Kyoto Support » Forum: Shopping, Souvenirs and Kyoto Meibutsu

Kyoto Support » Forum: Shopping, Souvenirs and Kyoto Meibutsu - Recent Posts http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/forum/shopping-souvenirs-and-kyoto-meibutsu Sad to say, but this lovely old town requires some support. en-US Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:03:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/search.php JimR on "Natrual Hones/Whetstones/Waterstones?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/natrual-honeswhetstoneswaterstones#post-237 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:23:19 +0000 JimR 237@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello, I have a rather eccentric hobby, using and collecting traditional straight razors (both Western and Japanese) and as part of that I am very interested in Japanese natural whetstones/hones (天然砥石）, which are considered the best in the world for creating a superb edge on any kind of blade (think about how sharp those legendary swords have to be!). Kyoto has been the center of mining and distributing these stones for centuries, and I was wondering if anyone here had ideas about any shops dealing in them, or even better a museum dedicated to these stones? I'd love to learn more about them, and living in Yamaguchi-ken I have little chance to do so. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Jim peko on "Kyoto Furoshiki Stores" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-furoshiki-stores#post-223 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:04:19 +0000 peko 223@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ SouSou has a furoshiki shop now? I have to check that one out! archer_root on "Kyoto Furoshiki Stores" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-furoshiki-stores#post-221 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:41:43 +0000 archer_root 221@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Sou Sou is a Kyoto clothier which draws upon Japanese fashion tradition for its own design. They have a furoshiki shop, as well as a shop for mens' fashion, womens' fashion, jikitabi, and bicycle fashion. All distinct shops in the same neighborhood. <a href="http://www.sousou.co.jp/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sousou.co.jp/</a> Here's a map: <a href="http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=sou+sou&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=sou+sou&hnear=%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C&cid=0,0,814891330499910548&ei=_UzpSvorkPbqA-yeuOYL&ved=0CBAQnwIwAA&ll=35.004796,135.767713&spn=0.010124,0.017874&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=sou+sou&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=sou+sou&hnear=%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C&cid=0,0,814891330499910548&ei=_UzpSvorkPbqA-yeuOYL&ved=0CBAQnwIwAA&ll=35.004796,135.767713&spn=0.010124,0.017874&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A</a> miwa on "Porter bags in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/porter-bags-in-kyoto#post-206 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:20:03 +0000 miwa 206@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello! You should be able to find porter bags at many places. The biggest collection would be KURA CHIKA Kyoto shop, on the 2nd floor in Fujii Daimaru department store. It is where Teramachi st. and Shijo st. meet. <a href="http://www.frontstyle.com/shopsearch/shop_detail.php?shopid=S_001639" rel="nofollow">http://www.frontstyle.com/shopsearch/shop_detail.php?shopid=S_001639</a> I remember seeing their bags at Takashimaya department store, and at LOFT(shopping building). They are all close together, so you can easily go the three on foot. incognito on "Porter bags in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/porter-bags-in-kyoto#post-204 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:25:24 +0000 incognito 204@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi, does anyone know where I can find Porter bags in Kyoto? And which store has the biggest collection of Porter bags? Thanks! adania on "Ceramic Ginger/Garlic graters" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ceramic-gingergarlic-graters#post-184 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:07:25 +0000 adania 184@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Wow! Those are very nice! I have never seen any with the dish together before. The one my mother has is like the normal 100yen ones (like i have!), but instead of being perfectly round, the outline is kaki-shaped, with a sort of stem + leaf bit on one side. Have you seen any nice ceramics shops selling these kind of goods? I don't need it to be a fancy shape, but I want to get her something nicer than 100yen! I looked around at the tezukuri-ichiba at Chionji today, but I didn't see anything... miwa on "Ceramic Ginger/Garlic graters" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ceramic-gingergarlic-graters#post-183 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:55:57 +0000 miwa 183@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ This one is very pretty. <a href="http://item.rakuten.co.jp/sara-cera/s0005660/" rel="nofollow">http://item.rakuten.co.jp/sara-cera/s0005660/</a> from rakuten online store...... miwa on "Ceramic Ginger/Garlic graters" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ceramic-gingergarlic-graters#post-182 Sun, 12 Jul 2009 04:51:31 +0000 miwa 182@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello! I don't quite understand what you mean by persimmon-shape. This is ceramic one of those conventional shape, that you can easily get at 100 yen stores. <a href="http://www.living-e.jp/?pid=14487361" rel="nofollow">http://www.living-e.jp/?pid=14487361</a> I found cute one, not sure if this is hand made, though. <a href="http://kosome.ocnk.net/product/317" rel="nofollow">http://kosome.ocnk.net/product/317</a> If this is what you are looking for, you could image search with おろし器.　（oroshi-ki) Or am I looking for wrong thing? adania on "Ceramic Ginger/Garlic graters" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ceramic-gingergarlic-graters#post-181 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:16:09 +0000 adania 181@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ A few years ago, when my mother visited Japan, she bought herself a very cute, persimmon-shaped ceramic grater for ginger and garlic. It's the kind that is just a flat disk of pottery, pricked many times before firing to leave raised sharp bumps across the surface to do the grating. It's very cute, and after using hers, i got myself a plain, white, 100yen shop one to use at home. Well, hers is finally wearing out, and she asked me to find her a new one, but i have no idea where she got hers (it may not have been in Kyoto...) I have looked around at Nishiki-koji, and in many ceramic shops here and there (including the streets around Kiyomizu), but i haven't found anything similar at all... Does anyone know where i could find one of these? Especially an attractive handmade one? peko on "Kyoto Furoshiki Stores" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-furoshiki-stores#post-174 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:46:46 +0000 peko 174@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Did an article on OpenKyoto about these three stores. There are large photos of the storefronts and Google Maps. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/stores/buy-furoshiki-in-kyoto.html" title="Karakusaya and Kakefuda">Where to Buy Furoshiki in Kyoto: Karakusaya and Kakefuda</a> Funazushi on "Where to Purchase Condiments, Sauces and Spices in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/where-to-purchase-condiments-sauces-and-spices-in-kyoto#post-160 Fri, 22 May 2009 13:39:41 +0000 Funazushi 160@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Has anyone any idea where I can get seeds to grow sansho? Ideally I'm looking for a mail order seed company so that I can get them overseas (Canada). kyotogubbins on "Lacquerware Shop in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/lacquerware-shop#post-159 Thu, 21 May 2009 10:11:59 +0000 kyotogubbins 159@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Thanks a lot both, looking forward to my next visit already. miwa on "Lacquerware Shop in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/lacquerware-shop#post-155 Sat, 16 May 2009 14:10:31 +0000 miwa 155@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Oh, and I also like うるしの常三郎 (Urushi no Tsunezaburou) store. They have several stores in Kyoto. The most convenient one is on Ponto-cho street, on west side of the street, closer to Shijo-street end. They have reasonably priced lacquerware. miwa on "Lacquerware Shop in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/lacquerware-shop#post-154 Sat, 16 May 2009 14:04:48 +0000 miwa 154@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello, I am sorry for not replying sooner. I think the lacquerware store you are talking about is Shikki no Asobe store.(漆器のアソベ). The store used to be facing Shijo street, but they have MOVED to Shijo Higashinotoin-sagaru, which is south from Shijo-street X Higashinotoin-street crossing. They are still doing business, of course; it is a really popular shinise store, that has started in 1807. 〒600-8091 京都市下京区東洞院通四条下ル元悪王子47-5 075-344-5333 10:00〜19:00 closed on Wednesdays miwa on "I need boots!" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/i-need-boots#post-138 Wed, 06 May 2009 01:18:36 +0000 miwa 138@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello bambootrance-san, I think it is easier to find large size on line stores. Some of rain shoes have size up to XL and 25. <a href="http://www.bath-ec.com/rain070612.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bath-ec.com/rain070612.html</a> and the below is the online store for large size clothing and accessories, Nissen <a href="http://www.nissen.co.jp/smileland/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nissen.co.jp/smileland/</a> I could not find rain boots, but they might be on sale soon. I will post when I find more websites. M peko on "I need boots!" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/i-need-boots#post-137 Wed, 06 May 2009 00:43:59 +0000 peko 137@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello there bambootrance So, you are looking for a store in Kyoto? If you want to keep you feet dry, does that mean that just utilitarian boots will do? Or, do you need some style? Do you want rubber boots? P bambootrance on "I need boots!" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/i-need-boots#post-136 Tue, 05 May 2009 23:27:29 +0000 bambootrance 136@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Rain is coming and I have big feet! Haha. Want to keep them dry but finding the shoe stores don't carry my sizes. I wear a size 9wide in U.S. Where can I find larger size shoes? Preferably feminine styles. Thank you. kyotogubbins on "Lacquerware Shop in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/lacquerware-shop#post-134 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:29:35 +0000 kyotogubbins 134@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi all, Just back from a second visit to Kyoto. When I was there last year, there was a really nice lacquerware shop - lovely but pretty pricey - on Shijo Dori (?)near the Louis Vuitton shop. It seems to have closed down and been replaced by a cafe, any idea if it's gonew somewhere else? If not, any recommendations for nice lacquerware shops in Kyoto gratefully received. Looking for reasonably high end kaiseki kagu. miwa on "Kyoto Markets: Kitano Shrine Tenjin-san, Toji Temple Kobo-san and Tezukuri-ichi" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-markets-kitano-shrine-tenjin-san-toji-temple-kobo-san-and-tezukuri-ichi#post-107 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:04:38 +0000 miwa 107@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Yes, I like the Kamiyamo shrine one, too! adania on "Kyoto Markets: Kitano Shrine Tenjin-san, Toji Temple Kobo-san and Tezukuri-ichi" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-markets-kitano-shrine-tenjin-san-toji-temple-kobo-san-and-tezukuri-ichi#post-100 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:16:58 +0000 adania 100@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I also like the Tezukuri-ichi at Kamigamo shrine on the 4th Sunday of the month. Some of the vendors from Chion-ji show up there as well, and they are more spaciously arranged along the little stream on the grounds of the shrine. peko on "Where to buy fine sake in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/where-to-buy-fine-sake-in-kyoto#post-97 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:36:07 +0000 peko 97@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ -- Added Osaki Shoten 大崎商店 info (above) today I stopped in at Osaki Shoten 大崎商店 in Fushimi yesterday and was very impressed with their selection. The owner is friendly and really into excellent sake. I doubt that they speak English though. They don't even have a website. The building is a large machiya and the store is packed with sake and shochu. If you are in the neighborhood, it is certainly worth a peek. Though this store is in Fushimi, they stock fine sake from all over Japan. miwa on "Kyoto Markets: Kitano Shrine Tenjin-san, Toji Temple Kobo-san and Tezukuri-ichi" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-markets-kitano-shrine-tenjin-san-toji-temple-kobo-san-and-tezukuri-ichi#post-93 Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:04:35 +0000 miwa 93@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Top Three Markets in Kyoto: Kitano Shrine Tenjin-san, Toji Temple Kobo-san and Tezukuri-ichi Chionji Temple Tenjin-san and Kobo-san markets, with hundreds of years of history are the place to buy vintage Japanese cultural items such as kimono, wood carvings, scrolls, ceramic, books, various antiques and so on. The variety is nearly endless. There are also many food vendors. Going is always a lot of fun and some real treasure can be had often at a reasonable price. Unlike Japanese retail stores, you can feel free to negotiate a lower price. The tezukuri-ichi is devoted to handmade (new) items with a bit of a Japanese hippie vibe. 1. Tenjin-san Market at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine 天神さん北野天満宮 This market is held on the 25th of every month on the grounds of historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in the Nishijin area of Kyoto. There are so many variety of products to buy. Especially kimonos and kimono fabric are very reasonably priced, they are good for displaying as interior or art decorations. There are also interesting antique Japanese ornaments, wood prints, and hand crafts, which is perfect for souvenir of Japan. when: 25th of every month time: 7am - 4pm how many: 1000 vendors where: Kitano Tenmangu Shrine 2. Kobo-san Market at Toji Temple 弘法さん東寺 This market is held on the 21st of every month on the grounds of historic Toji Temple in the south part of the city, near JR Kyoto Station. Like Tenjin-san, there are so many variety of products and many more stands for antique ornaments. Things such as Japanese carpentry tools, antique architectural related items such as sliding door handles, roof tiles, wooden carvings and so on may be a little more common at Kobo-san. However every time the vendors have different items for sale. when: 21st of every month time: 7am - 4pm how many: 1000 1300 vendors where: Toji Temple 3.Tezukuri-ichi Market 手作り市知恩寺 This market, tezukuri-ichi, literally, 'handmade market' is held on the 15th of every month on the grounds of Chionji Temple in the Hyakumanben and Demachiyanagi neighborhoods near Kyoto University. Everything sold at this market are handmade products, from food to clothing, to jewelry, to furniture -- and more. There are many young artists and craftsmen that participate. Not many traditional Japanese products are offered though, but this market is very enjoyable and the vendors are especially friendly. when: 15th of every month time: 8am - 4pm how many: 300 vendors where: Chionji Temple Weather: What if it rains? If it rains on the markets day, Tenjin-san at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kobo-san at Toji temple will still be held, but at much smaller scale. Tezukuri-ichi at Chionji Temple will be held on the next day, instead. If 16th was also rainy day, it will be cancelled for the month. Getting the Best At all of these markets, prices are negotiable, especially if you go around closing time. However, if you would like to find quality products, it is recommended to go early. peko on "Kyoto Souvenir: Original Handbag, Tote Bags, Purses, Wallets and Rucksack Makers" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-souvenir-original-handbag-tote-bags-purses-wallets-and-rucksack-makers#post-92 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:05:10 +0000 peko 92@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Oh, I found some photos I snapped at a photoshoot several years ago of Cream's Italian Leather, Japanese Linen, Nishijin Weaving Bags. They are pretty awesome! (I haven't been over to Cream for a few years so I don't know if they are still making exactly the same bags. The few, tiny photos on their website look the same to me though.) <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-1.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-2.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-3.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-4.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-5.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-cream-bag-6.jpg" title="Kyoto Cream Bags" alt="Kyoto Cream Bags" /> peko on "Kyoto Souvenir: Original Handbag, Tote Bags, Purses, Wallets and Rucksack Makers" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-souvenir-original-handbag-tote-bags-purses-wallets-and-rucksack-makers#post-90 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:40:48 +0000 peko 90@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ High-quality, unique and fashionable bags make an excellent souvenir from Kyoto. There are several producers in the city that offer various styles to choose from. Here are two famous ones, an up-and-coming one and an undiscovered one. Ichizawa Hampu vs. Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hampu 'Hampu' means canvas in Japanese. The Bad Guy: Ichizawa Hampu 一澤帆布 The legendary bag from Kyoto is from Ichizawa Hampu. However, we recommend that you DO NOT patronize Ichizawa Hampu for the reasons below. <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-ichizawa-hampu-badge.gif" alt="Kyoto Ichizawa Hampu" /> Ichizawa Hampu started business in 1905 making very sturdy canvas bags for milk, sake, ice, and newspaper deliver companies in town. Many of the bags were used by ice making companies that supplied the drinking establishments in Gion, which explains why Ichizawa Hampu is located in Gion. These were very tough and durable and utilitarian bags and not sold to the general public. The story that I heard (that I have not confirmed) is that in the 1950's a major American newspaper, I think it was the New York Times did an article about Ichizawa Hampu bags, which they thought were really wonderful. A few other newspapers did and well and Western travelers to Kyoto sought out the company and purchased bags for souvenirs. Word spread to professors and others that could read English in Japan and when they came to Kyoto, they too sought out Ichizawa Hampu to emulate their Western colleagues. Then Japanese school children visiting Kyoto on school excursions got in on the action and a real brand was born. These apparently were the children of the professors. Ichizawa Hampu only sold their bags at their store, located across the street from the gate of Chion-in temple. If you wanted one, you have to come to Kyoto to buy it. Also, they were made after the customer paid and they were delivered via mail. The Problem: The eldest son of the Ichizawa family, Ichizawa Shintaro, who worked as a banker in Nagoya all his career is now the owner of Ichizawa Hampu. He gained control of the company by very dubious circumstances. The original staff of 65 craftsmen that made Ichizawa Hampu's bags for decades no longer work there and the company that supplied the canvas fabric for Ichizawa Hampu's signature bags also for decades will not deal with the company anymore. So, the bags that made Ichizawa Hampu what it was can no longer made there. The bags that are made by the company are replicas of the classic. The third generation owner of Ichizawa Hampu died in 2001 and his third son, Ichizawa Shinzaburo, who had worked in the company for 25 years, was the heir to the company. The third generation owner of the company wrote his will and left it in the care of his lawyer. Four months after the father died, the eldest son, the banker in Nagoya who had never worked in the company said that he had a will that stated that he would he would inherit the company. And that it was dates after the will left in the care of the lawyer. Four months! The second will was extremely suspicious. It was written in ball point pen and the inkon (personal seal) was not the father's hand-carved, official, registered seal but a plastic one available from any discount seal shop. The will in the possession of the lawyer was written with a brush and stamped with the father's registered seal. A lawsuit ensued and quite unbelievably the incompetence of the Japanese judicial system prevailed -- a system still without jury trials -- sided with the eldest brother and his ball point pen written, unofficial seal will! This lead to the end of Ichizawa Hampu and the creation of Shizaburo Hampu. Ichizawa Shinzaburo, the third brother who lost in court, started his own company and the entire stuff of craftsmen abandoned Ichizawa Hampu to follow Shinzaburo. Additionally, the canvas maker refused to supply canvas to Ichizawa Hampu, instead only dealing with Shinzaburo. So, the older brother got his company and prime location on Higashi-oji Street but had no staff, no products and no materials. Quite an entrepreneur! Ichizawa Hampu is still in business and managed to hire some new staff. The signature label and chain stitching is the same, but the heart and soul is definitely not there. Ichizawa Hampu is perpetually trying to hire skilled craftsmen willing to work there but apparently not having much luck. Doshisha Elementary School, a very famous school in Kyoto used to have the school bags of all their students made by Ichizawa Hampu, but they also switched to Shinzaburo Hampu. Ichizawa Hampu website: <a href="http://www.ichizawa-hanpu.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichizawa-hanpu.co.jp</a> The Good Guy: Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hampu 一澤信三郎帆布 Ichizawa Shinzaburo set-up shop in the same neighborhood, a few doors down and restarted the family business with his own new style but with the traditional canvas fabric and staff of craftsmen. <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/kyoto-shinzaburo-hampu.gif" alt="Kyoto Shinzaburo Hampu" /> Shinzaburo has added patterned prints to his line up and does collaborations with other artists. Perhaps his most famous collaborator is AstroBoy. If you are a fan of the manga you can score a really unique, handcrafted bag with Shinzaburo. Shinzaburo Hampu offers an interesting assortment of products in various color schemes and patterns, mostly bags but there are also hats, pencil cases, aprons and so on. Shinzaburo Hampu website: <a href="http://www.ichizawashinzaburohanpu.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.ichizawashinzaburohanpu.co.jp</a> (lots of great photos, Japanese language only) Different Canvas As the two retail stores are right next to each other, you can check out both. It is said that the canvas fabric of Shinzaburo is thick, hard and has the paraffin smell of canvas. The Ichizawa Hampu fabric is soft and thin and doesn't smell like canvas. A second court case was concluded several months ago and the high court reversed the ridiculous decision of the Kyoto court. A graphologist (handwriting analysis expert) testified that the second will was a fraud and not written by the father. However, it seems that Ichizawa Hampu will stay in the hands of the elder brother. Nearly 10 years have now passed, the damage has been done and Shinzaburo Hampu has the name recognition now. So it seems that Ichizwa Hampu will just continue to wither. The only people that seem to purchase Ichizawa Hampu bags these days are foreigners. The publishers of guide books haven't heard the news yet, it seems. Somehow the news hasn't filter overseas yet. One of our intentions with OpenKyoto is to improve the city and it's culture. Patronizing a fraud like Ichizwa Hampu is certainly not good for Kyoto or the world. Help spread the word abroad that Ichizawa Hampu is not the brand and products that it used to be. Up-and-Coming: Tanaka Hokyo 京都・田中豊享の帆布＆デニムバッグ Tanaka Hokyo is the third generation owner of this bag company in Kyoto. He born in 1944 and his father and grandfather were designers too. Tanaka Hokyo studied design under a famous designer and then struck out on his own. He worked as an creator with more than 200 stores of Japanese traditional wear, Western clothing stores, fashion goods, and so on. About 30 years ago he discovered the fabric that was used when filtering Japanese sake which, after years of use is extremely durable and has a texture and feel that is unlike anything else. It is impregnated with sake mash! With this fabric from used sake bags (sakabukuro), he produced about 30,000 bags over the years. But as sake production changed getting the sakabukuro bags became increasingly difficult. Tanaka Hokyo developed a 'new' sakabukuro fabric that has the 'lived-in' quality of the authentic bags but could be obtained easily. With this new fabric in hand, Tanaka Hokyo started their original brand of bags in 1996. Tanaka Hokyo bags have become quite famous for their original fabric, canvas and denim that they have developed in recent years. All the bag fabrication is done by hand. website: <a href="http://www.hokyo-bag.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.hokyo-bag.jp</a> (lots of great photos, Japanese language only) The Undiscovered:Cream Company (Harada Shoten) 原田商店 Cream is a small company in Kyoto that make some very unique and interesting bags. The owner of the company designs everything and really loves leather. Cream mainly sells their products wholesale, but they do have a little showroom on the second floor of their office. While not quite a store, it does have a show window and customers are welcome. The owner has always been very friendly with me, often travels abroad and speaks some English. My Favorite Leather Bags, Purses and Wallets in the World This series is made of Italian leather that has been woven in a Kyoto Nishijin weaving workshop with high quality Japanese linen into a mesh that the world has probably never seen before. The handles are made of Japanese cherry branches, with the bark still on, this material was common with traditional bags and crafts. Mesh Products <a href="http://www.cream-kyoto.com/cream_024.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.cream-kyoto.com/cream_024.htm</a> Products <a href="http://www.cream-kyoto.com/cream_013.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.cream-kyoto.com/cream_013.htm</a> Cream homepage (circa 1995 site and no English) <a href="http://www.cream-kyoto.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.cream-kyoto.com/</a> You can probably email Cream in *simple* English if need be, email address is on the site. peko on "Where to buy fine sake in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/where-to-buy-fine-sake-in-kyoto#post-88 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:09:21 +0000 peko 88@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I just got back from a midnight run to Kunitaya, you just cannot argue with a place like that! Surely THE VERY BEST selection of sake in Kyoto AND open until 1 am. peko on "Department Stores in Kyoto: Takashimaya, Daimaru and Isetan" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/department-stores-in-kyoto-takashimaya-daimaru-and-isetan#post-85 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:36:26 +0000 peko 85@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ This is the KyotoFoodie (www.kyotofoodie.com) overall ranking of department stores in Kyoto. ＊ENGLISH SERVICE: ONLY Takashimaya offers dedicated interpreters for service in English, so if you desire English service, Takashimaya is your only option. ＊＊TAX REFUND: For tourists, (or people residing in Japan less than 6 months) a tax refund is available at Daimaru, Isetan, Takashimaya and Hankyu for purchases of non-expendable products (no food, alcohol, etc) over 10,001 yen (excluding tax). You need your passport and refunds are legally only available on the day of purchase. If you pay with a credit card, the passport and credit card name must be identical. (Sorry, this point is complex and the rules change, please call the department store directly for details.) 1. Daimaru Department Store 大丸京都店 Best (Japanese language) service, best overall selection, excellent 'Gochiparakan' food court. location: Just east of Shijo Karasuma intersection on the north side of Shijo Street, above Hanyu Karasumai Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe). Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Takakura Shijo 79 tel 075-211-8111 English website: <a href="http://www.daimaru.co.jp/english/kyoto.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.daimaru.co.jp/english/kyoto.html</a> 2. Isetan Department Store JR京都伊勢丹 Kyoto's newest department store, excellent overall selection, stylish clothing stores, good food court and numerous restaurants on upper floors. location: JR Kyoto Station Complex (rail access to all of Japan and Kansai International Airport) Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Karasuma Shiokoji Higashi Shiokoji-cho tel 075-352-1111 website <a href="http://www.wjr-isetan.co.jp/Kyoto/index.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.wjr-isetan.co.jp/Kyoto/index.htm</a> 3. Takashimaya Department Store 高島屋京都店 The only department store in Kyoto with English interpreters available to serve foreign customers. English website too. Excellent overall selection and excellent food court. location: Shijo Kawaramachi intersection (southwest corner), above Hanyu Kawaramachi Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe) Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Kawaramachi Shincho 52 075-221-8811 English wewbsite: <a href="http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/corp/english/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/corp/english/index.html</a> 4. Fujii Daimaru Department Store 藤井大丸 Smallest department store in Kyoto. New, interesting, trendy shops. Has trendy cafes rather than restaurants. The food court, 'Tavelt' (タベルト) is small but excellent. The fish market usually has the best fresh fish in Kyoto, often at quite reasonable prices. Prices get cheaper before closing. location: Shijo Teramachi intersection (southwest corner) 1 or 2 minute walk west of Shijo Kawaramachi. Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Teramachi tel 075-221-8181 website: <a href="http://www.fujiidaimaru.co.jp/top.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.fujiidaimaru.co.jp/top.html</a> 5. Hankyu Department Store 四条河原町阪急 Pretty rundown. No food court, so-so clothing retails stores, not much selection for men, restaurants on top floor are pretty good. We like <a href="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/restaurants-with-lots-of-veggies-in-central-kyoto">Harvest</a>. location: Shijo Kawaramachi intersection (southeast corner), above Hanyu Kawaramachi Station (rail access to Osaka and Kobe) Kyoto-shi Shimogyo-ku Shijo Kawaramachi Shincho 68 tel 075-223-2288 website: <a href="http://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/shijo/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/shijo/</a> Mora on "Kyoto Cool Stores Souvenirs" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/cool-stores-souvenirs#post-49 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:19:48 +0000 Mora 49@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Check out the Sou Sou stores [textiles, tabi shoes/socks, clothing]. The 3 stores are all within a short distance of one another. Their website is: <a href="http://www.sousou.co.jp/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sousou.co.jp/</a> The stores are in a little dog-leg lane behind the OPA store on Kawaramachi, close to the Shijo-dori intersection. If facing the OPA building fron, go to your right and turn down the very small alley way, then left, then right and you'll discover the little lane. Some of the coolest things. They are one of a very small group of textile-focused companies that has played a very big part in bringing back wool muslin cloth in Japan. You can find it made into hand-dyed scarves, among other things. Incredible craftmanship and quality in everything they make. Fabulous. They've taken traditional designs and made them contemporary and cutting-edge. I can't get enough of their products and wish they imported to the States. There are a few websites from which you can order in English, however. mantrarain on "Kyoto Gion Makeup Store - Yojiya" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-gion-makeup-store-yojiya#post-41 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:30:26 +0000 mantrarain 41@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ hi peko, yeay! thanks so much!!!! ;-) i'm including that photo in my FREE lifestyle & travel mini-magazine's kyoto feature. thanks again peko, you're a big help! peko on "Kyoto Gion Makeup Store - Yojiya" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-gion-makeup-store-yojiya#post-40 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:09:03 +0000 peko 40@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi Mantrarain, Sorry for the delay. It is Yojiya (よーじや). They have an English website at the URL below. <a href="http://www.yojiya.co.jp/english/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.yojiya.co.jp/english/index.html</a> OK? mantrarain on "Kyoto Gion Makeup Store - Yojiya" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-gion-makeup-store-yojiya#post-39 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 10:06:07 +0000 mantrarain 39@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ <img src="http://www.openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/media/Kyoto-Gion-Makeup-Yojiya.jpg" alt="Kyoto Gion Makeup Store - Yojiya" />