Where to shop in Kyoto 2015 edition

I have written an article on where to shop in Kyoto (spring 2015) for Hakuhodo brushes, Ippodo tea, Imabari towels, Shoyeido incense and home wear/room wear (Gelato Pique). Japan has become a fantastic place to shop because the yen keeps going down in value against the US dollar. Don’t forget to take your passport to the stores — you get a tax-free refund. Most shops require that you spend 10,000 yen ($80 at the exchange rate of 124 yen to $1) but others, like Tokyu Hands, give you a 5 percent off card when you show your passport and it applies to ANY purchase in the store regardless of amount.