Wagokoro Revamps Four Stores in Kyoto to Showcase Japanese Culture

Wagokoro, a company based in Tokyo and widely recognized for promoting Japanese culture, has recently revamped four of its stores located in Kyoto's key tourist areas. The company’s mission is to present Japanese culture to the world, and the renovations aim to create more inviting and memorable shopping environments for both local and international visitors.

Redesigned Spaces with a Purpose

The renovation focuses on three primary themes: enhancing the customer’s visual experience, optimizing staff workflows, and integrating contemporary trends into traditional Japanese aesthetics. By analyzing customer eye movements and foot traffic, the stores have been redesigned to appeal to pedestrians and encourage them to engage with the storefronts. The use of height, light, and dynamic visual elements fosters a captivating exterior that invites passersby to step inside.

Streamlining Staff Operations

In addition to improving customer experiences, the renovations also prioritize staff operations. The store layouts have been optimized to ensure smooth interactions, from customer service to checkout and merchandise restocking. This thoughtful approach ensures that even during peak hours, customers can move around comfortably, meeting the increasing demands from international travelers.

Melding Tradition with Modern Design

Each store embodies a blend of tradition and contemporary design. While rooted in classic motifs, modern interpretations have also been seamlessly integrated into the aesthetics. The goal is to create a space where visitors can appreciate “Now” in Japan, beyond merely traditional elements, thus establishing a striking and memorable shopping experience.

Unique Features of Each Store

1 Yen Kimono Wargo Main Store

This specialty store offers kimonos priced at 1 yen per gram. The newly revamped exterior blends traditional features like lanterns and curtains with vibrant neon signs, reflecting a fusion of old and new. The store stands out prominently in the bustling Shinkyogoku shopping district, becoming a symbol of Kyoto's lively atmosphere.

Hokusai Graphic in Gion

This store specializes in beautifully crafted Japanese-patterned umbrellas. The redesign features soft lighting and fabric dynamics that creates an emotional ambiance suitable for the Gion and Nishiki market areas. The store’s exterior offers varied visuals throughout the day, effectively communicating Japanese aesthetics to international tourists.

Kanazashi Wargo

Focusing on traditional Japanese hair ornaments, this store has implemented a central display known as the “Tomboda Tower,” showcasing colorful beads in a way that captures attention. This approach brings together the intricacies of traditional craftsmanship with stunning visual appeal, ensuring it’s a social media-worthy location.

Promoting Japanese Culture to the World

Wagokoro remains dedicated to its vision of sharing Japanese culture globally. The renovations are not merely superficial updates but a complete re-envisioning of the shopping experience, emphasizing 'walk, see, and choose.' This effort aims to convey the essence of Japanese culture directly from one of the world’s historical tourism capitals, Kyoto.

Kimono enthusiasts can find a diverse range of kimonos for daily wear, ceremonial garments, and accessories, available for purchase based on weight-based pricing, with new arrivals introduced three times a week. This offers returning customers the chance to experience something new with each visit.

The Hokusai Graphic store upholds the rich tradition of bold Japanese craftsmanship and modern design with the umbrella collections that inspire awe and admiration. Each piece remains practical yet stunning, making them perfect for everyday use or special occasions.

Similarly, Kanazashi Wargo captures the essence of tradition through handmade accessories, embodying the meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of Japanese culture. By establishing a fine balance between heritage and contemporary allure, these renovated stores aim to provide visitors with not just products but a cultural experience.

In conclusion, Wagokoro’s renovation of its Kyoto stores marks a significant step in making Japanese culture accessible and engaging for all, paving the way for cultural exchange and appreciation.