Heritage trail · Kyoto
Kyoto: temples, kimono and the women of the old capital
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years. Walk from the looms that weave kimono silk to the temple lanes and teahouses where women still keep the old arts alive.
Heritage shops and crafts
Where the old trades live on
Long-running shops, makers and markets worth a visit. Opening days change, so check before you go.
Ippodo Tea (Kyoto Main Store)
Since 1717Japanese green tea and matcha
Founded in 1717 as the shop Omiya selling tea and ceramics by Rihei Watanabe, and still on Teramachi-dori. The main store sells tea and has a tea room.
Nakagyo-ku, Teramachi · 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915
Toraya Kyoto Ichijo
Since early 16th centuryTraditional wagashi confectionery
Toraya began in Kyoto in the early 1500s and supplied the imperial court; it has been on this site since at least 1628. The store sells wagashi and has a tea room.
Kamigyo-ku, near the Imperial Palace · 400 Hirohashidono-cho, Ichijo-dori Karasuma-nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto
Jusan-ya
Boxwood (tsuge) combs
A specialist shop for Kyoto boxwood combs, a craft tied to women's hair care and dressing. Combs come in many sizes and tooth spacings.
Shijo-dori · 13 Shijo-dori Teramachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Aizen Kobo
Natural indigo-dyed textiles and clothing
A family workshop in a restored machiya in the Nishijin weaving district. It began in kimono weaving and moved to natural indigo dyeing, selling scarves, clothing and household goods.
Nishijin, Kamigyo-ku · 215 Yoko-Omiya-cho, Nakasuji-dori Omiya Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8449
Hosoo Flagship Store
Since 1688Nishijin-ori woven textiles, obi and interior fabrics
A Nishijin weaving house established in 1688. Its flagship, opened in 2019, has a shop and a gallery for Japanese dyeing and weaving.
Karasuma Oike, Nakagyo-ku · 412 Kakimoto-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8173
Nishiki Market
Since 1615Kyoto vegetables, seafood, pickles, yuba and fu
A food street about 390 m long, with official records beginning in 1615 and a longer unrecorded past. It sells ingredients used in Kyoto home and restaurant cooking.
Nakagyo-ku · Nishiki-koji Street, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto