About Us
A Warm Welcome from Kyoto
Welcome to the Kyoto Handicraft Center. We invite you to experience the quiet joy of Japanese traditional crafts, wherever you are in the world.
Our online shop is a carefully curated doorway to our physical store in Kyoto, offering you a chance to browse our collection as if you were strolling through the city's historic streets. Guided by our motto of "Sincerity" and "Heart-warming service," we are dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japanese artistry with you. Every piece is packed with care by our team and shipped directly from our home in Kyoto to yours.
From a Single Craft to a Cultural Home
Our story begins in 1947 with a small studio, the Amita Damascene Corporation, dedicated to a single, intricate craft: *Kyo Zogan*, a form of damascene art once used to adorn the swords of samurai.
As Kyoto began to welcome more visitors from around the globe, we saw an opportunity to share more of our city's artistic heritage. In 1967, we opened the Kyoto Handicraft Center. Nestled in the scenic Higashiyama district near the beautiful Heian-jingu Shrine, our center grew into a home for a wide variety of Japanese crafts. For generations, we have been a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, handmade treasures and a deeper connection to Japanese culture.
Today, we welcome visitors to explore our shops, join hands-on craft workshops, and enjoy seasonal cuisine in our restaurant, creating unforgettable memories of their time in Kyoto.
Our Soul: The Art of Kyo Zogan
At the heart of our history is Kyo Zogan, or damascene, one of Japan's most elegant metalwork traditions.
This delicate art requires immense patience and skill. An artisan begins by carving a grid of fine, cloth-like lines onto a steel base. Then, with a steady hand, they inlay intricate patterns using delicate threads of pure gold and silver. The piece is coated with lacquer, fired, and polished until the dark steel becomes a dramatic backdrop for the gleaming design.
For centuries, Kyo Zogan brought prestige and beauty to the arms and armor of Japan's warrior class. During the Meiji era (1868–1912), the craft found a new audience on the world stage, winning awards at international expositions. After the challenges of the Second World War, its master artisans adapted their timeless skills, creating exquisite jewelry and artful objects that continue to capture the spirit of this refined tradition.
Access
By Train
- 10-minute walk from Jingu Marutamachi Station (Keihan Main Line).
- 15-minute walk from Higashiyama Station (Subway Tozai Line).
Please note our closest station is Jingu Marutamachi, not the Marutamachi Station on the Subway Karasuma Line.
By Kyoto City Bus
From Kyoto Station (JR, Kintetsu, Subway):
At Bus Terminal D2, take Bus 206 toward Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal. Exit at Kumano-jinja-mae. (Approx. 30-minute ride, 3-minute walk).
From Shijo Kawaramachi:
Take Bus 31, 201, or 203 and exit at Kumano-jinja-mae. (Approx. 10-minute ride, 3-minute walk).
By Car
- 20 minutes from Meishin Expressway (Kyoto Higashi Interchange).
- 30 minutes from Meishin Expressway (Kyoto Minami Interchange).
- 20 minutes from Hanshin Expressway (Kamogawa-Higashi Interchange).
We have 8 basement parking spaces (height limit: 1.6m). Please request a parking permit at the West Wing's 1st-floor Information Desk.
If our lot is full or your vehicle exceeds the height limit, we can direct you to nearby paid parking lots. Please note these are not affiliated with us, and we cannot guarantee availability.