If you’re searching for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to Kyoto, look no further than the Kyoto Handicraft Center! This comprehensive shopping and cultural experience spot has a wide selection of souvenirs, ranging from traditional crafts to modern artworks. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the many fascinating items you can find and purchase here, including popular souvenirs such as traditional furoshiki wrapping cloths, kokeshi dolls and other best-selling goods.

Shop Traditional and Modern Souvenirs at Kyoto Handicraft Center

The Kyoto Handicraft Center is the perfect place to find souvenirs during your trip to Kyoto. Established in 1967 in the Okazaki area, this one-stop tourist-friendly shopping and cultural spot is located just a 5-minte walk from Heian-jingu Shrine. It’s one of the best places in Kyoto to see and purchase an enormous range of Japanese items, from traditional craftworks to modern and funky goods and trinkets.

Spanning four spacious floors across two neighboring buildings (labeled West and East), Kyoto Handicraft Center is home to a plethora of local products including traditional Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, kimonos and yukatas, Japanese fabrics, tableware, artwork, clothing, Japanese swords and charming accessories. The center provides domestic and overseas shipping, free Wi-Fi, and bilingual staff who are ready to assist with any query you may have. Take your time browsing—you’re bound to find something you’ll love!

💡 Tip: Worried about missing out on souvenirs or carrying around bulky luggage during your trip? Their official online store offers free worldwide shipping, making it easy to shop for your favorite items and enjoy hassle-free travel. Whether it’s a last-minute purchase or a thoughtful gift, you can have everything delivered straight to your doorstep!

From Furoshiki to Kokeshi Dolls - Souvenirs Recommended for Tourists Visiting Kyoto

One of the most popular and affordable souvenirs for tourists to bring home are furoshiki—attractive and traditional wrapping cloths often used for wrapping or carrying items. These versatile cloths have been gaining in popularity in recent years due to their eco-friendly nature, as they can be washed and reused repeatedly.

The Kyoto Handicraft Center stocks a wide selection of furoshiki, including designs such as “Hokusai’s The Wave Motif” and “Hokusai’s Aka Fuji Motif,” inspired by the iconic works of the renowned artist Hokusai Katsushika. Be sure to explore their collection during your visit!

Kokeshi dolls are some of the most eye-catching items available at Kyoto Handicraft Center, making them a truly unique gift. These colorful, traditional wooden dolls were originally crafted as children’s toys, but they also serve as wonderful display items and are often seen as symbols of good luck and fortune. Kyoto Handicraft Center features a wide selection of kokeshi dolls in different sizes and designs—which one is your favorite?

Unique Hakone Yosegi Crafts and Kyo-ware Pottery as Mementos of Your Kyoto Trip

One of the best-selling items at the Kyoto Handicraft Center is Hakone Yosegi Zaiku, a traditional wooden craft widely used for furniture and decorative purposes. This intricate woodworking technique creates attractive patterns by combining various types and tones of wood together—items on offer include beautifully crafted coasters, boxes and trays. These goods are some of the store’s most popular items and often sell out quickly, so be sure to visit early in the day for the best selection.

Another popular souvenir is Kyo-ware, also known as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery. These exquisite, locally-crafted ceramics that originated in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district during the early Edo Period, are still produced by artisans in the area today. While they incorporate a variety of styles, Kyo-ware is generally characterized by their distinctive design and vibrant colors. Taking a look at the wide range of ceramics is sure to make excellent mementos of your time in the city.

Maiko Cultural Experience: Meet and Greet Traditional Japanese Apprentices

In addition to shopping, Kyoto Handicraft Center also offers a number of unique cultural experiences, with the most popular being the ‘MEET MAIKO’ dance performances and meet-and-greet sessions.

Maiko are young apprentice Geisha, renowned for their stunning kimonos, elaborate hair styles and makeup. They are highly skilled in traditional Japanese arts, including music, dance and tea ceremony. This intimate 45-minute experience allows visitors to watch traditional maiko dances up close, followed by a question-and-answer session that offers insights into the mysterious life of a maiko. Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos with the maiko, which are sure to be treasures of your visit.

Shows are conducted in English and are held on select dates. Ticket prices start at ¥7,700 for adults and ¥5,500 for children. For specific show dates, times and ticket availability, please refer to the official reservation page for more details.

How to get to Kyoto Handicraft Center from HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto

Kyoto Handicraft Center is located in a peaceful neighborhood on the east side of Kyoto city, just a short distance from the famous Heian Jingu Shrine. For guests staying at HOTEL TAVINOS Kyoto, it is easily accessible via the following public transport options.

● [By train (Keihan Line)]: From the hotel, take a short walk to the Keihan Electric Railway Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. Board a semi-express train bound for Demachiyanagi, then get off at Jingu-Marutamachi Station (9 mins). The Kyoto Handicraft Center is a 10-minute walk from the station.
● [By bus (Kyoto City Bus)]: The nearest bus stop to the Kyoto Handicraft Center is Kumano Jinja-mae. From the Kawaramachi-gojo bus stop, located just a 2-minute walk from our hotel, multiple Kyoto City Bus routes are available depending on the time of day. Most routes to Kumano Jinja-mae require one transfer, with the total journey typically taking around 25 to 35 minutes.

Kyoto Handicraft Center
Address: 17 Shougoin Entomi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Closed: Irregular holidays
Access: about 10-minute walk from Keihan Electric Railway Keihan Main Line Jingu-Marutamachi Station
Website: https://www.kyotohandicraftcenter.com/?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyotohandicraftcenter/

Writer

Tom Fay
Originally from the United Kingdom, Tom has been living in Japan since 2007. Having lived in Osaka for many years, he now resides in a 150 year-old farmhouse in rural Kyoto, where he enjoys growing vegetables and trying to live sustainably. He has a particular interest in nature and the outdoors, and spends much of his time climbing mountains, but he likes exploring new places all over the country, from the big cities to off-the-beaten-track localities.