![Himeji, Tatsuno, Toyooka: leather masterpieces for something special all your own [Day 1]](https://ho-jl.com/images/2026/10/5145d095-cc91-40a7-8245-5026c41ea6c6.webp)
Masterpieces of Japan leather, crafted with the finely honed skills and wholehearted passion of artisans. In places where leather traditions and bag-making history live on, items that let you savor the best of Japan to the fullest—and the finest hospitality—await you!
On Day 1, take the shinkansen from Shinagawa in Tokyo to Himeji. On the Nozomi, the trip takes just under three hours—closer than you might think. Get around the leather factories and shops of Himeji and Tatsuno by car; a rental car or taxi is recommended.
Along with “HYOGO LEATHER,” which is sent out to the world from Himeji—one of Japan's foremost leather-producing areas—and highly acclaimed internationally, the gallery offers a rich selection of outstanding leathers made in the Shigo area. Visits are by reservation only, with a maximum of two groups a day, so you can take your time in comfort.
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▼ From Himeji to Tatsuno, in search of a delicious lunch.
An Italian restaurant that local leather-industry insiders rate number one by word of mouth. You can also enjoy seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as seafood delivered straight from Murotsu fishing port and Italian vegetables the restaurant grows itself. The homemade dolci are delicious, too.
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▼ Next, a factory tour to learn all about leather.
A forward-looking tannery that pursues diversity in leather. Its wide range extends from vegetable-tanned leather to shrink leather, napped leather, and embossed finishes. As a new project, it has launched a brand of small leather goods that users can assemble themselves.
▼ A walk through lush natural surroundings to a leather shop.
An atelier and salon with a wide selection of “Tatsuno leather.” A tanner—a craftsperson who tans leather—is always on hand, so you can ask about anything leather-related. Its workshops (by reservation), where you can try making leather goods such as bags and book covers, are also popular.
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▼ A popular shoe brand has moved here from Tokyo!
“Pionero,” known for its shoes with a natural feel, has relocated to Tatsuno and opened a modern shop in a renovated traditional Japanese house. Along with women's and men's shoes, it also displays and sells leather materials.
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▼ Dinner at a tannery-run restaurant, where leather tableware makes a surprise appearance
Its pan-fried gyoza are the talk of the town: with crisp, thin wrappers and a light flavor, they are rumored to be so easy to eat that you could finish 100. In a touch only a tannery-run restaurant (Matsuoka Hikaku) could offer, dishes are served on leather plates (lacquer-finished), and there is a good selection of Taiwanese-style dishes as well.
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