First-Ever Jam-Making Workshop at Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyomachiya in Kyoto

Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyomachiya, a concept shop located in the Tomikoji-Oike area of Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, is hosting its first-ever jam-making workshop on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The event will guide participants through making two varieties of jam using only domestically grown fruit: a fresh and sweet strawberry jam, and a blood orange marmalade. Both sessions are led by Ichiro Nakajima, founder of Mercato Piccolo Co., Ltd., who crafts all his jams using only Japanese-grown ingredients — fruit, sugar, and lemon juice alike. Freshly made jams can be sampled on the spot alongside Kinokuniya bread.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Session 1: 1:00 PM–2:30 PM (doors open at 12:50 PM)
Session 2: 3:30 PM–5:00 PM (doors open at 3:20 PM)
Venue: Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyomachiya, Kyoto (https://kinokuniya.kyoto/)
Instructor: Ichiro Nakajima (President, Mercato Piccolo Co., Ltd.)
Capacity: 15 participants per session
Fee: ¥4,000 (tax included, materials included)
What you'll make: 2 types of jam (tasting included)
For: Adults aged 18 and over
Cancellation policy: No cancellations within 7 days of the event

Advance registration with payment is required. Sign up via the form at: https://www.super-kinokuniya.jp/c/kyomachiya/kyoto-event/9900-20260501ky

About the Instructor

Ichiro Nakajima launched Mercato Piccolo with the goal of raising Japan's food self-sufficiency rate. He handcrafts all jams using only domestic ingredients — from the fruit itself to the sugar and lemon juice — in copper pots with a wooden paddle, in the same way one would at home. His workshop shares the tips and techniques he refines every day in pursuit of the best flavor and color.

About the Venue

Choushinjo Kinokuniya Kyomachiya opened in spring 2025 near Tomikoji-Oike in Kyoto. The shop occupies a 160-year-old townhouse originally built in the Edo period, which has been thoughtfully renovated into a concept store for the 110-year-old Kinokuniya brand. The historic machiya setting offers a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Kyoto.