The House of Japan Leather
MODEL COURSE

Known for beach resorts and hot springs, Wakayama is also one of Japan's leading leather-making areas: follow the coastline to savor “Kii-area leather”

Known for beach resorts and hot springs, Wakayama is also one of Japan's leading leather-making areas: follow the coastline to savor “Kii-area leather”

One of Japan's four major leather-producing regions, Wakayama carries on more than 400 years of leather-making history and tradition. Japan leather shops are dotted across the prefecture's resorts and city centers. Crossing the prefecture as if tracing the coastline, we set out to enjoy leather goods unique to Wakayama—ones that suit the sun, the sea breeze, and denim.

Shirahama Station has convenient rental cars and rental bicycles. Local buses run to the market, the hot springs, the aquarium, Adventure World, and more, and an unlimited-ride pass makes them easy to use.

Atelier CHOUETTE D'OR

“Something that melts into the rich natural surroundings, yet radiates presence together with its owner… We want to establish a ‘Shirahama leather brand’ nurtured by this town.”
“Something that melts into the rich natural surroundings, yet radiates presence together with its owner… We want to establish a ‘Shirahama leather brand’ nurtured by this town.”

The shelves are lined with the collections of Atelier CHOUETTE D'OR, made with this passionate vision.

The shop, with its charming, somewhat European exterior, also houses an atelier. Alongside high-quality items for discerning adults who appreciate the genuine article, it also offers custom orders.
The shop, with its charming, somewhat European exterior, also houses an atelier. Alongside high-quality items for discerning adults who appreciate the genuine article, it also offers custom orders.
Atelier CHOUETTE D'OR

SHOP INFO

Atelier CHOUETTE D'OR

chouettedor.jp ↗
Business hours
Thu–Mon 10:00–19:00
Closed
Closed Wed

A stroll through the seaside town, feeling the pleasant sea breeze pass by. Enjoying the slow flow of time, you arrive at Senjojiki. Rental bicycles and rental cars are also available at Shirahama Station.

Senjojiki

Known for beach resorts and hot springs, Wakayama is also one of Japan's leading leather-making areas: follow the coastline to savor “Kii-area leather”

Against the backdrop of the Pacific, a vast white rock shelf has been eroded by rough waves over long ages into its present distinctive form. The landscape, which looks as though a thousand tatami mats of rock had been laid out, is a work of art created by nature.

Senjojiki

SHOP INFO

Senjojiki

nankishirahama.jp ↗
Address
2927-72 Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama

Admission: Free

Take the JR Kisei Main Line to Kii-Tanabe Station and head for the Horai-cho area. On the other side of the station, there are cafés and a bánh mì specialty shop, perfect for lunch or teatime.

tomorka

Here you'll find casual shoes with a noble, grown-up look—slippers, sandals, and more—designed with both enveloping and freeing the foot in mind. They're easy to enjoy in any season.
Here you'll find casual shoes with a noble, grown-up look—slippers, sandals, and more—designed with both enveloping and freeing the foot in mind. They're easy to enjoy in any season.
Beyond shoes and bags, the lineup includes wallets, pouches, and small leather goods. The simply designed belts are made for all genders, with a slightly rugged look that is part of their charm. They also make fine gifts for someone special.
Beyond shoes and bags, the lineup includes wallets, pouches, and small leather goods. The simply designed belts are made for all genders, with a slightly rugged look that is part of their charm. They also make fine gifts for someone special.
tomorka

SHOP INFO

tomorka

tomorka.thebase.in ↗
Address
21-5 Horai-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama
Business hours
Mon–Fri 12:00–17:00 / Sat, Sun, and national holidays 12:00–18:00
Closed
Irregular holidays

Take the JR Kisei Main Line from Kii-Tanabe Station to Kainan Station. From there, transfer between a local bus and a community bus to reach the Oishi Plateau. Note that the community bus runs only a few times a day.

Oishi Plateau (Oishi Kogen)

Oishi Kogen Prefectural Natural Park spreads across the summit area at an elevation of 870 meters; on clear days, the view stretches to Rokko, Awaji Island, and even Shikoku. The pampas grass is usually at its best from early October to mid-November.
Oishi Kogen Prefectural Natural Park spreads across the summit area at an elevation of 870 meters; on clear days, the view stretches to Rokko, Awaji Island, and even Shikoku. The pampas grass is usually at its best from early October to mid-November.

SHOP INFO

Oishi Plateau (Oishi Kogen)

town.aridagawa.lg.jp ↗
Address
899-29 Nakada, Kimino-cho, Kaiso-gun, Wakayama
Business hours
9:30–16:30
Closed
Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays

Return from the Oishi Plateau to Kainan Station and take the JR Kisei Main Line to Wakayama Station. Head toward the road commonly known as Kokutai Road and you'll reach “jillcraft” (about a 10-minute walk). Taking a taxi from the station is the smoothest option.

jillcraft

Using Japanese leather and other materials, each leather item is carefully finished by hand. Beyond bags and wallets, a niche item catches the eye: leather sommelier-badge backings.
Using Japanese leather and other materials, each leather item is carefully finished by hand. Beyond bags and wallets, a niche item catches the eye: leather sommelier-badge backings.
jillcraft takes “imagining the act of imagining” as its theme.
In addition to its original designs, it is popular for made-to-request craftsmanship ranging from fully bespoke to semi-custom orders.
In addition to its original designs, it is popular for made-to-request craftsmanship ranging from fully bespoke to semi-custom orders.
jillcraft

SHOP INFO

jillcraft

jillcraft2014.com ↗
Address
4-123 Tanaka-machi, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama
Business hours
Thu–Mon 11:00–19:00
Closed
Closed Tue and Wed

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