Tozando Kendo Store — Local services in Kyoto

Was in search of somewhere to have my judogi embroidered and both my research and hotel concierge pointed me to this store. I had initially thought it was just a Kendo store with display “museum” but turns out they have Karate and Judo uniforms as well (but limited). Staff are SUPER friendly and an English speaking gentleman by the name of Yoshi helped me arrange for embroidery service. Great quality work, reasonable price and again, awesome team. (Special shout out to Stephania who corresponded with me via email separately before my visit). Thank you all once again. Highly recommended if you need martial arts equipment/ embroidery services. Note that the latter is only available at...

I needed to get a new hakama for aikido and since I was in Japan at the time, I figured I would go to Kyoto and purchase one at Tozando. Staff were very accommodating and friendly in helping me purchase the right hakama for my needs.

FYI: Their site says that they have English speaking staff from Mon - Sat. When we visited on Monday morning, they did not have anyone that spoke English. Luckily my partner and I speak a little bit of Japanese and one of the employees we spoke with used a translator app so we were able to get by and make the purchase okay, but this is a heads up for anyone looking to go to their...

I visited the Tozando Kendo store in Kyoto and purchased an Iaito Sword. I was happy with my purchase and had it shipped to the United States. Several days later, I got a message from UPS letting me know that I need to pay an additional $157.76 in order to receive the package. I called the store and asked about it, and the same person who sold me the sword told me that he did not know why this happened and that it had nothing to do with Tozando. I contacted UPS and they told me the opposite (see photo). I hope this helps others avoid the treatment I received from...