DH and my dad went to Japan several decades ago. They brought back Japanse antique mirrors for me and Mom (not mine but similar). The mirror is actually polished metal.

Also Fanghua pearl necklaces (not strands), silk scarves, a painting on silk (had framed), Pair of Samuari swords (they actually watched the man working on the pair purchased).

You can also purchase antique samurai sword brass in sets or by piece. DH bought this for himself.

I was there for my 40th birthday. DH bought me pearls. I have no recollection of where we ate when we were in Kyoto but we generally ate local fare vs western foods. I would recommend staying at a ryokan for at least one night if you can.

These suggestions were totally off my radar!

Silk and other fabric... Fanghua is now on the list...tortoise shells and cashmere sounds gorgeous. Allison, great momentos, thank you for sharing.

I think I'm in for a treat...expecting the unexpected. Planning on only bringing a carry-on, so I might also be buying luggage...

Ooooh! i loved kyoto so much i went twice. i highly recommend going to the kyoto handicraft center (link below) where you can get so many authentic gifts etc. i got authentic woodblock prints each time i went. i also get things i would use (not just sit on a shelf), so if you are into makeup visit hakuhodo the makeup brushes store. also see the laquer boxes (several places in the city) and many places sell chopsticks etc so i have my favorite sets from there. also the kyoto candy factory has a great youtube channel with vintage candy making machinery. also the fresh food market is a fun place to visit and it has a famous knife shop (aritsugu) where you can buy a knife made for you personally. and if you visit temples make sure to pick up a goshuuin book to collect your temple stamps! i love looking at mine to remember my trips fondly.

https://store.kyotohandicraftcenter.com/en-us/collections/woodblock-print-artist

Brilliant, Stephanie!

Love their Ikebana flower scissors, this link is so fun!!

Thank you!

Kyoto is faboulous! Here are the notes I kept from my trip there:

Stay near the Gion district. bars / shops / restaurants. super pretty and fun to explore in the evening. also, it's the Geisha district! Note there will be a few fake ones in costume. I felt like I could tell the difference, the few authentic Geisha I spotted were positively resplendent.

Eat okonomiyaki! (no specific recommendations, there are many okonomiyaki restaurants there, and you likely will not go wrong.)

Book time at an Onsen, (hot springs bath). there are some that are co-ed, some not. some public, some private.

Hotel rec: Kanra. Modern meets traditional. Super fancy, worth it for the deep wooden soaking tubs and close proximity to Gion district.

Fushimi Inari Shrine (1,000 torii gates). I'm guessing it was already on your list since this is the one of the main things Kyoto is known for. It's positively jaw dropping. You don't have to go to the very top, but if you do, give yourself several hours.