Shop & History

Histrory
Shop Information

History of Izawaya

Izawaya’s history began in 1865, at the end of the Edo period, when the first-generation owner, Seibei, opened his shop in Gion, Kyoto, about 150 years ago.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Izawaya was the representative Japanese kimono accessory shop in Kyoto and its name became known throughout Japan. Izawaya has been in business during the development of Gion, with local women in Kyoto and kimono culture. Even today, a great number of people from around Japan visit Izawaya in Gion, the largest Kagai (geiko & maiko district) in Kyoto. Since our main shop is located right across from the Minami-za Theatre where Kabuki was born, many Kabuki-related people are our long-term customers. Izawaya provides beautiful accessories which are essential for kimono attire. Our accessories incorporate exquisite traditional works of Kyoto, such as Nishijin brocade and Kyoto Yuzen dyed textiles, in new and elegant designs inspired by the graceful culture of Kagai. Experience the exclusive “elegant refinement” that Izawaya can offer you from the heart of Kyoto.	"Bin-Yo-Bi-Shin-Hi-Bi-Arata" This calligraphy was presented by a famous Japanese artist, Tessai Tomioka (1837~1924), to Izawaya. The words state that a woman should get herself ready with a fresh feeling every morning – a manner a woman should remember.

In the Meiji period (1868-1912), Izawaya was the representative Japanese kimono accessory shop in Kyoto and its name became known throughout Japan. Izawaya has been in business during the development of Gion, with local women in Kyoto and kimono culture.

Even today, a great number of people from around Japan visit Izawaya in Gion, the largest Kagai (geiko & maiko district) in Kyoto. Since our main shop is located right across from the Minami-za Theatre where Kabuki was born, many Kabuki-related people are our long-term customers.

Izawaya provides beautiful accessories which are essential for kimono attire. Our accessories incorporate exquisite traditional works of Kyoto, such as Nishijin brocade and Kyoto Yuzen dyed textiles, in new and elegant designs inspired by the graceful culture of Kagai. Experience the exclusive “elegant refinement” that Izawaya can offer you from the heart of Kyoto.

"Bin-Yo-Bi-Shin-Hi-Bi-Arata"

This calligraphy was presented by a famous Japanese artist, Tessai Tomioka (1837~1924), to Izawaya. The words state that a woman should get herself ready with a fresh feeling every morning – a manner a woman should remember.

Maiko at Izawaya (early Showa period)	Izawaya around 1907
Izawaya (early Showa period)	Show window at night (early Showa period) *Showa: 1926-1989
Tram Station on Shijo Street	Townscape in front of Minami-za Theatre

Shop Information

ADDRESS:

211-2 Nakano-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0075, Japan
Tel: 075-525-0130
Fax: 075-561-0740

Open daily ~~11:00-20:00~~ *temporary 10:30-19:00
Closed: a few days at the beginning of the year

ACCESS:

- One-minute walk from Kyoto City Bus “Shijo Keihan-mae” Stop
- One-minute walk from Keihan Railway “Gion Shijo” Station
- 10-minute walk from Hankyu Railway “Kawaramachi” Station
[Google Map]

CONTACT:

Questions about Our Web Shop and How to Use the System.

Exterior of the main shop	Interior of the main shop
Interior of the main shop	Interior of the main shop: Accessory using Chirimen fabric
Interior of the main shop: Party Bag	Interior of the main shop: Obi Sash Bustle
Minami-za Theater seen from the main shop