small import foods supermarket in north-eastern Kyoto, north of Ginkaku-ji temple (Silver Pavilion) on Kitashirakawa dori. Michael’s meats and fresh produce are pretty pricey but the wine stock is extensive. You can pick up some unique old and new world wines here.
Maki Foods
Another small family-run Kyoto import foods supermarket on Higashioji, just south of Eiden Takano station. The range of wines varies from month to month but it’s usually a good place to pick up Chilean wine.
You may also be interested in:
Sayura Vins Fins (Gion)
Quite possibly the most elegant wine bar in Kyoto, right in the middle of the geisha district. There’s no sign marking the entrance, instead, look for a large wine glass.
Italian Wine Salon yu-an (Nishijin)
This is an unique wine "salon" housed in a 70 year old machiya townhouse with over 40 kinds of wines available.
