You can see a collection of Japan’s most carefully made goods right after stepping off the train at Kyoto Station. A pop-up store for “OMOTENASHI Selection,” a program that recognizes outstanding Japanese products and services, is open at Kyoto Porta, the shopping complex directly connected to Kyoto Station, through Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
10 brands from 9 prefectures, about 90 items
OMOTENASHI Selection is an award launched in 2015. Experts in overseas distribution who live in Japan examine the actual products and certify those they judge to have the charm of something “uniquely Japanese that deserves to be shared with the world.” Ten award-winning brands from 9 prefectures across Japan are taking part in this pop-up, bringing about 90 items in all.
The theme is “Authentic Japan, chosen through overseas eyes, presented in Kyoto.” The store sits at the gateway to Kyoto during the busy autumn travel season, so you can browse Japanese craftsmanship in between sightseeing.
Highlight: trays reborn from kimono fabric
One of the main attractions is the “Kimono Tray / Meisen Tray,” which won the top Grand Gold Award in 2025. Fabric from antique kimono is combined with resin and upcycled into trays that are washable, heat-resistant to 110°C and light enough for everyday use. Because of the way the fabric is cut, the pattern is different on each piece.
“smachi,” a handkerchief that won a Gold Award in 2025, is an original design born from the development of mask fabric. It has water-absorbent and antibacterial, deodorizing finishes, and feels smooth to use. The store also sells a Nishijin-ori collaboration model featuring obi patterns by Hishiya Zenbei of Nishijin, Kyoto — one to look at if you are shopping for a Kyoto-style souvenir.
One-toothed geta from Kyoto
From a local Kyoto brand comes “GETA LABO PREMIUM CARE,” which won in 2023. These one-toothed geta (traditional Japanese wooden sandals) have thongs dyed by Kyoto craftspeople using traditional techniques. The design, which has more than a thousand years of history behind it, has been made in an ashinaka (half-length) style that fits the arch of the foot. Rubber on the base keeps floors from being scratched, so they can also be used indoors during housework or between bouts of desk work.
Other exhibits include the HIMAWARIDOU Coffee Kyusu (teapot-style coffee server) and the Imabari Kinsei Monori towel, alongside the kimono trays in the “Japanese lifestyle tools” category. In fragrances, “Kinkuma Perfume JAPAN COLLECTION” (Gold Award, 2025), inspired by ukiyo-e prints, is also on display.
Event details
- Name: OMOTENASHI Selection POP UP STORE
- Dates: Thursday, October 15 – Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Hours: 11:00–20:30 (closes at 17:00 on the final day, October 28)
- Venue: Kyoto Porta, B1F West Area, Chuo-dori ①
- Address: 902 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Access: Directly connected to Kyoto Station (JR, Kintetsu, Subway)
- Exhibitors: 10 OMOTENASHI Selection award-winning brands / about 90 items
- Kyoto Porta website (Japanese): https://www.porta.co.jp/
- OMOTENASHI Selection (Japanese): https://omotenashinippon.jp/selection/
