As much a museum as a shop, Zohiko is Kyoto’s finest lacquerware store. If you’re after a really high quality piece of lacquerware, look no further.
Those familiar with Japanese lacquerware know that it’s the finest on earth. Sure, Vietnamese lacquerware is fetching eye candy and the turtle-shell motifs of Burmese lacquer are appealing, but nothing comes close to the complexity and perfection of high-end Japanese lacquerware. Zohiko is the place in Kyoto to buy a stunning piece to wow the folks back home.
There are pieces here ranging in price from reasonable to astronomical, and the best part of it all is the private museum on the second floor, which is opened to any serious patron. This is where fans of lacquerware come to dream.
Please note Zohiko was originally located in Northern Higashiyama but has now moved to new premises in Downtown Kyoto. The exact details of the new location are listed below.
English address:
719-1 Yohojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori, Nijo-agaru, Nishigawa, Nakagyo-ku
Japanese address:
中京区寺町通二条上ル西側要法寺前町719-1
Opening hours:
10am-6pm
Closed irregularly
Price:
Lacquered trays from about Y3,000
Nearest Transport:
5min walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae (Kyoto City Hall) stop, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 417-0234
Website: Official website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
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Near To Here:
Zohiko is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
