Zōhiko is the best place in Kyoto to buy one of Japan's most beguiling art-and-craft forms: lacquerware. If you aren't familiar with just how beautiful these products can be, you owe it to yourself to make the pilgrimage to Zōhiko. You'll find a great selection of cups, bowls, trays and various kinds of boxes.
If you want a gift or souvenir that really makes an impression, this is a great choice. Prices can get into the tens of thousands of yen but it also has some more affordable items from around ¥2500.