A Leica Store Hailed as "The Most Charming in the World"

The Leica Kyoto Store has opened on Hanami-koji Street in Gion, directly opposite the Kaburenjo theater where the "Miyako Odori" spring festival is performed, and a short walk south to Kennin-ji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.

The two-story townhouse, formerly a teahouse, is located in an essential spot for Kyoto tourism. The original structure has been preserved, with beams and pillars skillfully restored and integrated with Leica's brand aesthetic.

Mr. Kazutaka Fukaya, President of Leica Camera Japan, stated, "It was last spring when I first saw this property by chance.

While designing it to align with Leica Camera's store concept was a challenging task, our owner, Andreas Kaufmann, and the head office staff were very pleased, with feedback calling it 'the most charming store in the world at present.'" He shared his thoughts on the store's completion.

A New Shop & Gallery Retaining Kyoto's Charm

Passing through the noren curtain bearing the Leica mark, one notices the narrow frontage and deep interior, characteristic of a Kyoto townhouse. Camera displays are at the front, with a view of a small Japanese garden beyond the counter. Further past the garden with its stone lantern lies a fully equipped Japanese-style studio.

"The symbol of this store is the Japanese-style studio. It's a space that could only be realized in Kyoto, and we want both professionals and amateurs to use it for their shoots. Furthermore, on the second floor, facing Hanami-koji, we have a salon space. We aim not only for domestic and international visitors to experience Kyoto but also to utilize this space to pass on the city's history and culture and foster harmony between the town and its people," said Mr. Fukaya.

On the second floor, the photo gallery is currently hosting "Kyoto as Seen by Magnum," an exhibition by 10 Magnum photographers. Visitors can enjoy the displays in a Japanese-style setting, complete with exposed beams.

Regarding Leica's 100th anniversary and the Leica Kyoto Store, Mr. Fukaya commented, "Leica cameras are meticulously crafted by skilled German artisans through precise handwork. This spirit resonates with the people and culture of Kyoto. For the store's opening, we released the 'Leica MP Olive Set' and 'Leica X2 Olive,' featuring a color that has been successful with Leica and suits Kyoto.Leica MP Olive Set and Leica X2 OliveThis year is Leica's anniversary year, so please look forward to more to come," he expressed his enthusiasm.

Original Leica Kyoto Store Merchandise for Souvenirs

Leica Kyoto Store offers limited-edition original products, including items created in collaboration with Kyoto's traditional craftspeople.

The camera bags feature Nishijin-ori, a textile from a Nishijin-ori master with over 300 years of history, adorning the flap. This Nishijin-ori is woven with silk threads interspersed with finely cut strips of paper coated with pigment. The design was created by Thomas Lykke, a renowned Danish designer and Leica user.

The leather pouches have an interior lined with silk fabric printed with Kyo-Yuzen patterns from Chiso, a Kyo-Yuzen master with over 450 years of history. Available in two sizes, S and L, suitable for compact cameras or lenses, the leather color varies with each Kyo-Yuzen pattern inside.

The folding fans from Miyakichi Baiokusen, a Kyoto-based establishment founded in 1823, feature Leica's classic logo on the main bone. Two types are available: the classic "Kuroshibu," coated with persimmon tannin and accented with red lacquer, and the modern-looking "Shippomon," finished with mica coating.

Leica Kyoto Store
570-120 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
(Along Hanami-koji Street, in front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo)
Tel. 075-532-0320
Business Hours | 11:00 - 19:00
Closed Mondays
http://www.leica-camera.co.jp