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Kyoto style folding fans have long been considered important and essential accessories for both common people and performers of Japanese traditional activities such as tea masters and Maiko.
Not well known even among Kyoto locals, there is a historical landmark called "Oogi Zuka" at the west end of Gojo Bridge where it crosses the Kamo River. Long ago, a temple called "Mieido" stood there, a center of traditional fan production. Starting in the early the 8^th century their fans gained great renown and the area became famous for beautifully handcrafted fans.

HAKUCHIKU DO, bringing a cool breath of fresh air for 300 years

HAKUCHIKU DO was established in 1718 and they started their business to make and sell Kyoto style fans to Nishihongan-ji Temple. The main shop has been in the current location for ten years. They now have a wide range of fans from traditional designs to collaborative products which suits the younger generation's taste.

Shell-shaped fans are recommended especially for women who are new to having a fan. I have a shell shaped fan with an embroidered alpaca and I love the size and shape of the fan. These fans are made of fabric and are easy to carry. Each item's design is cute and you need some time to decide which one to buy.

Junichi Nakahara, charismatic fashion designer and illustrator in the early 20^th century created the fashion magazine for women called Soleil. HAKUCHIKU DO incorporated his designs into their fans and they embody Mr. Nakahara's "kawaii" designs. When paired with retro style kimono such as Meisen style give an air of cuteness to the wearer.

At HAKUCHIKU DO, the fans are not only for women. Among modern men, fans are a rarity however HAKUCHIKU DO has a variety of fans to suit the taste of contemporary male.

They have hundreds of stylish male oriented fans. The company has worked with the male fashion magazine LEON, fans of with Ultraman anime characters and some of them are even produced from denim from Okayama, a famous jeans production area.

Besides catering to the style sensibilities of young men and women, HAKUCHIKU DO also offers products aimed at the more artistic customers. They have fans designs based on pictures by Tessai Tomioka. Born in Kyoto early 19^th century he was famed as the last man of letters in Japan. Other fans are based on designs of Mr. Kiyoshiro Imawano, a great singer in the 80s. Mr. Imawano had a close friendship with the president of HAKUCHIKU DO.

These are "Okuchimoto fans" used for covering speaker's mouth. The small and slim item is designed to block speaker's breath. You don't have to keep putting on and taking off a mask during a meal. The shop's logo is on the item and it makes a perfect gift for family members or friends.

At HAKUCHIKU DO, you can enjoy producing your own crafted as a memento of your trip. You draw your original design on special Japanese paper and a craftsman will put the finishing touches on the fan with the design you drew. Your unique fan will be delivered to you in about one month.

If you come to Kyoto with a small group of two to four people, I would recommend trying a game called "Tosenkyo". The game is played by gently tossing a fan at a ginkgo leaf-shaped target placed on a wooden box and scoring points according to the orientation of the fan and the target after they land.　A reservation is required for playing the game and you can take the fan you use home.
The shop also has sandalwood fans which are rarity these days. Their smell makes me feel nostalgic and remind me of my mother. I remember she had a sandalwood fan when I was a kid and I remember I connect that scent with my image of her.
A Kyoto fan "passes through the hands of different craftsman 88 times," and the process of production is divided into dozens of detailed steps. Only fans that are made by the hands of Kyoto's craftsmen are called Kyo-sensu. There are elegant Japanese accessories which go well with these fans.
HAKUCHKU DO

Miyawaki Baisenan, traditions and techniques dedicated to a legacy of craftsman ship

Founded in 1823, the striking storefront announces long history of Miyawaki Baisenan. Elegant fans are displayed in the tatami matted room which can been seen from the street and they beckon the customers to enter the shop. Gracious fans are lined up on shelves in the spacious shop. With its elegant furnishings that have been carefully passed down for generations, the store looks like an exhibition room in a museum.

One of the best parts of this shop is the ceiling painting which depicts beautiful fans. The picture was painted in 1902 and is collaboration of 48 famous painters including the renowned artists Tekkan Tomioka and Seiho Takeuchi. This is the view of the picture as seen through a mirror placed beneath.

Second floor features collections fans of seasonal flowers designed painted by famous painters from the Edo period. I saw repeating customers opening and testing fans. This area is well worth a look.

I bought my husband this leather fan before we got married and he went crazy for it.　Their fans are simple but you can see the craftsmanship in design and the elegance of texture of materials. They have casual fans that match perfectly with everyday fashions. A small fan made of linen from the shop was my first fan.

This is a surprise for me: A Disney theme fan. The pattern shows Minnie mouse in a wood engraving and printed on silk screen. The Disney fans at this shop are different from fans at other souvenir shops. They are fans adults should have.
MIYAWAKI BAISENAN

In keeping witt their tradition and trust, Miyawaki Baisenan established a new fan shop called "BANNA to YELLOW" in January of this year. They wanted to branch out and set up a new brand. Their fans are designed for the young generations.
Vinyl curtains hung at the store are luminous yellow and fans are displayed artistically along with T-shirts and bags. The new shop has a variety of unique fans. A renowned painter Mr. Shinro Otake's from Tokyo designed new items. They are more like a part of your fashion, not simply accessories. The fans are ideal for adults.

BANANA to YELLOW

Both fan shops have been developing new products to reach more young people and also to pass down fan culture to next generation.
Kyoto fan can be works of arts, gifts for any occasions and irreplaceable momentums as well as handy practical everyday item use. portable hand-held fans have gained a lot of attention lately however they have the eco-friendly benefit that they don't use batteries. Another plus is that they are compact and easy to carry in your bag. They make striking impression when you are dressed in your best and you open a beautiful matching fan.
HAKUCHIKU DO and Miyawaki Senbaian are very close to each other. Try and visit them to enjoy selecting and find the one you like.