Shijo

Right at the city center, Shijo station (Kyoto City Subway) and Karasuma Station (Hankyu Kyoto line) make this one of the most convenient locations for sightseeing in Kyoto City... or heading out to Osaka or Nara for a day trip.

New York's got 5th Avenue, Kyoto's got 4th.  All the major brands and department stores have branches here.  Take a walk down Shijo street itself or explore the nearby area for some fantastic eateries.  If you're really a foodie, the famous Nishiki Market is just a block away. (Make sure to get there early- most of the shops shut down at 6 p.m. a throwback to when it was mainly for locals' grocery shopping.) Walk just a few minutes further east and visit the Kawaramachi area, known for its Shinkyogoku and Teramachi shopping arcades.