Montbell Kyoto Shopping: Your Guide to Tax-Free Backpacks in 2026

Kyoto Shopping Guide: Montbell Kyoto Store

Buying a 20L Backpack & Tax Refund Guide

---

Text/Photos © Haibubu

Montbell backpacks are all the rage these days, known for being incredibly lightweight. They've become one of those must-buy items when you visit Japan!

So, while I was on my trip to Osaka and Kyoto, I made sure to stop by the Montbell Kyoto store to grab one for myself.

Today, I'll share my review of the 20L backpack I bought at Montbell Kyoto, a fantastic shopping spot in Kyoto's Kawaramachi area, along with how to get your tax refund!

Kyoto Shopping Gem: The Montbell Kyoto Store

Montbell Kyoto Store モンベル 京都店

Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Location: Near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station Tax Refund: Processed via app after in-store purchase

The Montbell Kyoto store is conveniently located near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, making it super easy to access.

The Montbell entrance is tucked inside the shopping arcade. Just follow the sign you see above and head a little to the right.

The Montbell Kyoto store is quite spacious, so they had a fantastic variety of items!

I was primarily looking at packable backpacks, so below, I'll introduce you to the bags that caught my eye.

The most famous Pocketable Light Pack had only one 10-liter green bag left. It's clear that popular items sell out fast! (Price: 5,800 JPY, about ~$36.)

On Montbell's official Korean website, it's currently ~$58 and out of stock, so if you find it in stock in Japan, it's definitely a good idea to grab it!

Next, I checked out the Pocketable Day Pack. At the time, they had yellow, wine, navy, and black colors available. (Price: 5,500 JPY, which is about ~$34.)

I was looking for a black backpack that wouldn't show dirt easily, so I picked the black one without hesitation.

Given that it's currently ~$55 on the official Korean website and out of stock, I felt pretty lucky to find it!

However, one slight drawback of the Pocketable Day Pack is that, unlike the Pocketable Light Pack, it doesn't have side pockets for water bottles.

But aside from that, I loved everything else about it!

I checked for the popular Montbell Versalite Backpack but it was out of stock. Instead, they had the Balance Light 20L Black, which has a similar design to the Versalite.

The price was 11,000 JPY, roughly ~$69! (On the official website, it's ~$94.)

Additionally, there was the Cross Runner Pack 7 Liter Light Grey (Price: 12,100 JPY, roughly ~$76; on the official Korean website, it's ~$109).

The Alpine Light Pack 30L also looked great!

(Price: 25,300 JPY, approximately ~$159

On the official Korean website: ~$255)

​

​

​

​

Beyond backpacks, I also checked out some tote bags

and cross bags that are currently very popular.

​

​

​

​

Packable Light Tote Bag L Black

(Price: 5,300 JPY, approximately ~$33

On the official Korean website: ~$47, out of stock)

​

Montbell Bernina Tote Bag S Black

(Price: 6,600 JPY, approximately ~$42

Not available on the official Korean website)

​

The Light Tote Bag (Large) seemed perfect for busy explorers

who need to carry a lot, while the Bernina Tote Bag looked like a great option

for an everyday handbag!

​

​

​

​

I also checked out the Montbell shoulder bags, which many people are seeking out

these days because they offer much better value for money than Porter shoulder bags!

​

Light Shoulder Bag L Black

(Price: 7,300 JPY, approximately ~$46

On the official Korean website: ~$72)

​

It looked great, lightweight and with plenty of storage!

​

​

​

​

In addition to the bags I've introduced, there were many more diverse products!

The Kyoto store surprisingly had such a wide variety that I completely lost track of time browsing..!

​

(Beware of an empty wallet!)

​

​

How to Get a Tax Refund at Montbell

​

​

At the Montbell Kyoto store, you can apply for a tax refund directly at the store.

Let me explain how below.

​

​

​

​

Tax refunds are available for purchases of 5,500 JPY or more (tax included),

and can be done by registering relevant information through an app after making your purchase at the store.

​

Keep in mind that approximately 3% is deducted as a handling fee, so you'll receive about 7% back.

​

​

​

​

You can easily download the app by scanning the QR code available in the store.

​

​

​

​

Applying for a tax exemption through the app is straightforward,

and the detailed instructions are provided, just like in the photos.

​

Below, I'll show you the app screens from when I personally received my refund.

​

​

First, download the app and sign up.

Then, show the screen to a staff member,

and they'll input the code for your refund.

After that, you'll need to select your receipt, departure details, passport information,

and landing permit within the app,

or simply take photos and upload them directly.

Once all your information is entered,

input the card number where you'd like to receive your refund,

and your estimated refund amount will appear.

After final submission, you can expect to receive your refund on the specified card within 5 to 10 days.

(It seems to be 5-10 days *after* approval.)

So, take note of the Montbell Kyoto store bag information and

the tax-free shopping guide we shared today to shop smart and save big!