Byobu Folding Screen with 4 Panels "Cranes"

Japanese Folding Screens: The Timeless Art of Byobu

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Japanese folding screens, or Byobu, have shaped interiors for over a thousand years. From functional room dividers to exquisite works of art, learn about their history, panels, and traditional craftsmanship, and how they bring elegance and harmony to modern homes.

Kyoto Shrine Guardians: Discovering Komainu (Lion-Dogs) & Fox Statues at Japanese Shrines

Kyoto Shrine Guardians: Discovering Komainu (Lion-Dogs) & Fox Statues at Japanese Shrines

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

When you visit shrines in Kyoto, you’ll encounter more than just torii gates and prayers—you’ll meet stone guardians watching over the sacred grounds. From the lion-dog Komainu to the foxes of Inari shrines, and even a baby boar at Goō Jinja, these statues embody legends, protection, and a touch of humor. Discover their meanings, stories, and why they continue to charm visitors from around the world.

Eternal Sakura: Bringing Japan’s Blossoms into Every Season

Eternal Sakura: Bringing Japan’s Blossoms into Every Season

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Experience the delicate pink petals and serene charm of cherry blossoms, from Kyoto’s historic landscapes to exquisite sakura-themed crafts that brighten your summer days.

Crafted Between Sea and Mountains: The Beauty and Stories of Takaoka Copperware & Lacquerware from Toyama

Crafted Between Sea and Mountains: The Beauty and Stories of Takaoka Copperware & Lacquerware from Toyama

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover the rich heritage of Toyama Prefecture, home to the exquisite craftsmanship of Takaoka copperware and lacquerware. From centuries-old metal casting and radiant raden inlay to the region’s vibrant food culture—including the famed Toyama Black Ramen—experience the authentic beauty and traditions of Japan’s sea and mountain region.

From Twilight to Night: Kyoto in Its Quietest Light

From Twilight to Night: Kyoto in Its Quietest Light

sightseeing in KyotoKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

As night falls over Kyoto, the city reveals a quieter, more spiritual side. From the glowing banks of the Kamogawa to the shadowed gates of Ninna-ji, each place tells a different story under the stars. In this blog, we guide you through Kyoto’s most captivating evening scenes and invite you to carry that beauty home with our curated yukata and nighttime woodblock prints.

The Tools Behind Tranquility: Exploring the Instruments of Kyoto Damascene

The Tools Behind Tranquility: Exploring the Instruments of Kyoto Damascene

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER
  There is a quiet kind of beauty found in Kyoto Zogan—where gold and iron whisper to one another, and glimmers of light emerge from a sea of black...
Touching the Light: Japanese Glassware for Everyday Tranquility

Touching the Light: Japanese Glassware for Everyday Tranquility

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Touch the Light: Discover the Elegance of Japanese Glassware
From the sparkling brilliance of Edo Kiriko to the serene chime of glass wind bells, Japanese glassware captures the beauty of summer light like no other. Explore the history, craftsmanship, and tranquility that each piece brings to your everyday life.

Bringing Zen into Your Home: The Beauty of Japanese Minimalist Decor

Bringing Zen into Your Home: The Beauty of Japanese Minimalist Decor

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

In this feature, we explore the essence of Zen living through Japanese minimalist decor and mindful eating. Discover a chilled tofu recipe inspired by temple cuisine—and how the right bowl can turn a meal into a ritual.

Noren, traditional Japanese fabric dividers

“Wrapping the Seasons” – The Culture of Japanese Fabrics

Japanese cultureKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover how traditional Japanese fabrics—furoshiki, yukata, noren, and hand-dyed tenugui—bring seasonal beauty, gentle elegance, and craftsmanship into everyday life.

Japanese Crafts Inspired by the Sea

The Shape of Water, the Spirit of Summer: Japanese Crafts Inspired by the Sea

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover Japanese summer through the beauty of water.
This article explores traditional crafts—woodblock prints, noren curtains, yukata robes, and more—each inspired by the sea and rivers of Japan. Rooted in nature and craftsmanship, these items invite stillness, simplicity, and quiet joy into your daily life.

The Quiet Beauty of Use: What Mingei Can Teach Us About Living Well

The Quiet Beauty of Use: What Mingei Can Teach Us About Living Well

Japanese cultureKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

In a world of mass production, Japan’s Mingei philosophy reminds us that beauty can be found in the everyday. Handmade by unknown artisans, these humble tools and vessels offer quiet comfort and meaning through daily use.
This article explores the roots of Mingei and how its values—simplicity, usefulness, and care—can enrich modern life.
From the cup you use each morning to a well-worn wooden tray, Mingei shows that true richness lies in the things we live with every day.

Bring the Quiet Beauty of Japan to Your Summer

Bring the Quiet Beauty of Japan to Your Summer

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Step into a Japanese summer seen through the eyes of master printmakers. From shimmering coastlines to the vibrant skies of Edo festivals, these woodblock prints reveal a season rich in atmosphere, emotion, and tradition.

Symbols in Japanese Traditional Crafts: A Hidden Language of Beauty

Symbols in Japanese Traditional Crafts: A Hidden Language of Beauty

KYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover the timeless meaning behind Japanese traditional symbols—like cranes, turtles, pine, and hemp leaf—and how they bring beauty, protection, and spiritual depth to everyday items such as glassware, lacquerware, ceramics, and textiles. A journey into the heart of Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.

The Sound of Summer: Discovering the Spirit of Japan through Furin Wind Chimes

The Sound of Summer: Discovering the Spirit of Japan through Furin Wind Chimes

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Delicate glass or resonant bronze—Japanese wind chimes are more than ornaments. Discover the soulful history and serene charm of Edo and Takaoka furin, and bring the spirit of summer into your home.

Kyoto for the Soul: A Cultural Retreat Beyond the Calendar

Kyoto for the Soul: A Cultural Retreat Beyond the Calendar

Japanese cultureKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER
A journey through Kyoto's hidden sanctuaries—where spirituality, nature, and traditional craftsmanship converge beyond the seasons. When we think o...
Kyoto Damascene "Kyo Zogan": The Legacy of Japanese Metal Inlay Art

Kyoto Damascene "Kyo Zogan": The Legacy of Japanese Metal Inlay Art

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover the timeless elegance of Kyo Zogan, Kyoto’s traditional metal inlay art. Explore its samurai roots, refined craftsmanship, and modern beauty at Amita Studio.

The Hidden Meaning of Colors in Japanese Art and Craft

The Hidden Meaning of Colors in Japanese Art and Craft

Japanese cultureKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover the hidden meanings behind traditional Japanese colors—subtle hues rooted in nature and spirit. In this article, we explore how these colors shape Japanese crafts, from ceramics to textiles, and how they invite harmony and beauty into daily life.

Timeless Treasures: Discover the Beauty of Japanese Handcrafted Gifts

Timeless Treasures: Discover the Beauty of Japanese Handcrafted Gifts

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER
Meaningful Japanese Gifts: Bring Tradition and Calm into Your Everyday Life Explore artisan-made treasures from Japan that bring beauty and calm in...
Discover the Art of Sake: A Journey Through Japanese Sake and Traditional Sake Cups

Discover the Art of Sake: A Journey Through Japanese Sake and Traditional Sake Cups

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER

Discover the rich history and craftsmanship behind Japanese sake. From brewing techniques to traditional sake cups, this article offers a cultural journey through Japan’s most iconic drink.

The Spirit of Calligraphy: Discovering the Heart of Japan Through Ink and Brush

The Spirit of Calligraphy: Discovering the Heart of Japan Through Ink and Brush

About our productsKYOTOHANDICRAFT CENTER
Ink gliding across paper. A quiet black line emerges, deliberate yet effortless. There is something meditative about the art of Japanese calligraph...

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Nambu Ironware Teapot "Hiragata Obi 0.6L"Nambu Ironware Teapot "Hiragata Obi 0.6L"
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