Founded in 1976, Beams is popular among young people as a select shop for imported and original clothing and other miscellaneous products. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in April 2016, the company launched the Beams Japan project. Items incorporating traditional Japanese goods and culture are available across a wide range of fashion, art, subculture items, local specialty products, and foods and beverages. Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Shibuya shops grew in popularity, and the third Beams Japan store was opened in Kyoto.

The shop faces the patio on the first floor of Shinpuhkan, in central Kyoto. The store has around 108 square meters of floor space and a 3.6-meter high ceiling decorated with phoenix artwork that’s a masterpiece. The clothing corner is designed to imitate Japanese architecture, and a mix of Japanese and Western creates the unique atmosphere of Beams Japan.

The wall-mounted shelves display items made in collaboration with craftspeople from all over Japan. Maneki Neko, akabeko, and Japanese daruma dolls made to Beams’ specifications make great souvenirs. Japanese stationery, bags, pouches, T-shirts, toys, and more are everywhere you look.

Here are seven exclusive Kyoto items recommended as souvenirs to commemorate your Kyoto trip.

Based on the “Wave Rider 10” shoes from Mizuno’s global “Kazoku” project, these exclusive sneakers feature a military-style coyote color and Beams’ characteristic orange on the tongue and heel. They are engineered to be wider with a higher instep to match the shape of Japanese feet. With good cushioning, they’re incredibly comfortable and available in sizes from 25.5 cm to 29 cm.
Mizuno x Beams Wave Rider 10 (18,000 yen, tax not included)

The T-shirt logo is based on the five-story pagoda at Kyoto’s Toji Temple, one of the city’s iconic symbols. It's a stylish design to wear in Japan, but it is even better as a souvenir from Kyoto for wearing abroad.
Short-sleeve T-shirt (5,800 yen, tax excluded)
Long-sleeve T-shirt (7,800 yen, tax excluded)

A new series featuring Japan’s world-famous ninja, includes collaboration items featuring the Ninja Hattori-kun character, loved for generations. The line comprises high-performance T-shirts with excellent moisture-absorbing, UVresistant, water-repellent and, quick-drying fabrics, and ninja hood styling and caps with neck shades, work clothes based on Aizome's kendo clothes, and Aizome's easy pants made of durable, easy movement fabric.

Cap (6,800 yen, tax excluded)
T-shirt (5,800 yen, tax excluded)
Aizome sashiko work clothes (38,000 yen, tax excluded)
Aizome Easy Pants (12,000 yen, tax excluded)
Ninja Hattori-kun © Fujiko (A), Shinei, Shogakukan

Founded in 1915, Bunzaburo produces a highly elastic fabric with excellent storage capacity. Available in 50 colors of glossy polyester satin, you’re sure to want one of these compact, easy to carry tote bags.
Solid (3,800 yen, tax excluded)
Two-tone (5,500 yen, tax excluded)

These Sahari Orin bells, traditionally used at Buddhist altars, have braided cords made in Uji, Kyoto. The bells themselves are a copper alloy and produce a beautiful tone, and are made by Nanjo Kobo, the company that handles the Gion Matsuri festival music. Their perfected traditional techniques produce a clear sound.
LinNe Orin M (18,000 yen, tax excluded)
LinNe Orin S (16,500 yen, tax excluded)

The powerful robot hero Mazinger Z has been adored by fans for almost half a century. Instead of the usual silver, this special edition soft vinyl figure is decorated in Kyoto-evoking gold and Beams orange. Ultra-rare, the figure commemorates the opening of Beams Japan Kyoto and is an irresistible gem for any fan’s collection.

Soft Vinyl Mazinger Z (gold) (8,500 yen, tax excluded)
©Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning

These T-shirts feature original artwork drawn by popular illustrator Inunco. Featuring a motif of his trademark lucky cats and fukusuke, these lucky charm designs are sure to bring good fortune.

T-shirt (4,500 yen, tax not included)

With an exciting product line that incorporates Japanese beauty with the good sense of Beams aesthetic, these items hold a certain charm for fans of all ages. Be aware that not only tourists but also Kyoto residents themselves are paying attention to what Beams Japan Kyoto has to offer. Supplies are limited, so don’t wait to go shopping for your limited edition Kyoto souvenirs!

*The above article is based on information from June 2020