A Major Bag Production Hub: Enjoying Artisan Craftsmanship on "Kaban Street" in Toyooka
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Toyooka City is a major bag production area, and is an area where you can experience the craftsmanship and history of the craftsmen. You can find a wide variety of bags at the bag street and select shops. There are also workshops where you can experience making your own bags. Take a break at a relax...
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Welcome to Hyogo Hyogo is a gateway to the Kansai region, which nurtures the blessed land that connects the Sea of Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blessed climate. There are many spectacular views that will catch your eye, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site that was selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, and the panoramic night view from Mt. Rokko. The world-famous Kobe brand, KOBE BEEF, which is synonymous with Tajima beef, is one of Japan's leading beefs, and the sake rice ``Hyogo Yamada Nishiki'' is a gem that will surprise your tongue. Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, and Kinosaki Onsen has appeared in many literary works. Surrounded by nature, you can relax your mind and body. You can come across memorable sounds such as the thunderous sounds of the whirlpools of Naruto on Awaji Island, and the dynamic sounds of the fireworks festivals held in various places in the summer. In the herb gardens and botanical gardens in the prefecture, you will be healed by the gentle and pleasant scent of herbs and flowers throughout the four seasons. Enjoy a new journey in Hyogo that stimulates the five senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.
Bags are an integral part of our lives, supporting us during travel, work, shopping, and everyday outings. It's safe to say we rarely go a day without one, and many of us have items we feel particularly attached to.
Just a 30-minute bus ride from the popular tourist destination of Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka City is one of Japan's premier bag production areas. Join us as we explore the depth of bag-making craftsmanship and the history behind it.
The History of Bags in Toyooka
Toyooka City has a rich history, dating back to 27 AD, when the person who opened the Tajima region (the former name of the area where Toyooka is located) introduced the technique of weaving with willow (used to make bags in the past). Over the years, bags made from Toyooka's willow became highly valued, reaching their peak during the Edo period (1603-1868) with the popularity of willow bags. This truly cements Toyooka's status as a bag city.
Nearby, visitors can enjoy strolling in yukata, soaking in hot springs, and savoring fresh seafood in Kinosaki Onsen, or exploring the historical castle town of Izushi, making it a perfect area to stop during a hot spring trip.
Finding Your Travel Companion
Kaban Street, located about 10 minutes by bus and a short 15-minute walk from Toyooka Station, is an area filled with numerous bag workshops showcasing the artisans' remarkable skills. Along this 300-meter stretch, shops and workshops present bags that highlight the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans. Each store has its unique flair, making it a delight just to browse.
As you walk along Kaban Street, you'll notice bag-themed vending machines, bus stops, benches, and flower beds everywhere. Even the utility poles are adorned with zippers! It could be fun to search for various bag motifs scattered throughout the town.
"Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue" – A Hub for Bag Culture
At the heart of Kaban Street lies "Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue," a select shop that features bags bearing the "Toyooka Bag" mark—products that meet strict quality standards—and leather goods made in Toyooka.
On the first and mezzanine floors, you’ll find bags from 15 local workshops, while the third floor houses the "Artisan School," dedicated to training bag craftsmen. If you look closely, you'll notice that the ceiling lights are designed to resemble willow bags.
Inside the shop, you'll find around 250 unique items, including formal bags for work, casual fabric bags, stylish pastel-colored designs, and wallets that combine traditional patterns with leather. Why not find your favorite piece?
Touching on the History of Toyooka Bags at "Kaban Kōbō Kagen"
Head straight north from "Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue" for about three minutes to find "Kaban Kōbō Kagen," operated by Endō Kaban Co., known for their silent wheeled suitcases and functional bags.
Opened in 2013 under the concept of "creating Japanese bags with a focus on tradition," Kagen showcases beautiful bags crafted with care from high-quality materials.
Each piece reflects the artisans' dedication, and the vanity boxes used by professional makeup artists are particularly striking.
On the second floor is a museum (named "Kakichirō's Room") where you can learn about the history of Toyooka bags through artifacts collected by the company’s first president, Kakichirō.
The area surrounding the Maruyama River in Toyooka is home to many willow trees, the original material for bag-making. Willow bags were essential for storing clothes and carrying travel belongings, benefiting from their ability to absorb moisture while being sturdy and lightweight.
It is said that the craftsmanship of the artisans is showcased in how tightly and beautifully the weaving is done, without any gaps.
Interestingly, as materials evolved from willow to fibers, fabrics, and leathers, Toyooka's bag craftsmen embraced these changes, continuously creating quality bags.
If the material changes, the manufacturing method also changes significantly. The amazing thing about Toyooka bags is that the craftsmen have accepted big changes and sometimes even actively adopted them without losing sight of the goal of "making good bags."
At "Kaban Kōbō Kagen," you can also enjoy workshops to make items like coin cases and sacoche bags. With just about 30 minutes of simple crafting, you can create a unique souvenir for yourself or a loved one, even personalizing it with your initials.
Take a Break While Exploring
If you get tired from walking along Kaban Street or visiting workshops, head to "todo bien coffee."
Its serene terrace space makes it an ideal spot to relax.
While at "todo bien coffee," be sure to try the "Big Size Slice Pizza" (available in three varieties). I ordered the "Pepperoni" this time. The crispy pizza topped with plenty of cheese and pepperoni is fantastic, combining a satisfying crunch with the richness of cheese and savory flavor of pepperoni.
Though you might crave a soda, I recommend trying their coffee. The deep-roasted bitterness and richness pair perfectly with the pizza.
Every Thursday, "todo bien coffee" hosts local community events, allowing you to mingle with residents. They also have a variety of records to enjoy.
After satisfying your hunger with delicious coffee and pizza, you're ready to continue exploring more workshops.
Conclusion
In Toyooka City, you can experience the craftsmanship of artisans, learn about the history, and encounter beautiful bags. If you're visiting Kinosaki Onsen, consider extending your stay to explore Toyooka and Izushi!
Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue
Address: 18-10 Chūōcho, Toyooka, Hyōgo ( Google map )
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (11:00 AM on weekdays)
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: https://visitkinosaki.com/things-to-do/toyooka-kaban-artisan-avenue/
Kaban Kōbō Kagen
Address: 2-5 Motomachi, Toyooka, Hyōgo ( Google map )
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: http://www.atelier-kagen.jp/ (Japanese only. Please use translation tools)
todo bien coffee
Address: 18 Chūōcho, Toyooka, Hyōgo ( Google map )
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Welcome to Hyogo Hyogo is a gateway to the Kansai region, which nurtures the blessed land that connects the Sea of Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as the blessed climate. There are many spectacular views that will catch your eye, such as Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site that was selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots, and the panoramic night view from Mt. Rokko. The world-famous Kobe brand, KOBE BEEF, which is synonymous with Tajima beef, is one of Japan's leading beefs, and the sake rice ``Hyogo Yamada Nishiki'' is a gem that will surprise your tongue. Arima Onsen is a famous hot spring, and Kinosaki Onsen has appeared in many literary works. Surrounded by nature, you can relax your mind and body. You can come across memorable sounds such as the thunderous sounds of the whirlpools of Naruto on Awaji Island, and the dynamic sounds of the fireworks festivals held in various places in the summer. In the herb gardens and botanical gardens in the prefecture, you will be healed by the gentle and pleasant scent of herbs and flowers throughout the four seasons. Enjoy a new journey in Hyogo that stimulates the five senses of sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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