Kyoto is home to some of the Japan's greatest temples and gardens, and it's a city that must be visited during any stay in Japan. There are many sights to see and things to do, but one of the best ways to enjoy the feel of Kyoto is to take a stroll and peek inside of the small traditional shops that often sit inconspicuously along the side of the road.
Izawaya : Kimono Accessories
 Kyoto's Gion district is one of the most exclusive and best-known geiko/maiko quarters in all of Japan. Gion is where you'll find the 140-year-old Izawaya, which sells kimono accessories ranging from high-end to casual. Izawaya's goods are loved by geiko, maiko, and kabuki actors. One example of its high-end products is a bag featuring a traditional Nishijin brocade. This bag, which is very popular amongst  foreign guests, goes with formal kimonos but can also be carried with a dress. If a bag is too formal, how about a Nishijin brocade business card case? Other casual products with a Kyoto flavor include scented Japanese paper, and toothpicks individually wrapped in traditional paper. If you stop by Izawaya, you even might have the chance to meet a geiko or maiko!
Address: Minamiza-mae, Shijyo Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0075
TEL: +81-75-525-0130 FAX: +81-75-561-0740
Open time: 10:30-21:00
Hiyoshiya : Traditional Umbrellas
 Another traditional shop is Hiyoshiya, which sells traditional umbrellas (known as "wasgashi") made from bamboo and washi paper. The shop is located in front of the Hokyoji Temple, also known as "Temple of Dolls." Founded in the late Edo period, Hiyoshiya have been creating wagasa for over 150 years, and it is a major supplier of umbrellas to the major schools that teach the Japanese tea ceremony. The shop's 5th-generation owner continues to craft traditional wagasa, but also makes an effort to create more modern products. 
For example, Hiyoshiya offers a lamp called "KOTORI." This stylish light is based on the basic wagasa structure, with washi paper and bamboo, but it would also be right at home in Western-style living rooms. Being foldable and easy to carry, it also makes an excellent souvenir. Another Hiyoshiya product is a new style of wagasa called "SINARU / WAGASA," which is designed for daily use. The beauty and  charm of wagas are enhanced by light as it shines through the washi and the sound of rain as it bounces off the paper. On sunny days, the shop places wagasa at Hokyoji Temple to dry - it is as if a field of brightly colored flowers has blossomed overnight. Hiyoshiya also offers lessons on how to make small wagasa.
Address: 546 Dodo-cho, Horikawa Teranouchi-higashi-iru,
Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto (shop, studio and office)
TEL: +81-(0)75-441-6644
Open time: 10:00-17:00 (closed Monday)
URL: http://www.wagasa.com/en/
Tosai : Ceramics
 On the way to the famous Kiyomizu Temple is an area called Chawanzaka Slope ("Teacup Slope"), where numerous small shops sell ceramics and other traditional crafts. One of she shops is Tosai. Founded in the early Taisho Era (1912-1926), it showcases Kyoto ceramics such as sake cups, teacups and teapots, and rice bowls. In 1936, Tosai  combined Kyoto's craftsmanship and elegance with Tokyo's stylish taste to open a shop in Tokyo.
 One of the most popular products is the sake cup set. The exterior is Bizen ware, but the inside is lined with gold foil. Tosai's owner says that after foreign visitors learn about Japanese cuisine and culture, many of them buy sake cups to take home. The design of the wares expresses seasonal changes, and these variations contribute to their uniqueness. Why not bring home a piece of Kyoto craftsmanship and add a little Japanese flavor into your daily life?
Address: 6-539-26 Gojyobashi Higashi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
TEL: +81-75-561-4120 FAX: +81-75-561-4135
Open time: 10:00-17:00 (closed Tuesday) |
