Maker of delicately handcrafted Buddhist paraphernalia
The golden glitter of Kyoto crafts is created in skillful hands of local artisans specialising in stamping of 0.0001 mm-thick gold leaves. Gold leaf stamping technique was originally used for decoration of various Buddhism-related crafts. Even today, it plays a great role in Japanese traditional culture. TADA Kinpaku is an atelier dealing with Buddhist statues and implements. In Kyoto, the elaborate techniques of gold stamping have developed due to the high demand provided by the sheer amount of temples and head temples of many Buddhist sects. Today, gold leaf decoration can be applied to different materials and shapes, bringing Kyoto craftsmanship to the new level.

Still flourishing phantom dyeing technique

Tsujigahana was in fashion in Azuchi-Momoyama period (1558-1600), when it was a term designating a gorgeous kimono. Nowadays, it’s called a “phantom dyeing technique” because of its very little documented origins. ESHIBORIAN is an atelier where Fukumura Hirotoshi and his son Takeshi are reviving tsujigahana dyeing techniques. Shibori-zome, or tie-dyeing performed by sewing, binding and clamping fabric before immersing it into dye liquor, is complemented by other decorative techniques, such as hand painting, to create picturesque bright-coloured patterns. This precious traditional craft is maintained in the northern part of Kyoto blessed with high-quality underground water.

The supervisor of fine yuzen kimono making

Kyo-tegaki-yuzen dyeing is produced by thoroughly fragmented division of labour and involves up to 15 various processes. Tomihiro Senko is mastering all these sophisticated processes to create high-quality order-made products. The atelier is excelling in a special technique which consists of using a paintbrush instead of a writing brush for the deepest penetration of dyes into the fabric. Tomihiro Senko is an experienced supervisor of all the kimono-making processes and provides fine goods for the Imperial household. Familiar with the traditional patterns and designs, the atelier is also known for the production of elegant miscellaneous Japanese-style textile goods.

The oldest traditional sake brewery in central Kyoto
Established about 280 years ago, this oldest and full of history sake maker in central Kyoto continues to protect the tradition of sake brewing. Close to Kamogawa river and surrounded by mountains, the brewery is located in a rich natural environment highly favorable to the creation of numerous aromatic brands of sake. Kyoto underground water and locally grown rice are used as ingredients for brewing premium sake best suited for exquisite Kyoto cuisine. While preserving traditional techniques, the brewery progressively introduces modern technology, such as use of solar panels or temperature control equipment.

Karakami paper that adorns Shinto shrines, Buddist temples and tearooms

Simply put, Kyo-karakami is a type of woodblock print which uses printing blocks hand-carved on magnolia wood with traditional patterns passed down from ancient times. It is produced by a traditional method where coloring materials called kira (mica) and gofun (white pigment) are added to its surface, and the design is copied with the palm of the hand by overlaying it onto washi paper or torinoko (lustrous and smooth paper) one sheet at a time. To this day, Maruni continues to use printing blocks from the Tempo Era (1830-1844) and protects the patterns, coloring materials, tools, and traditions of old.

Experience Kyoto culture through Kyo-kumihimo braided cords
Developed in Nara period (710-794), Kyo-kumihimo braiding technique bloomed in ancient Kyoto, decorating Shinto and Buddhist implements, armor, kimono accessories and furnishings. Kumihimo cords with multi-coloured patterns are made using various braiding stands, such as marudai, kakudai, takadai or ayatakedai. At Meikyoan, cord braiding workshops with real tools and materials are implemented under the guidance of traditional craftsman Meijun Naruhashi. After the workshop, enjoy matcha tea in a tea ceremony room, listening to the explanations about Kyoto culture.

Elegant patterns created with tie-dyeing technique

Established in the precincts of Kandaijin shrine in 1932, Atelier Morimoto is specializing in tie-dyeing. Through the division of labour, the atelier is consistently carrying out all the stages of dyeing process, from designing patterns to colouring. Dyeing is performed with the technique that consists of tying the parts of the cloth which are not to be coloured before dyeing it in different colours (resist dyeing). The atelier is famous for its high-quality dyed goods such as wedding futons decorated with flower and landscape patterns, which require mastering Kyo-kanoko-shibori technique representing the essence of Kyoto tie-dyeing tradition.

The one and only “magic mirror” maker
Yamamoto Alloy Works is a maker of wakyo, handcrafted Japanese-style bronze mirrors. Besides the production of devotional mirrors for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples from all over Japan, the atelier also deals with restoration of old Japanese mirrors preserved in museums. The secret craft of makyo, or “magic mirrors” that project images when light is reflected on them, was passed down in Yamamoto family. The company has been protecting precious mirror making techniques, such as traditional sand mold casting method, for five generations.

Feel the history of Nishijin brocades in an old Kyoto machiya
Established in 1906, Watabun is a long-standing shop specializing in Nishijin silk brocades. From yarn dyeing and warping to weaving gorgeous obi sashes by hand and Noh costume restoration, the establishment protects the original Nishijin-ori techniques by maintaining the traditional system of division of labour. Watabun is situated in Daikoku-cho district, the heart of Nishijin textile industry with numerous weaving companies standing side by side. Orinasukan, a textile museum adjoining the workshop, has an architectural style characteristic of Nishijin weavers’ houses. Watabun and its neighbourhood with traditional Kyoto merchant houses and stone paving is a perfect place to feel the history of old Kyoto.