Kyoto has fewer watch dealers than Tokyo or Osaka, but the ones it has are within walking distance of each other in the city centre, between Karasuma and Kawaramachi. Quieter shops make it a relaxed place to look at a watch closely.
The Kyoto branch of the Rolex specialist Quark, near Kawaramachi. A smaller, quieter shop than the big Osaka stores, with a good choice of new and pre-owned Rolex, and staff who know the history of each piece.
Good for
Rolex
Station
Kyoto-shiyakusho-mae Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line), about 5 min walk
Komehyo's Kyoto store on Shinkyogoku. The in-store range is mostly bags and jewellery, but you can reserve watches from other Komehyo stores online to view here.
Good for
Rolex, Omega, Cartier
Station
Kyoto-kawaramachi Station (Hankyu), about 5 min walk
A watch and bag reseller on the Shinkyogoku shopping street with pre-owned Rolex, Grand Seiko and a good choice of vintage Cartier. Watches are sized in the shop. There is a second branch on Kawaramachi.
Good for
Rolex, Cartier, Grand Seiko
Station
Kyoto-kawaramachi Station (Hankyu), about 5 min walk
OKURA's Kyoto store at the Shijo-Karasuma crossing. Mostly bags and fashion, with a smaller range of pre-owned watches; OKURA can bring in watches from its other stores in Japan.
Good for
Rolex, Omega, Cartier
Station
Shijo Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line) / Karasuma Station (Hankyu), about 2 min walk
A Kyoto watch dealer on Karasuma with new and pre-owned Rolex, Grand Seiko and Tudor, including some rarer Grand Seiko references. Clear condition notes and no-pressure service.
Good for
Rolex, Grand Seiko, Tudor
Station
Shijo Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line) or Karasuma Station (Hankyu), about 5 min walk
A small vintage watch shop upstairs near Teramachi, strong in Japanese brands with a good Swiss selection too. Watches are serviced by the owner, and the shop also sells Japanese-made straps. Little English is spoken, but browsing is relaxed.
Good for
Vintage Seiko, Omega, Longines
Station
Kyoto-shiyakusho-mae Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line), about 8 min walk
Reserve ahead if you've found a watch online. Most dealers will hold it for a day or two, and chains can often move a watch from another branch.
Questions
Are there good watch shops in Kyoto?
Yes, though fewer than in Tokyo or Osaka. A Rolex specialist, several luxury dealers and a vintage shop are all within walking distance in the city centre.
Can I combine Kyoto and Osaka for watch shopping?
Easily. Osaka's Umeda and Shinsaibashi are about 30 to 45 minutes from central Kyoto by train, and Osaka has many more dealers.