Looking to bring a piece of Kyoto’s unique soul home beyond the usual souvenirs? In this guide, we reveal where to find Kyoto’s finest authentic arts and crafts from hidden workshops to renowned studios. Discover high-quality, story-filled treasures that truly capture Kyoto’s creative spirit.
What Crafts Can You Find in Kyoto?
Kyoto’s crafts are amazing. Here are some of the many different traditional arts you’ll find here:
- Kyo-yaki Ceramics: Kyo-yaki is the umbrella term for Kyoto ware, characterized by its elegant, refined designs and often vibrant, overglaze enamel decorations.
- Kimono Weaving and Dyeing (Yuzen): Kyoto is the birthplace of Yuzen dyeing, a traditional method that produces the stunning, vibrant fabrics seen in exquisite kimonos.
- Woodblock Prints (Ukiyo-e): While Ukiyo-e became famous throughout Japan, Kyoto played a significant role in its development, especially earlier forms. These “pictures of the floating world” captured daily life, landscapes, and theater, evolving into iconic forms of historical Japanese art.
- Traditional Fans (Folding Fans): These fans feature intricate paintings or calligraphy on high-quality paper or silk, supported by finely crafted bamboo frames.
- Washi Paper Products: Washi, traditional Japanese paper, is incredibly versatile and beautiful, renowned for its strength and delicate texture. Kyoto’s artisans transform this unique material into a wide range of products, from elegant stationery and lanterns to artistic scrolls.
- Kumihimo: Kumihimo are intricately braided cords with complex patterns, traditionally used for kimono sashes (obijime) or even samurai armor.
Exploring Kyoto’s Traditional Shopping Streets & Districts
Ready to discover some arts and crafts to take home? The markets in these areas are fantastic starting points for your authentic souvenir hunt.
Teramachi Kyogoku & Shinkyogoku Shopping Street (Kawaramachi Area)
This vibrant, covered arcade is a fantastic blend of historical charm and lively traditional shops. While some areas cater to tourists, you’ll also find specialty stores brimming with traditional arts, authentic crafts, and unique souvenirs. It’s bustling, energetic, and a great place to soak up the atmosphere.
Access to Teramachi Kyogoku and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Matsubara-dori
Often walked by visitors heading to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Matsubara-dori is well-known for its array of traditional crafts and souvenirs. Here, you’ll find plenty of local pottery, delicious sweets, and various small artisanal goods.
Access to Matsubara-dori
Nishijin District
If textiles are your passion, then a visit to Nishijin is an absolute must. This district is the very heart of Kyoto’s centuries-old textile legacy, particularly famous for its exquisite kimono weaving. Many workshops still operate here, and while some are private, you can find galleries and stores showcasing the incredible artistry of Nishijin-ori fabrics.
Top Craft Centers and Shops
For a better shopping experience, check out these amazing places with lots of options and quality items.
Kyoto Handicraft Center
This comprehensive hub is a fantastic one-stop shop for local craft products and souvenirs, making it a highly recommended stop for tourists looking for variety. You’ll find everything from elegant Furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloths) to charming Kokeshi Dolls, alongside ceramics, lacquerware, and much more. It’s designed to offer a wide array of high-quality, authentic items.
Access to Kyoto Handicraft Center
Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design (Shop)
This museum’s shop plays a crucial role in showcasing and selling genuinely high-quality, authentic crafts. It’s a fantastic place to see the artistry firsthand and purchase items that have met a certain standard of craftsmanship and design excellence.
Access to Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Kyoto Ceramic Center
As its name suggests, this center offers a specialized focus on Kyo-yaki pottery and ceramics. If you’re looking for that perfect vase, a distinctive tea bowl, or an intricate dish, this is the place.
Access to Kyoto Ceramic Center
Atelier Japan (Hotel Granvia)
Conveniently located within Hotel Granvia Kyoto, this shop offers a more curated selection of Japanese handicrafts. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but still want to find a thoughtful, high-quality gift or a special memento to take home.
Access to Atelier Japan
Specialty Stores For Unique & Authentic Finds
For those seeking truly unique or incredibly niche items, these specialized stores are absolutely worth checking out.
Traditional Arts & Paper
Kyukyodo
A truly long-standing traditional arts store, Kyukyodo offers an exquisite selection of incense, calligraphy brushes, elegant stationery, and other finely crafted paper goods.
Access to Kyukyodo
Morita Washi
Dedicated solely to exquisite washi products, Morita Washi is the definitive place for stunning traditional Japanese paper. From decorative sheets, to beautifully bound notebooks, you’re bound to find something special.
Access to Morita Washi
Fans & Parasols
Miyawaki Baisen-an
An expert in traditional folding fans (kyo-sensu), this store offers an incredible array of designs, from simple and elegant to incredibly intricate, hand-painted masterpieces.
Access to Miyawaki Baisen-an
Ohnishi Tsune Shoten
Another excellent source for high-quality folding fans, Ohnishi Tsune Shoten provides beautifully crafted fans perfect for personal use or as exquisite gifts.
Access to Ohnishi Tsune Shoten
Hiyoshiya
If you’re captivated by the delicate beauty and intricate craftsmanship of traditional Japanese wooden parasols (wagasa), Hiyoshiya is the place to visit. These creations are stunning and functional pieces of art.
Access to Hiyoshiya
Ceramics & Pottery
Kyo Amahare
A dedicated Japanese pottery store, Kyo Amahare showcases a wonderful selection of unique ceramic pieces, often with a modern twist while deeply honoring traditional techniques. You’ll find items that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Access to Kyo Amahare
Soryugama
Known for its beautiful ceramics, Soryugama offers pieces that vividly reflect the rich history of Kyo-yaki with masterful execution. Their pottery often features classic motifs and superb glazing.
Access to Soryugama
Textiles & Accessories
Kyoto Musubi
Your go-to for furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloths), Kyoto Musubi offers a wide range of patterns and sizes, from bold contemporary designs to classic motifs.
Access to Kyoto Musubi
Showen Kumihimo
Specializing in kumihimo braided cords, Showen Kumihimo showcases the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of this traditional Japanese braiding art. These meticulously crafted cords make stunning and unique accessories.
Access to Showen Kumihimo
Ikeuchi Yuzen
Discover exquisite yuzen-dyed accessories here. These smaller items allow you to appreciate the vibrant fabrics and meticulous techniques of this famous Kyoto art form on a more personal scale, perfect for a unique touch to your wardrobe.
Access to Ikeuchi Yuzen
Woodblock Prints & Antiques
Artbooks Yamazaki
A key location for traditional woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and related art books. Whether you’re a serious collector or just appreciate the artistry behind these historical Japanese prints, this is a fantastic place to explore a rich collection.
Access to Artbooks Yamazaki
Maiko Antiques
Maiko Antiques offers a wide selection retro Japanese goods and antiques at affordable prices. Just be aware that they close on days with rain in the weather forecast and visits are by reservation only. Visit their website for more information.
Access to Maiko Antiques
Tips for Arts & Crafts Shopping in Kyoto
Finding that perfect piece, one that truly resonates, is an art in itself. Here are some tips for a more rewarding souvenir shopping experience in Kyoto.
It’s so important to think about supporting local artisans. When you buy directly from workshops or smaller, dedicated specialty stores, your money goes straight to the skilled craftspeople who pour their heart into keeping these incredible traditions alive.
If you’re eyeing larger or particularly delicate purchases, always inquire about shipping and customs procedures before you buy. Many reputable stores in Kyoto offer excellent international shipping services, which makes getting your treasures home safely a breeze. It saves you a lot of worry!
Finally, consider the story behind your souvenir. Encourage yourself to choose an item that genuinely resonates with you and your personal experience in Kyoto.
A Gift to Look Back On
What unique piece of Kyoto will you bring home to remember your journey? Explore these incredible shops and discover the perfect souvenir that whispers tales of this ancient capital. Share your favorite Kyoto craft finds with us on Instagram using #EnjoyKyoto!
