The House of Japan Leather
MODEL COURSE

A road trip to discover Hokkaido's finest leather goods

A road trip to discover Hokkaido's finest leather goods

In Hokkaido, the northern land where majestic nature stretches out on every side, the making of leather goods, beginning with saddlery and harness, has been handed down since early times.

A short road trip around noteworthy brands and atelier shops in Sunagawa, Sapporo, and Otaru. You may well discover fine pieces you never knew existed.

SOMÈS SADDLE

Its leather goods, which draw on its expertise in saddlery, are highly regarded, and it has become a popular made-in-Japan brand that represents Hokkaido.
Its leather goods, which draw on its expertise in saddlery, are highly regarded, and it has become a popular made-in-Japan brand that represents Hokkaido.
It is known for painstaking craftsmanship rooted in the handwork of the artisans who supported Hokkaido's pioneering days, carrying on the skills and wisdom of those who came before.
It is known for painstaking craftsmanship rooted in the handwork of the artisans who supported Hokkaido's pioneering days, carrying on the skills and wisdom of those who came before.

It opened a showroom to deliver the products made in its factory directly to customers, and also holds events such as horseback-riding experiences.

Sunagawa Factory and Showroom

SHOP INFO

Sunagawa Factory and Showroom

Address
237-6 Hokko, Sunagawa-shi, Hokkaido
Business hours
10:00–18:00
Closed
Open every day (closed during the year-end and New Year holidays)
  • 1 hr 30 min by car

leather & bake KONOMICHI

Its diverse lineup of items is mainly made from vegetable-tanned leather, each one carefully handmade in small quantities.
Its diverse lineup of items is mainly made from vegetable-tanned leather, each one carefully handmade in small quantities.
It offers a wide range of bags, wallets, and small goods that are simple yet full of character. These are pieces to enjoy owning as you use them for years to come.
It offers a wide range of bags, wallets, and small goods that are simple yet full of character. These are pieces to enjoy owning as you use them for years to come.

The shop also serves baked goods such as crumbly, crisp-textured scones. Take a break with a delicious treat.

leather & bake KONOMICHI

SHOP INFO

leather & bake KONOMICHI

Address
2-107 Tokiwa 6-jo, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Business hours
11:00–17:00
Closed
Mondays and Fridays, and the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month
  • 1 hr 10 min by car

Mizubasho Otaru Main Store, handmade bag specialists

From fine horsehide to cordovan, known as the jewel of leathers, it offers a wide variety of horse-leather products.
From fine horsehide to cordovan, known as the jewel of leathers, it offers a wide variety of horse-leather products.
It has a rich selection of light, soft deerskin products, including those of the much-talked-about ethical brand “EZOPRODUCT.”
It has a rich selection of light, soft deerskin products, including those of the much-talked-about ethical brand “EZOPRODUCT.”

Alongside the shop's own original products, it carries a wealth of fine pieces created through the tireless efforts of Hokkaido's artisans.

Mizubasho Otaru Main Store, handmade bag specialists

SHOP INFO

Mizubasho Otaru Main Store, handmade bag specialists

Address
2-15 Sakaimachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido
Business hours
9:00–18:00 (currently on reduced hours, 10:00–17:30)
Closed
None (check ahead for year-end/New Year and summer holidays)

Articles in the same category