On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Japanese goods brand Shofudo (笑風堂) opened its main store in the Yanagibaba-Rokkaku area of Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. The store is operated by Shofu Co., Ltd. (株式会社笑風).
Shofudo is a Japanese goods brand that carries on the paper-processing techniques and craftsmanship cultivated by Suzuki Shofudo Co., Ltd. (株式会社鈴木松風堂), founded in 1893 (Meiji 26).
The new main store has a shop on the first floor and an office on the second floor. It will serve not only as a place to sell products but also as a base for planning new products and sharing information about the brand.
A New Main Store in Central Kyoto's Yanagibaba-Rokkaku Area
The new store is located in the Yanagibaba-Rokkaku area in the center of Kyoto, within easy reach of Shijo Kawaramachi and Nishiki Market. It is a place to browse colorful goods made with washi (Japanese paper) and traditional Japanese patterns in a distinctly Kyoto setting. After a pre-opening on October 6 and 7, the store officially opened on October 8. The store aims to be a friendly Japanese goods shop where not only visitors to Kyoto but also local residents can stop by casually.
Japanese Goods for Everyday Life
Shofudo carries a variety of Japanese goods that make use of traditional Japanese patterns and colors. The lineup includes the popular square plates (角皿), goshuincho (shrine and temple stamp books), Kyo-shiori (京しおり, Kyoto bookmarks), stationery made with washi, and magnets, so there are options for everyday use, Kyoto souvenirs, and gifts. The delicate patterns and colors unique to washi, such as Yuzen paper and katazome (stencil-dyed) paper, are a major attraction of the products. The store offers items that let customers feel Japan's traditional beauty up close, and that overseas visitors can enjoy as keepsakes of Kyoto.
Founded in 1893: More Than 130 Years of History
Since its founding in 1893 (Meiji 26), Suzuki Shofudo has focused on craftsmanship centered on paper processing. It has continued to make products suited to the times while valuing the techniques handed down over its long history and traditional Japanese designs. In October 2026, Shofu Co., Ltd. took over Suzuki Shofudo's Japanese goods business and began operating under a new structure. While valuing its history and craftsmanship, the company plans to offer traditional washi and Japanese patterns as products that are easy to bring into modern daily life.
A Shop and Office Under One Roof
The main store has a shop on the first floor and an office on the second floor. By placing the shop, where customers can see products directly, and the office, which handles product planning and sales, in the same location, the company aims to reflect customer feedback and market trends in its product development. The main store will also be used to share information on Kyoto's traditional culture, the appeal of washi, new products, events, and more. The company positions the main store not simply as a retail shop but as the central base for building the Shofudo brand and taking on new challenges.
From Kyoto to the Rest of Japan
In addition to its Hotel Honnoji store (ホテル本能寺店) in front of Kyoto City Hall, Shofudo opened a new store at Miyakomichi (みやこみち) at the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit on April 1, 2026. With the opening of the main store, the brand now operates three stores in Kyoto. Going forward, it aims to raise brand awareness in Kyoto even further and is also considering opening stores at tourist destinations and commercial facilities across Japan, starting with Nara and Osaka.
Shofudo's aim is to bring Japan's traditional beauty into more people's everyday lives, and to share the appeal of Japanese goods from Kyoto to the rest of Japan and the world.
Store Information
- Store Name: Shofudo Main Store (笑風堂 本店)
- Opening Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Address: 421 Izutsuya-cho, Yanagibaba-dori Rokkaku-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Facility Layout: Shop on the 1st floor, office on the 2nd floor
- Operated by: Shofu Co., Ltd. (株式会社笑風)
- Online Shop: https://shofudo-shop.jp/
