The House of Japan Leather
MODEL COURSE

Fukuoka, Asia's gateway and fashion town: rediscover the appeal of Japan leather in a city resort close to nature

Fukuoka, Asia's gateway and fashion town: rediscover the appeal of Japan leather in a city resort close to nature

Fukuoka, Asia's gateway and fashion town: rediscover the appeal of Japan leather in a city resort close to nature

One of Japan's major cities, Fukuoka lies close to many Asian countries and draws visitors from across the region, making it a lively, cosmopolitan fashion town. Where cultures and sensibilities from many countries intersect, shops devoted to Japan leather hone their individuality by refining the retro nuances the times are calling for.

From Hakata Station, head toward Sanno Park; “japlish” is about a 20-min walk away.

japlish

“japlish” was founded in 2009. After opening a combined atelier and shop in 2011, it moved its atelier next to Sanno Park in 2023 and added a directly operated shop. A wide range of original products is on offer.
“japlish” was founded in 2009. After opening a combined atelier and shop in 2011, it moved its atelier next to Sanno Park in 2023 and added a directly operated shop. A wide range of original products is on offer.
A small team of makers handles every step, including sewing, themselves. Their aims: “to sell products made from trustworthy materials at fair prices” and “to make warm-hearted things that bring a sense of ease when used.”
A small team of makers handles every step, including sewing, themselves. Their aims: “to sell products made from trustworthy materials at fair prices” and “to make warm-hearted things that bring a sense of ease when used.”
japlish

SHOP INFO

japlish

japlish.jp ↗
Address
Abundant 80 1F, 1-12-30 Sanno, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Business hours
Open Mon–Tue and Thu–Sat, 11:00–18:00
Closed
Closed Wed and Sun

From “japlish,” walk along the Mikasa River to Ebisu Station on the Fukuoka City Subway. Take the Airport Line to Tenjin Station, then follow the underground passage to Tenjin Chikagai West 10th Street to reach the “foglia” Tenjin Chikagai store.

Foglia

Handling cutting, skiving, and sewing in-house, each matched to the character of the leather, Foglia releases leather bags and small goods “Made in Hakata.” The handwork and meticulous skill of experienced artisans show in every detail.
Handling cutting, skiving, and sewing in-house, each matched to the character of the leather, Foglia releases leather bags and small goods “Made in Hakata.” The handwork and meticulous skill of experienced artisans show in every detail.
The lineup centers on classic framed leather bags such as doctor's bags and Dulles bags. Smaller sizes are also available and easy for women to carry, lending support to the confidence and passion of office workers.
The lineup centers on classic framed leather bags such as doctor's bags and Dulles bags. Smaller sizes are also available and easy for women to carry, lending support to the confidence and passion of office workers.

Foglia Tenjin Chikagai store

Foglia Tenjin Chikagai store

SHOP INFO

Foglia Tenjin Chikagai store

leaves-store.com ↗
Address
Block 054, Tenjin Chikagai West 10th Street, 2-chome Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka
Business hours
Open Mon–Sun, 10:00–20:00
Closed
Closed Jan 1, plus one day each in February and August

Access: From Tenjin Station, it is 7 minutes on the Airport Line to Ohorikoen Station, and a 7-min walk from the station to Ohori Park.

Ohori Park

Known as one of Japan's foremost waterside parks. The grounds include a loop path of about 2 km around the pond, a wild bird forest, a children's playground, a Noh theater, and a Japanese garden. The islands in the pond are linked by four bridges.
Known as one of Japan's foremost waterside parks. The grounds include a loop path of about 2 km around the pond, a wild bird forest, a children's playground, a Noh theater, and a Japanese garden. The islands in the pond are linked by four bridges.
Ohori Park

SHOP INFO

Ohori Park

ohorikouen.jp ↗
Address
1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka

May–Sep: 5:00–23:00

Oct–Apr: 7:00–23:00

Return to Ohorikoen Station and take the same Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line to JR Fukuyoshi Station. Trains run through directly onto the JR Chikuhi Line, so the trip is smooth. “BLESS,” a shop for leatherwork and New Zealand goods, is about a 10-min walk away.

bless

Its products use natural cowhide, horsehide, and wild boar leather. Rather than hiding the leather's inherent scars and wrinkles, the workshop makes things that bring out the individuality of each hide and the natural texture of the leather itself.
Its products use natural cowhide, horsehide, and wild boar leather. Rather than hiding the leather's inherent scars and wrinkles, the workshop makes things that bring out the individuality of each hide and the natural texture of the leather itself.
Hoping people will “try making things casually,” BLESS runs workshops. Even leathercraft beginners can enjoy them, and names or anniversaries can be stamped on pieces, making them one-of-a-kind gifts.
Hoping people will “try making things casually,” BLESS runs workshops. Even leathercraft beginners can enjoy them, and names or anniversaries can be stamped on pieces, making them one-of-a-kind gifts.
bless

SHOP INFO

bless

blessleather.com ↗
Address
1-chome Fukuyoshi, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka
Business hours
Open Mon and Wed–Sat, 10:00–16:00
Closed
Closed Tue, Sun, and national holidays

“ladies&gentleman” is about 11 minutes away by taxi. Along National Route 202, the open sea spreads out on the left, offering a superb ocean-view drive.

ladies&gentleman

In addition to bags, wallets, and small goods, the lineup includes stationery such as pen stands, mouse pads, and pen cases. They make ideal souvenirs of Itoshima or gifts for starting school or a new job.
In addition to bags, wallets, and small goods, the lineup includes stationery such as pen stands, mouse pads, and pen cases. They make ideal souvenirs of Itoshima or gifts for starting school or a new job.
Its hallmark is fully made-to-order production, with each piece carefully finished after the order is placed, delivering handmade products made with heart. Some ready-made stock is also available in the shop.
Its hallmark is fully made-to-order production, with each piece carefully finished after the order is placed, delivering handmade products made with heart. Some ready-made stock is also available in the shop.
ladies&gentleman

SHOP INFO

ladies&gentleman

ladies-and-gentlemen.jp ↗
Address
2F, 180-1 Nijo Hamakubo, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka
Business hours
Open Mon, Tue, and Fri 12:00–16:00; Sat, Sun, and national holidays 12:00–16:30
Closed
Closed Wed and Thu

Articles in the same category