Retail
Hakimono Sekizuka, Iwakura Hanazono-cho
Shinji Sekizuka spent six years at a maker of zouri (traditional Japanese sandals) before opening this shop-cum-atelier on the city’s northern outskirts. The craftsman’s made-to-order service draws a mix of men and women to the shop, which also sells a concise selection of clothing and accessories.
Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu, Takabatake-cho
Shinzaburo Ichizawa’s family has been making durable canvas bags since 1905. Today he sells a colourful array of totes, backpacks and heavy-duty aprons among other offerings. The company’s employees cut, stamp, sew and assemble every canvas item by hand, crafting long-lasting products that only improve with age.
APFR, Yamamoto-cho
Japanese fragrance brand APFR is perfectly at home in its restored 120-year-old machiya (wooden townhouse). Exposed bricks and roof beams provide the backdrop for a line-up of perfumes, candles and incense sticks. And don’t miss the Kyoto-exclusive furoshiki wrapping cloths designed by artist Lena Fujimoto.
Yahho, Kaiji-cho
Keiko Yoshimura’s vintage Japanese furniture shop focuses on wooden pieces from the Meiji and early Showa periods (late 19th- to mid-20th century). Items range from rosewood dressers and pine wardrobes to cherry-wood sideboards and coffee tables.
Kyukyodo, Shimohonnojimae-cho
This celebrated stationery-, incense- and calligraphy-supplies shop has been a fixture in Kyoto since 1663. Designed by architect Hiroshi Naito, the Teramachi Street shop has a warm atmosphere and more than 1,000 charming products. Artisan-made wares and silkscreen-printed postcards are a highlight.
Keibunsha, Ichijoji Haraitono-cho
Keen readers flock to Keibunsha for its selection of more than 25,000 books and magazines on art, fashion, travel and more. Small independent publishers and titles about Kyoto also feature, while there are lifestyle goods and a gallery too.
Minä Perhonen, Ichino-cho
The name sounds Nordic but Minä Perhonen was founded in 1995 by Japanese fashion designer Akira Minagawa. His distinctive textiles are used for everything from garments to chair covers. The brand occupies the 1927 Kotobuki Building and has left its nostalgic architecture intact.
TT, Gionmachi Minamigawa
The flagship shop of the brand founded by late designer Taiga Takahashi is tucked away in a Gion machiya. The renovated interior combines modernity and tradition, and displays vintage-inspired menswear alongside Takahashi’s artworks. A tea salon by reservation waits upstairs.
A&S Kyoto, Hinokuchi-cho
South Korean-born and Hawaiian-raised Sonya Park made her name as a fashion stylist before founding Arts & Science in 2003. This compact shop – one of several in Kyoto – presents the brand’s womenswear alongside a selection of jewellery and imported goods across two floors. The small inner garden adds to the charm.
Goldwin Kyoto, Sakai-cho
Goldwin effortlessly integrates outdoor functionality with urban style. Opened in May, the brand’s first Kyoto location was designed by architectural firm New Material Research Laboratory. Natural materials link the garden, courtyard and interior, where the main Goldwin line and experimental Goldwin 0 collection are on display.
