Welcome to Kamakura—a serene, historic town nestled between mountains and sea, just a short train ride from Tokyo.

This ancient city has been home to more than 150 shrines and temples for over 800 years, each one quietly embodying the spirit of Kamakura. Today, a thriving culture of small businesses and traditional crafts continues to flourish, —many of them tucked into historic buildings, fostering a strong sense of community and local way of life.

Kamakura perfectly blends the old and the new, honoring tradition in much the same way we do at Tsuchiya Kaban. Since opening our first free-standing store here in 2004, we’ve had the pleasure of becoming part of this unique community—and over the past 20 years, our connection to this city has only deepened.

Now, we’re excited to share it with you. In this guide, our own Kayo Iiyama, Manager of the Global Business Department, introduces you to some of Kamakura’s hidden gems—alongside Omar Santis, a visiting musician from Sweden.

Continuing our Kamakura Journey ... catch up on part 1 here.

A place to discover renowned Japanese ceramics

Kayo: Utsuwa Shoken onari NEAR has deeply connected with prominent Japanese contemporary ceramic artists for over 20 years.

Omar: I am very excited to be able to see such a wide range of Japanese ceramic artists' works in one place, which is pretty rare.

Kayo: The owner is a pioneer in bringing contemporary ceramic art into everyday life. The shop is known internationally, with fans both in Japan and abroad. As you use the pieces, they become even more compelling—which is exactly the owner’s vision: to create a meaningful connection between the makers and the people who use their work.

Omar: Japanese ceramics offer such a rich variety of textures, shapes, and designs—they elevate any dish, no matter the cuisine. I’m definitely picking some up as gifts for myself and my family!

Discover Kamakura-bori, a traditional Japanese craft

Kayo: Finally, we have Sunsho-do, a store that specializes in Kamakura-bori—a traditional lacquered woodcarving technique that traces its roots back to Buddhist sculpture of the Kamakura period.

Omar: The shop building itself is remarkable, with its fusion of castle and temple motifs!

Kayo: This remarkable store and residence, built in 1936, is officially registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Kamakura-bori itself has also been recognized as a Japan Heritage, reflecting its cultural significance and the importance of passing down this traditional craft for generations to come.

Omar: How amazing that the delicate yet powerful beauty of this craft has been preserved over the centuries!

Kayo: Every piece at Sunsho-do is designed and hand-carved by skilled artisans. After multiple layers of lacquer are applied, the surface is polished using a unique technique that softens the gloss and enhances the texture. Thanks to this meticulous process, Kamakura-bori pieces are known for their exceptional durability—often said to last 100 years or more.

Omar: It's extraordinary to be able to visit such a historic place, see carefully selected items crafted by artisans, and experience ancient heritage firsthand in an increasingly virtual era. This day has allowed me to rediscover the wonder of travel!