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Aritsugu
This famous Kyoto shop, located in the Nishiki Market, sells a fine selection of knives, each of which has a different purpose. Originally started by a master sword maker, Aritsugu has been creating quality knives and utensils for 18 generations.
Gallery Yukei
Located across the street from its inspiration, Gallery Yukei is a small shop from the Tawaraya Ryokan family. You can purchase the famous ryokan’s slippers, bath amenities, sheets and bedding along with a range of artisan gifts like ceramic tea cups. True Tawaraya devotees can ensure a future of sleeping futon-style by purchasing one to bring home.
Ippodo Tea Co.
Visit this authentic teashop to sample varieties of matcha—powdered green tea—served by expert tea masters (plus, pick up some teas to bring home). The high-quality tea leaves are grown locally in Kyoto and have a distinct, delicate taste.
Kaikado
Established in 1875, the artistans of Kaikado hand-make chazutsu (Japanese tealeaf caddies) out of tin, brass and copper. The airtight containers are used to keep primarily green tea leaves safe from moisture and humidity. While functional, the cylinder shaped tea caddies this sixth-generation, family-run company construct are true objects of art. Located a bit out of Kyoto’s ‘downtown’, this beautiful workshop and store is worth the trip.
Nishiharu
Come to this beautiful little shop to peruse an authentic selection of tatami mats and antique woodblock prints. The shopkeeper will provide a selection to choose from, all of which come with an English translation.
Otsuka Gofukuten
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery
American-born Robert Yellin has lived in Japan for decades, and has settled in a haven for artists and expatriots alike. His gallery located in a residential neighborhood of Kyoto is part of his home; the building itself a carriage house to a larger estate. Robert specializes in ceramics, and collects from living Japanese artisans. He’s warm, personal, and conveys a palpable passion for the stories behind each piece of his dynamic collection. By appointment only. Indagare members can contact our Bookings Team to organize special experiences with Robert Yellin.
Sou Sou Kyoto
Takamura
Takamura is a tiny boutique in central Kyoto that sells bamboo and wooden products like tea sets and pens made by local artisans.
Tessai-do
Tezomeya
A retail shop and workshop, Tezomeya sells T-shirts and other cotton garments that have been dyed using only natural resources such as dried plants, bayberry tree bark and palm tree nuts. Almost all come from kampo, Chinese medicine. In turn, the clothes have a very natural, organic look and feel to them.
Zohiko
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