A Place to Encounter Japan’s Towel Culture — since 1737
Discover Japan’s towel heritage, in Kyoto.
京都で出会う、日本のタオル文化。
A small Kyoto storehouse where Japan’s towel traditions —
gathered from regions across the country — quietly come together.
On the same Teramachi street for over 280 years.
Sat-Sun & Hols. 10:30–19:00 Closed: New Year holidays
CONCEPT
Japan’s towel culture,
presented in Kyoto.
Founded in 1737, Teramura Botando is a small Kyoto shop on Teramachi street.
For over 280 years, we have worked closely with weaving regions across Japan —
Ehime, Osaka, Mie and beyond — introducing their towels and textile goods to visitors of Kyoto.
OUR STORY
One street in Kyoto,
for nearly three centuries.
In Genbun 2 (1737), Sakaiya Kinshiro branched from the Teramura Hyakuike family, took the name Sakaiya, and began by selling Ibuki moxa. The family precept is Fujin Kashiko. The shop’s name comes from a verse by Buson, a poet the first head knew: the peony in bloom at Eiboken.
After moxa came iron kettles, yatate, and privately made tobacco. Today the shop deals in handkerchiefs and towels, under the motto Banji Hodoyoshi — all things in good measure. Cloth from Imabari in Ehime, Senshu in Osaka, and the Oboro method of Tsu in Mie is chosen here, and introduced in person.
For us, towels and textiles are not mere daily goods. They carry the time and care of Japan’s craftspeople. Sharing those stories with each visitor — in our shop on Teramachi — is what we love most about this work.
— Teramura Botando, Kyoto-Teramachi
WHY VISIT
Four reasons to step inside.
-
No.01
An Edo-era Kyoto shop, still on the same street
Founded in 1737. The same family business, on the same Teramachi street, for nearly three centuries. The shop itself is part of Kyoto’s living cultural fabric.
-
No.02
Long-standing ties with weaving regions across Japan
We work directly with towel regions including Imabari (Ehime), Senshu (Osaka) and the Oboro tradition of Tsu (Mie), choosing pieces that suit modern life.
-
No.03
Each piece introduced in person
Hundreds of towels and textile goods, each with its own story. The owner and staff are happy to walk you through the differences in fabric, region and weave.
-
No.04
In the heart of Kyoto, easy to drop by
Within walking distance of Nishiki Market, Honno-ji, Pontocho and Kawaramachi. About 5 minutes from Hankyu “Kyoto-Kawaramachi” station.
TOWEL REGIONS
From towel regions across Japan
Climate, water and tradition shape the way each fabric feels. We carry pieces that reflect the character of each region.
Photographs from mills in Imabari and Senshu show how yarn becomes cloth.
-
Ehime
Imabari, Ehime 瀬戸内 / Setouchi
A long history of weaving, soft water from the mountains of Shikoku. Known for thick, absorbent towels.
Recommended forAnniversaries & meaningful gifts
-
Osaka
Senshu, Osaka 関西 / Kansai
Known for “after-bleaching” finishing — rinsing the woven fabric afterwards. Absorbent and quick-drying from day one.
Recommended forDaily use & Kyoto stays
-
Mie
Oboro tradition, Tsu (Mie) 東海 / Tokai
A printing technique passed down since the Meiji era. Thin, light, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Recommended forTravel & sensitive skin
COLLECTION
Inside the store
Four ways to bring a piece of Japan’s towel culture home with you.
-
No. 01
Kyoto Souvenirs
Small pieces to remember Kyoto by.
Light handkerchiefs, small towels, seasonal motifs. Easy to carry home, and a quiet reminder of an old shop on Teramachi street.
Easy to carry -
No. 02
Japanese Towel Collection
Towels woven across Japan.
Towels from Imabari (Ehime), Senshu (Osaka), Oboro (Mie) and other Japanese regions. Feel the differences in fabric, weight and weave at our store.
Choose by region · for everyday or gifting -
No. 03
Crafted Textile Goods
Aprons, pajamas and homewear.
Aprons, pajamas and homewear made with the textile, dyeing and tailoring skills of Japan. The owner’s current favourite category: aprons.
Owner’s pick · aprons -
No. 04
Gift Collection
A piece of Japan, beautifully wrapped.
Gift sets curated for budget and recipient. Traditional Noshi wrapping is offered in-store. A favourite among visitors taking a piece of Japan home to family and friends.
We accept gift orders. Please ask us.
FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
A quiet stop on your Kyoto journey,
and a piece of Japan to take home.
We warmly welcome international guests. Our staff speak limited English, and use translation tools to help you find the right piece for your journey. Please feel free to come in, take your time, and ask questions.
-
01
Simple English & translation tools We do not promise fluent English service, but we will do our best to guide you with the help of translation tools.
-
02
Traditional Noshi gift wrapping Free, in-store. The owner and staff are happy to suggest combinations for your budget and occasion.
-
03
An easy stop in central Kyoto Within walking distance of Nishiki Market, Honno-ji and Kawaramachi. Please ask in-store about luggage.
-
04
Please note We do not currently offer tax-free service or international shipping. Please pick up your purchases in-store.
VISIT US
Teramachi-Kyogoku, Kyoto.
Look for the indigo noren.
Teramachi is a quiet shopping street in central Kyoto, surrounded by long-established shops. Most major Kyoto attractions are within walking distance.
-
Address
298 Daimonji-cho, Teramachi-Shijo-agaru,
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8043, JAPAN - Hours Weekdays 10:00–19:00 / Sat-Sun & Hols. 10:30–19:00Closed: New Year holidays
- Tel +81-75-221-0556
- Nearest Hankyu “Kyoto-Kawaramachi” — 5 min walkSubway “Shijo” — 8 min / Keihan “Gion-Shijo” — 7 min
FROM KYOTO LANDMARKS
- Nishiki Market5 min walk
- Honno-ji Temple3 min walk
- Pontocho & Kamogawa7 min walk
- Yasaka Shrine / Gion15 min walk
- Kyoto Manga Museum10 min walk