[Yamaguchi/Nagato/Hagi] A treat for yourself. 12 selections of heart-fluttering handmade goods & stylish souvenirs
![[Yamaguchi, Nagato, Hagi] A treat for yourself. 12 heart-fluttering handmade crafts & stylish souvenirs](https://hoshinoresorts.com/guide/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ngtzk-main-1024x683.jpg)
The Hagi and Nagato area of Yamaguchi Prefecture, overflowing with beautiful nature, traditional culture, and historical charm, is actually a treasure trove of specialty shops offering carefully curated items. Each shop carries its own unique selection, from items that evoke a sense of nostalgia to those that add color to your daily life, or bring a moment of soothing comfort. Be sure to find a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself. Items you encounter on your travels are sure to become even more memorable.
Encounter heart-fluttering handiwork. Specialty goods stores and shops
- 1Tsutsumisha
- 2Roba no Honya
- 3COLOR +03.name
- 4Hagi-yaki Pottery Shokozan
- 5Kimono Style Café
- 6Gallery JIBITA
A treat for yourself. Stylish souvenirs with a touch of good taste.
Encounter heart-fluttering handiwork. Specialty goods stores and shops
1Tsutsumisha
Featuring a collection of cute paper goods, stationery, and daily necessities
A general store run by an owner who is an unparalleled lover of paper goods and stationery. The items packed into the shop are all personally selected by the owner, and include a wide variety of goods such as letter paper, envelopes, pencils, clips, pinback buttons, and cloth bags.
The owner stocks items from both Japan and abroad that they feel they "want to give to someone," items that can be used in daily life, and items that are easy to use. They also handle original works by artists from within the prefecture and other prefectures. "I want people to pick them up and imagine how to use them while they choose," says the owner. The charm lies not just in the items themselves, but also in the sense of excitement you can enjoy.
A nostalgic space that makes the most of good old things
The shop is a self-renovated building that was originally used as a taxi company office. The goal was to create a "place you'll want to come back to." Things that could still be used, such as the aged exposed beams, floorboards, and well-worn fixtures, were kept as they were, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels as if time has stopped.
They also offer soft drinks such as "coffee" and "ginger milk tea." It is a popular spot for repeat customers as well as people who drop by while out for a drive.
Local
Supporter
From letter sets in calm colors to colorful and pop stationery from abroad, there is a wide variety of items, and just looking at them is a pleasure in itself.
- Tsutsumisha
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4230-1 Tagyo, Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP 
Approx. 9 minutes by car from JR Takibe Station
Take a bus from JR Takibe Station, get off at "Gosenhara," and walk for about 1 minute.
10:30–17:00
Wednesdays, irregular holidays
090-7443-5808
Available
2Roba no Honya
The main focus is on various items related to handicrafts and reading. There are also tools for daily life
A shop for handicrafts and reading run by an owner who moved here from Tokyo. The shop, which was renovated over the course of more than a year from a building that used to be a cowshed, has a rustic charm that blends well with the mountain scenery. As you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the rows and rows of books. The lineup changes from time to time, covering a variety of genres including specialized books, foreign books, old books, and children's books.
The handicraft corner also features a wide array of yarn, fabric, buttons, beads, and more.
The relaxing cafe space and gallery space are also appealing
Inside the shop, you will find original Roba no Honya goods such as tote bags, foreign handicraft tools including Czech beads, and baked goods sourced from Hiroshima Prefecture, as well as ceramics, paintings, and photographs by artists from all over the country whom the owner has known since living in Tokyo.
It is a shop that only collects things the owner likes and favors, but many regular customers come from other prefectures, drawn by the owner's sense of style. From the cafe space, which was set up to allow visitors to spend time in a relaxed manner, you can enjoy the view of the rich natural scenery of Nagato City.
Local
Supporter
There are many miscellaneous goods that evoke a sense of handmade warmth and nostalgia. The gallery space hosts events and exhibitions from time to time, so if you are interested, please check their Instagram!
- Roba no Honya
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- 6994 Tawarayama, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- About 12 minutes by car from JR Hitomaru Station
- 11:00–17:00
- Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays *Open if it is a public holiday
- 0837-29-0377
- Available
3COLOR +03.name
Daily goods that bring moisture and color to life, and gifts that embrace the feelings of the giver
The store offers items that enrich daily life, ranging from daily necessities like tableware, cutlery, and stationery to fashion accessories like bags and wallets, and even women's wear.
The products, selected for their material, design, functionality, and comfort, range from items for personal use at home to gifts for loved ones. You can also enjoy choosing gifts for various occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or small tokens of appreciation.
For our clothing, we prioritize not only a cute appearance but also comfort for everyday wear. From basic items you can love for a long time to colors and designs that accent your outfit, you will find the perfect piece for every season.
Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special, we offer items that add color and comfort to your daily life.
A calm space where you can take your time choosing
The interior has a warm, yet simple and calm atmosphere. The appeal lies in being able to look at clothes and miscellaneous goods together, and find things you want to incorporate into your life or things you can enjoy in your own way.
For yourself, for someone else.
Please come to COLOR＋03.name to find your favorites.
Local
Supporter
With miscellaneous goods that can become an essence of life, as well as clothes for both men and kids, it is a shop that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.
- COLOR +03.name
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- 866 Higashifukawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Nagato-shi Station
- 11:00–18:00
- Tuesday
- 0837-27-0308
- Available
4Hagi-yaki Pottery Shokozan
Hagi ware for everyday use that incorporates a modern sensibility while respecting tradition.
A Hagi ware pottery that has been weaving its history since 1976. The gallery adjacent to the workshop is a relocated traditional folk house from the early Showa period, and its charm lies in the ability to choose Hagi ware in a tasteful space featuring impressive beams, transoms, and a hearth.
The pieces created in this workshop are everyday tableware that incorporates modern sensibilities while respecting tradition. Many of them feature modern designs or soft colors, and they are highly regarded for being easy to pair with both Japanese and Western cuisine. It is said that many people even travel from as far as Hiroshima and Fukuoka prefectures specifically to purchase them.
A wide array of various types of pottery. Feel the texture for yourself.
"Shokozan's tableware exists for the food served on it," says the third-generation designer, who insists that the shape, pattern, and texture all serve to enhance the cuisine. Because everything is done by hand, the "shinogi" ridge patterns created with spatulas and planes, as well as the shading caused by the application of glaze, vary, giving each piece its own unique character.
You can also check the texture of the pieces, so please try to find the one that feels best in your hand. Furthermore, Hagi ware changes color and gains depth as it is used over time. Using them every day and "nurturing" your tableware is one of the joys of owning them.
Local
Supporter
The sight of Hagi ware lining an entire wall is breathtaking! There are many pieces of tableware that will make your daily cooking and dining more enjoyable. Since even items of the same type have slightly different expressions, please take your time to choose.
- Hagi-yaki Pottery Shokozan
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- 3216-1 Oi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 4-minute drive from JR Nagato-Oi Station
- Take a bus from JR Higashi-Hagi Station, get off at "Oiura," and walk for approx. 1 minute
- 10:00–17:00
- Open every day
- 0838-28-0112
- Available
5Kimono Style Café
Full of Hagi souvenirs such as Hagi ware featuring summer oranges and camellias, and hand towels.
A cafe and general store renovated from a traditional folk house over 150 years old, located opposite the former residence of late Edo period Choshu retainer Kido Takayoshi. They also offer rentals where you can choose your favorite from over 100 types of kimonos and yukatas, which is highly popular among tourists visiting the Hagi castle town.
The store is well-stocked with original Japanese-style goods perfect for Hagi souvenirs, such as furoshiki, coasters, and coin purses featuring Hagi's fruit, the summer orange, and Hagi's flower, the camellia, as well as Hagi ware. There are also limited-edition items related to Yoshida Shoin and Hagi's local mascot, "Hagi-nyan."
Many Hagi ware items that can only be bought here. Affordable prices are also a draw.
As you pass through the noren curtain and head inside, you will find a wide variety of Hagi ware sourced from multiple kilns. The collection is curated around the concept of "practical Hagi ware for everyday life," and it is a delight to find them sold at relatively affordable prices. Since they also produce Hagi ware, focusing on young artists, they offer many pieces that can only be purchased here.
In addition, the retro-style cafe space serves drinks and sweets in Hagi ware vessels, allowing you to experience the quality of the pottery before you buy.
Local
Supporter
The shop staff are also involved in developing local goods, so you can always get the latest Hagi souvenirs. With a wide selection ranging from sophisticated Hagi ware to cute Hagi-nyan goods, you are sure to find the perfect gift.
- Kimono Style Café
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- 2-39 Gofukumachi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 6 minutes by car from JR Higashi-Hagi Station
- Take a bus from JR Higashi-Hagi Station, get off at "Hagi Hakubutsukan-mae" and walk for about 9 minutes
- 10:00 - 18:00
- Thursdays *Open if it is a public holiday
- 0838-21-7000
- Available
6Gallery JIBITA
A lineup of works by famous artists from all over the country, mainly young up-and-comers.
An art gallery that exhibits and sells carefully selected works, including Hagi ware as well as pottery, glass, and woodwork from all over the country. The owner, born into a family of art dealers and having been exposed to art from a young age, opened the gallery to protect the declining culture of Hagi ware and to increase the number of pottery fans.
While they primarily handle works by young artists, the owner says that every piece has been personally seen, touched, and moved by them. Since they often travel to visit the artists themselves, it is best to check in advance if they are open if you are visiting from afar.
A place to encounter works and artists that capture your heart. Solo exhibitions are also held about nine times a year.
Lined up in a pure white gallery that highlights the works are masterpieces that have become the talk of enthusiasts. It is not uncommon for people to travel all the way from urban areas, saying, "It's hard to get these in the city."
In addition to the permanent collection, they hold special exhibitions about nine times a year. With artists such as Hagi ware potter Eiichi Shibuya, glass artist Mami Tokizawa, and ceramic artist Ryuji Iwasaki, exhibitions were held at a pace of once a month in 2022, and the schedule is already filling up through 2026. If you are enjoying an art trip in Hagi and Nagato cities, Yamaguchi Prefecture, this is one spot you should definitely visit.
Local
Supporter
Although the items on display are all high-quality works of art, they are surprisingly affordable. You can feel the owner's desire for people to enjoy ceramics more in their daily lives. This is a gallery that art lovers should definitely visit at least once.
- Gallery JIBITA
-
- 138-6 Higashihamasaki-cho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- 15-minute walk from JR Higashi-Hagi Station
- Take a bus from JR Higashi-Hagi Station, get off at "Shinkawa" and walk for about 11 minutes
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Fridays, 3rd Thursdays, and irregular holidays
- 0838-22-8725
- Available
A treat for yourself. Stylish souvenirs with a touch of good taste.
7Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima "Tsunoshima Cocktail Emerald Green"
Full of souvenirs featuring the beautiful colors of the sea as a motif.
Tsunoshima in Shimonoseki City is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture's most photogenic tourist destinations. The beautiful scenery of the Tsunoshima Bridge stretching straight across the emerald green sea is breathtaking. Located in the heart of Tsunoshima, "Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima" sells original goods inspired by the island's beautiful sea.
Among them, the "Tsunoshima Cocktail Emerald Green" is particularly popular. It is an original mojito-flavored cocktail made with a rum base blended with mint and lime juice. The fruity "Tsunoshima Cocktail Cobalt Blue" is also recommended.
Also well-stocked with processed seafood products from around Tsunoshima and Tsunoshima merchandise.
The building was designed to blend into the scenery, inspired by the "menoha-goya" (tool sheds for gathering seaweed and shellfish) scattered across Tsunoshima. The shop is filled with local specialties unique to Tsunoshima, such as seafood, sweets, and alcoholic beverages. Another appeal of this shop is the view of the cobalt blue sea stretching out before you, as well as the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Japan.
In addition, "Fresh Shiokaze no Sato" on the premises offers dishes featuring plenty of fresh seafood. "Tsunoshima-yaki Sakamoto" sells "Tsunoshima-yaki" containing octopus, squid, and turban shell, mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and during summer vacation. These are slightly larger than regular takoyaki and are popular for their creamy texture.
Local
Supporter
There are also many original goods and sweets that incorporate the beautiful scenery of Tsunoshima into their packaging. It's wonderful to be able to share the spectacular view with the person you are giving the souvenir to.
- Shiokaze no Sato Tsunoshima
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- 853-4 Tsunoshima, Hohoku-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 25 minutes by car from JR Takibe Station
- Take a bus from JR Takibe Station, get off at "Gakko-yoko" bus stop, and walk for about 2 minutes
- 9:00–17:00
- Wednesdays, December 31, January 1
- 083-786-0700
- Available
8Otozure-do "Original Goods"
Simple and easy-to-use original goods from Yumoto Onsen.
This shop is located halfway up the "Bamboo Grove Stairs" that lead from the Nagato Yumoto Onsen parking lot to the Otozure River. It focuses on original goods from Nagato Yumoto Onsen and carries products selected based on a "cute" concept.
We recommend the sacoche bag featuring the logos of Nagato Yumoto Onsen and "Otozure-do." It is well-received by tourists as being the perfect size for holding hot spring goods. Other popular items include bamboo chopsticks with thin tips that make it easy to pick up food, as well as small items like masking tape and pin badges. These simple yet cute items are all perfect as travel souvenirs.
A 60-year-old traditional folk house renovated. The interior is inspired by a public bath and its attendant's booth.
Born in April 2020 following the Nagato Yumoto Onsen "Tourism Town Development Renovation Project," which included workshops with local residents. A 60-year-old traditional house was renovated with the involvement of not only students, local children, and the elderly, but also many prominent architects and designers.
Its unique interior is inspired by a public bath and a bathhouse attendant's counter, and it is full of creative touches, including a display reminiscent of a footbath. In addition, at the adjacent Hagi-yaki gallery, you can admire works from the "Hagi-yaki Fukagawa Kiln," a traditional craft of Nagato that boasts a history of approximately 360 years.
Local
Supporter
The shop is packed with stylish goods that are easy to use in everyday life. Stones with drawings and messages freely written by local children and the elderly are embedded in the floor, so be sure to look down at your feet when you visit.
- Otozure-do
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- 2321-1 Fukawa Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Nagato-Yumoto Station
- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (Open on public holidays)
- 080-4026-3935
- None (Please use the Nagato Yumoto Onsen parking lot)
9Hagiyaki Kaikan "Hagi Seikamon" Cup
You can encounter both orthodox and modern Hagi ware.
A Hagi-yaki and souvenir shop run by a Hagi-yaki kiln. They carry a wide range of Hagi-yaki, from modern daily items like cute accessories and stylish tableware to prestigious tea ceremony utensils and flower vases, most of which are original products exclusive to this shop.
Among the many Hagi-yaki items, we especially recommend "Hagi Seikamon," which combines two of Japan's representative types of pottery: Hagi-yaki and Arita-yaki. It features the soft, earthy texture and rustic feel of Hagi-yaki adorned with Arita-yaki blue-and-white patterns, and is attracting attention as a new type of vessel born from the fusion of two traditional techniques.
All the Hagi ware lined up in the shop are one-of-a-kind pieces. Hagi ware workshops are also available.
Hagi-yaki Kaikan offers a wide variety of Hagi-yaki, from affordable items to high-end pieces. Beyond shopping, you can also observe potters at work or try your hand at "e-tsuke" (painting) on Hagi-yaki, or "te-bineri" (hand-forming) to create your own unique Hagi-yaki from clay.
"You can enjoy the 'nanabake' (seven changes) of Hagi-yaki, where the color changes as you use it over time. Please find your favorite piece and nurture it with care," says the staff. We also recommend taking your time to nurture your own one-of-a-kind Hagi-yaki created through the painting or hand-forming experiences.
Local
Supporter
"Hagi Seikamon" was realized after the owner found some blue-and-white porcelain they liked in Arita ware and visited the kiln themselves to propose a collaboration. They bring Hagi ware clay to the Arita kiln, where artisans hand-paint each piece one by one, before bringing them back to Hagi to be fired.
- Hagiyaki Kaikan
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- 3155 Chinto, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 3 minutes by car from JR Higashi-Hagi Station
- 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Irregular holidays
- 0838-25-9545
- Available
10Hagiyaki Kiln Shokozan "Shinogi Free Cup"
Hagi ware that incorporates a modern sensibility while preserving tradition, perfect for everyday use.
A Hagi ware kiln with a 46-year history since its establishment in 1976. They offer a collection of tableware perfect for everyday use, incorporating modern sensibilities while preserving the traditions of Hagi ware.
Among the many varieties available, such as rice bowls, teacups, and curry plates, the owner highly recommends the "Shinogi Free Cup." It has a wide mouth and a size that is easy to hold, allowing for a generous pour of your favorite drink. Incidentally, "shinogi" is a traditional Japanese pottery technique, and here, it is applied entirely by hand. As a result, each piece has a slightly different expression, so please take your time and enjoy choosing your souvenir.
The appeal lies in the wide variety of items, from chopstick rests to large plates.
The designs are created by the third-generation owner. Believing that "Shokozan's tableware exists for the food served on it," they are committed to enhancing the cuisine in every aspect, including shape, pattern, and texture. You can actually pick up these pieces, which is another appeal, as you can check how they feel in your hand before purchasing.
Additionally, there is a gallery next to the workshop housed in a relocated traditional folk house, where you can fully immerse yourself in Hagi ware within a space featuring impressive beams, beautiful transoms, and an irori hearth. It is no wonder that many people, not just tourists but also those from other prefectures like Hiroshima and Fukuoka, make the special trip to visit.
Local
Supporter
The greatest appeal of these vessels is, above all, their design and color that do not interfere with the food, and the fact that each one has its own individuality. Since Hagi ware changes color as you use it, you'll want to use it carefully for a long time and enjoy that transformation!
- Hagi-yaki Pottery Shokozan
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- 3216-1 Oi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 4-minute drive from JR Nagato-Oi Station
- Take a bus from JR Higashi-Hagi Station, get off at "Oiura," and walk for approx. 1 minute
- 10:00–17:00
- Open every day
- 0838-28-0112
- Available
11Hagi Glass Kobo "Uchi-hibi Guinomi (Sake Cup)"
One-of-a-kind glass works made from raw stones found on Mt. Kasayama in Hagi City.
A glass workshop located in Kasayama, Hagi City, the only place in Japan where quartz basalt is produced. Its greatest feature is that it uses quartz basalt mined near the workshop and handles everything from the raw stone to the finished product in-house.
The main products are the pale green "Basalt Glass" and the "Inner-Cracked Glass," which features a three-layer structure with cracks sealed inside. All the glasses, plates, and soy sauce dispensers lined up in the shop are handmade one by one by artisans. The "Inner-Cracked Glass" is also famous as the only heat-resistant glass of its kind in Japan. Among these, the "Inner-Cracked Sake Cup" is particularly popular with women. It is said that the cracks expand little by little over three years, and the ability to enjoy that change is part of its charm.
Be enchanted by the beautiful glass works. You can also try your hand at glassblowing.
Glass products made at Hagi Glass Workshop are primarily made to order. We accept orders starting from a single item in your preferred design and material. Therefore, the items displayed in the shop are simply the extras produced from those orders. You may not always find the same products, so if you fall in love with something at first sight, we recommend purchasing it without hesitation.
In addition, the workshop offers experiences such as glassblowing (reservation required) and accessory making. A glass piece made with your own hands is sure to become a special memento of your trip.
Local
Supporter
Most glass workshops in Japan use commercially available glass materials, making Hagi Glass Workshop, which refines glass from raw ore, a very rare existence. Incidentally, the president's recommendation is the soy sauce dispenser, which is exquisitely crafted in both its body and lid. It is said to be a masterpiece that does not drip.
- Hagi Glass Workshop
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- 1189-453 Koshigahama, Chinto, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Koshigahama Station
- 9:00–17:00
- None
- 0838-26-2555
- Available
12Tokuji Specialty Shop Nandaimon "Tokuji Handmade Washi Paper Items"
"Tokuji Hand-made Washi" with its charming, rustic texture.
A specialty shop featuring a wide array of famous products from the Tokuji area of Yamaguchi City. There is a diverse selection of items, including seasonal vegetables, processed goods, and crafts, but the most popular souvenir is the "Tokuji Handmade Washi Paper." Tokuji Handmade Washi has been passed down in the Tokuji region for about 800 years and is designated as an intangible cultural property of Yamaguchi City, characterized by the unique texture, warmth, and supple strength of its natural materials.
With a variety of products available, such as dyed washi sets for crafts and practical items like business cards and letter sets, why not choose something while thinking of the person who will receive it?
The building is constructed using high-quality timber harvested from the mountains of Tokuji.
The Tokuji area of Yamaguchi City is known as the place where, about 800 years ago, the monk Shunjobo Chogen cut timber for the reconstruction of the Todai-ji Temple in Nara, and the "Nandaimon" building here was constructed to model the Nandaimon Gate of the Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
In addition to unique Tokuji items such as "Kawaraketsumei tea," a health tea long loved in the Tokuji region, "Tokuji mountain yam," and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, be sure to pay attention to the building itself. Please etch its imposing appearance into your memory as one of the highlights of your trip.
Local
Supporter
The dyed washi paper of "Tokuji Hand-made Washi" is also used for the headboards in the bedrooms at "Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato." Please enjoy its warm texture when you stay with us!
- Tokuji Specialty Products Shop Nandaimon
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- 1565-1 Tokuji Hori, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 25 minutes by car from JR Hofu Station
- From JR Hofu Station, take a bus and get off at "Hori," then walk approx. 1 minute
- April–December 9:00–18:00, October–March 9:00–17:00
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- 0835-52-1772
- Available
MAP
- Encounter heart-fluttering handiwork. Specialty goods stores and shops
- A treat for yourself. Stylish souvenirs with a touch of good taste.
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Naoka TakadaHealing mood maker
KAI Nagato
Nagato Yumoto Onsen, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Located in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a representative hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this inn features a design inspired by the "Ochaya-yashiki" (tea house villas) of the Edo period.
Access Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Nagato-Yumoto Onsen Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥32,000