Tsujikura — Attraction in Kyoto

I randomly came across the Tsujikura Wagasa shop on Google maps and went to check out the mini umbrellas the weekend I was in Kyoto with a friend. However, after browsing the readily available selection and seeing information available for a workshop, I decided to make my own instead.

We asked about available workshops the Saturday we were there, and was able to sign up (via email in English after scanning a QR code) for a workshop the next day with my friend.

The shop was on the 7th floor, the work shop was on the 5th floor.

The workshop itself took about 90 minutes total (costs ¥11,000) and we really enjoyed the step by step process of hand making our own unique mini Wagasa. My friend and I each selected our own washi paper for the design we wanted and couldn’t be more pleased with the end results.

The instructor was very helpful and patient with us. With help from Google translate along the way, everything went very smoothly and my friend and I each ended up with our own unique creations to take home. I described some of the steps along with the pictures if you’re considering it and wanted a sense of what the steps entailed.

A few things to note:

Check your washi paper choice and trim any rough edges. My friend’s paper was fine, mine had a slight imperfection, which is totaled understandable since it was hand painted paper that was hand trimmed. Easier to fix before you attach it to the umbrella.

I saw it too late, but the toppers (not sure if they have a specific name but it’s the two layered pieces of fabric that covers the tip of the umbrella in the last step) had limited color choices. There weren’t any that matched my paper choice. I ended up picking one that contrasted with the colors of my washi paper instead. Had I known, I would have picked a darker paper to color coordinate with a couple of the black and dark blue toppers I liked better.

Don’t worry about slight imperfections, especially toward the center where the bamboo bones are tight together and it’s hard to shape the paper. I had some wrinkles in the paper near the center and they were all covered up by the topper at the end. In any event, the imperfections are also part of my unique creation, priceless and impossible to replicate :)

There was a piece of paper introducing the history of the shop, but it wasn’t in English. I was going to take it with me but realized after I got back to my hotel that I had left it behind. You can easily look up the stores history online though, it’s up on their website and available in English.

Overall, I highly recommend this experience if you are in the area. This was both educational and fun. I think this would also make for a great family activity, but not for very young children unless you plan on helping them with some of the steps. Don’t worry too much if you think you may not have the crafting skills. My friend who was worried before we started ended up with a beautiful black and gold mini Wagasa that looked better than mine, and I consider myself pretty good with arts and crafts.

P.S. I had trouble uploading the pics for this, apologies for some possible duplicates when they finally uploaded after I...

After a long time of wanting to visit, I finally went on a trip to Japan with my family. I was saving some money for the most special item and most unique thing I can buy. I went to many places in Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka and to many amazing places and shops. However, Tsujikura felt so unique to me and felt like so much love, care and passion was put into it each wagasa. I was in love with every beautiful umbrella I saw and appreciated the history behind the special was these were made and knew I MUST buy one.

I bought a beautiful red one which had no pattern since I could not afford too much but it was the best thing I bought in Japan and I don't regret it.

Every time I see this wagasa, I remember the kind service of the sales ladies and have fond memories of my trip. I have used this umbrella in British rain and snow and it has been extremely good quality and withstood. I hope I can look after this umbrella for life and keep it with me always. Thank you Tsujikura for such a...

For tourists, no tour guide will tell you about this place, but I believe it is a must-see. Walking along there is a small elevator which you can take to the 7th floor where the shop is located. They have both umbrellas and parasols from 40,000-165,000yen. Customer service is spectacular and the staff was extremely helpful in showing how/when to use and displaying the features of the goods. Especially in these hot summers in Japan, something to block the sun is very helpful, and you must have at least something to deal with the heat. They have beautiful designs, the color and patterns really stands out when light shines through, colors that seemed dark or muted on the outside suddenly become bright and saturated, the contrast between outside and inside the paper is great. Some are more-so art pieces than everyday use, yet they still retain...