Kaze no Yakata — Local services in Kyoto

One of my favorite shops in all of Kyoto. They sell charming art pieces made of various materials like fabric or paper for hanging in your home. They are great for cheering up your home or office, and if you are traveling to Japan from abroad, these make fantastic gifts to bring back to friends and family. The proprieter is very kind and patient. There is even a section where she will help you create your own custom decoration from beautiful and charming miniature fabric elements like owls, rabbits, fish, and all manner of decorative tassels and shapes. It is very fun to pick pieces out and make a custom one...I...

Such a cute shop! If you are looking for a gift to bring home that isn't the standard temple charms, sensu fans, or food items, this place is perfect! They sell handmade decorative mobiles which can be great pieces for someone's bookshelf or desk. I bought two affordable, small, cloth zodiac dolls (a dog and an ox) for some friends born in those respective years. They were about 700 yen each. The mobiles are a little more expensive than other standard Japan souvenirs, but the craftwork is worth it in my opinion. It's also something that can last quite a while and brings a pop of colour...

I found this shop while taking a walk down the Philosophers' path. It's a small store sending beautiful little decorations made of strings and felt. You can even assemble your own. It's a beautiful little place in a beautiful area, close enough to the Ginkaku-ji, but not so close to bw swarmed by the more annoying tourists....