About us

Concept

Since opening our doors in Kyoto in 1967, the Kyoto Handicraft Center has welcomed visitors from around the world with a curated selection of traditional Japanese crafts and fine arts.
Guided by our concept, “Enriching life with Japanese craftsmanship,” we strive to share the timeless beauty and artistry that have been passed down through generations.

Our online store brings this experience to you wherever you are, offering carefully selected items crafted in Japan. Shopping with us is like taking a journey through Japan—safe, authentic, and inspiring.
From Kyoto to the world, it is our joy to deliver moments of serenity and discovery through traditional craftsmanship. We invite you to find your own special piece at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

Our company

The KYOTO HANDICRAFT CENTER is located in two buildings near the Heian-jingu Shrine in the Higashiyama area, one of the most scenic and historical places in Kyoto. We offer a wonderful selection of traditional Japanese crafts and a premium shopping experience for both domestic and international visitors. In addition, our on-site restaurant serves authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine by reservation, featuring seasonal dishes tailored to your needs to ensure a memorable and seamless culinary experience.

Our company originated in 1947 as Amita Damascene Corporation, an atelier dedicated to manufacturing Kyo Zogan—a traditional Damascene craft historically used to decorate Samurai armor and swords. In 1967, we opened the KYOTO HANDICRAFT CENTER as a tax-free shopping complex to welcome the growing number of international visitors to Kyoto. Today, our collection has expanded far beyond Kyo Zogan to encompass a wide array of fine Japanese traditional crafts. Over the generations, the KYOTO HANDICRAFT CENTER has remained a beloved destination for customers from all walks of life.

Our product Kyoto Damascene "Kyo Zogan"

Our company originated as an atelier manufacturing Kyo Zogan over 70 years ago. It has become one of our iconic items, and in English, Kyo Zogan is also known as Damascene.
 
Kyo Zogan is a traditional Kyoto handicraft, created by carving a cloth-like weave inlay into a thin sheet of iron, inlaying pure gold and silver designs onto the texture, applying lacquer over it, and finally engraving fine lines onto the gold and silver patterns after polishing them. This delicate and intricate process requires extreme concentration and skill, resulting in the elegant beauty of Kyo Zogan.
 
From the 14th century to the 19th century, Kyo Zogan was widely used as an ornament for Japanese swords and armor, and there were many master craftsmen. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Otojiro Komai and other craftsmen gained attention at overseas world expositions, showcasing their intricate Kyo Zogan inlays in art crafts such as flower vases for foreign visitors.
 
During the Second World War, Kyo Zogan artisans were scattered, but they returned to the atelier after the war, dedicating themselves to manufacturing various kinds of Kyo Zogan crafts, including jewelry and luxury ornaments, with their delicate techniques and great sense of artistry.

SAIKA

Located on the 7th floor of the Kyoto Handicraft Center, SAIKA is a select shop for English picture books, featuring both world classics and newly published titles.
Families traveling with young children can also enjoy a small, paid indoor play area for babies and toddlers – a spot loved by local families. The play area features toys that have been donated by children who have outgrown them, giving them a second life in a sustainable way.
SAIKA is not only a place for travelers but also a welcoming space where locals and visitors can meet, relax, and share the joy of stories together.