The streets of Kyoto are constantly changing as times change. Kotoya Chubei, a Kyoto doll shop located near Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, has been watching over the changes in Kyoto since the Edo period. Mr. Onishi, the owner, continues to talk about the history of the shop, aiming to be a shop that is loved by the times while preserving traditions.

From the Inn to the Kyoto Doll Shop

The Kyoto dolls sold at Kotoya Chubei are traditional Japanese dolls made in the Kyoto area. Currently, they are popular as Hina dolls and May dolls.

The most distinctive feature is the production process. Each doll is produced by a group of craftsmen, including head makers, hand and foot makers, hair makers, prop makers, and body makers, all working together in a division of labor. The exquisite finish is the result of the skilled techniques of each craftsman.

Today, Kotoya Chubei is beloved as a long-established Kyoto doll store, but when it first opened in 1656, it operated as an inn. During the Edo period, Sanjo, Kyoto, was the final destination for travelers continuing from the city of Edo. The area around Sanjo Ohashi Bridge, bustling with travelers, was packed with inns.

"This is a copy of a guidebook from about 300 years ago. You can see the word 'Kogataya' here." The owner, Mr. Onishi, unfolded a valuable historical document for me. The originals are only found in museums and libraries. The document depicted Sanjo Ohashi Bridge and an inn bustling with travelers.

Since the family has served as town officials since then, the Onishis have a large number of historical documents at their disposal.

In the Meiji era, Kyoto Station was built and the gateway to Kyoto moved there. In response to the changes and needs of the town, Kotoya Chubei also transformed into a store dealing in kimono.

The book "The Capital's Leading Shop," published in 1883, lists all the shops from that time. On the page for the kimono shop, the name "Onishi Chubei" appears. Onishi says that the storehouse still has the sign from the time of the kimono shop.

Time passed and it was after the war. During this time, travel was the most popular pastime, and Kawaramachi in Kyoto was bustling with tourists. Kotoya Chubei also started selling souvenirs, which eventually developed into the Kyoto Doll Shop we know today.

Sticking to the motto "business never gets boring"

No matter how much the times change, Kotoya Chubei continues to be loved because it has always captured the needs of the times.

The number of Kyoto doll craftsmen is decreasing year by year, and it is not easy to find new craftsmen. In order to continue as a Kyoto doll shop, we handle a wide variety of products in addition to the festival dolls for March and May. Small souvenirs that tourists will love, and products related to the Gion Festival, including floats and mikoshi, are lined up in the store.

"Business = not getting bored." These are words that Onishi holds dear. He maintains his respect for Kyoto traditions, but adapts his business to suit the times. Kotoya Chubei has continued to do business by changing in order to keep customers interested.

Our mission is to convey the history of Kyoto

Onishi-san tells customers with a smile, "You don't have to buy anything, just look around." In recent years, it seems that many young women have been stopping by to take a good look at the dolls.

In order to allow customers to fully experience Kyoto's history and culture, we display all of our valuable historical materials and will explain the history of Kyoto and our store to any customers who show interest.

"The city of Kyoto is constantly changing. I have materials that can't be seen anywhere else, so it would be a waste if I didn't show them to them. My role at Kotoya Chubei is to convey history to anyone who is interested," he told us.

Preserving tradition while changing

Kawaramachi, Kyoto, is constantly changing. Onishi-san strongly states that in order to remain a beloved store, they will continue to focus on selling products made in Kyoto. Why not try "Kotoya Chubei" and experience not only the Kyoto-like appearance, but also the culture and traditions that are deeply rooted in Kyoto?

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Kotoya Chubei

電話：075-221-6349

Address: 87 Nakajimacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Access: 3 minutes walk from Sanjo Keihan Station

HP: http://www.kogatanaya.com/

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.