Accessories Accede: Kyoto Kawaii Souvenirs Are My Favourite Things

Q &A in Kyoto, Japan/Helsinki, Finland 

Happy September! Tell us about your obsession wtih mini cute things. 

The song sung by Julie Andrews ‘My Favourite Things’ from Sound of Music(1965) inspired me to appreciate mini cute items. Perhaps I’ve been in petite figure, rather slimmer shape with clean-cut style ever; therefore, I am so in love with detailed design combining with eye-popping coloured souvenirs. My auntie travelled to Japan and brought some cute Japanese paper dolls to me when I was a little girl, I guess the image of family affection and floral prints have been imprinted onto me ever since. 

How do you search your favourite mini cute souvenirs while you are travelling?

While travelling in Europe, unless selecting postcards, I try to avoid those cheesy highly touristic souvenir shops; instead I prefer to visit some local bookstores, glare around and then pick a small book as a memory reminder (published in local language, such as the book about flower in Greek I found in Athens, 2017). This September travelling in Osaka, Kyoto and Kumamoto, since Japan owns a strong domestic market within its special culture, even at popular shrine area, such as Kiyomizu-Dera (清水寺), the shops along the roadsides provide various choices to excite my curiosity, appeal my attention to spend long time exploring.  Especially only in Kyoto, the Nishijin (西陣織) handcrafted textures with the prints of sakura, deer, pine trees, torii or maple leaves are intriguing me all the time. 

✔ KADOKUWA (角桑) and OSHIDO (櫻士堂)at Kiyomizu-Dera neighbourhood offers the cutest traditional Nishijin texture mini items, thus, the scented sacs, key chains or coin purses with jingle bell are all my collection now. At Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival Gallery Bookshop, I spotted this calligraphy mini set wrapped beautifully in the floral-printed paper box, where placed the most micro ink slab I have ever seen! 

✔ Founded in 1904 in Kyoto, YOJIYA was named after the previous nickname of the store, derived from the toothbrushes called ‘Yoji’ sold at the shop floor. Besides the Top-One seller facial oil blotting papers, Yojiya releases paper facial cleansing foam, which is extremely easy to carry-on while on the road. I visit almost every Yojiya store if I ever pass by, and I discover the hand mirrors and plastic zip-zap bags for my next trip essentials.

✔ In Japan, at supermarkets or in the convenient stores, there are always the most delicious snacks awaited on shelves. Since 1897, Morinaga caramel has been serving numerous childhood memories for over a century; now the salty flavor is becoming my instant treat for my sugar craving moments. Lotte plum mint tablet wrapped in the pinky case, and with the fresh odor, is a quick oral remedy after lunch at work. 

✔ What will you do Today? This baby pink kitty cover agenda I found at Tokyu Hands is the cutest monthly diary ever! Not only the pointed ear pulled-out cover, but also the kitty’s fury tail is the string bookmark! The interior design is based on the hues of tiffany blue and hot pink, at every page turn there are unique illustrations reminding the prime holidays of Japan, yet another good way to learn both Japanese language and culture. 

✔ The drug stores in Japan supply the daily groceries and basic cosmetics, are the indispensable and must-visit spots for the locals and for we the shoppers. I am the fan of KANEBO Suisai beauty clear powder, due to the single use capsule (normally I would use half of the amount per washing) is one of my favourite travel necessities. ROHTO Lycée eye drops contains Vitamin B12, which helps me to release the itchiness and redness of eyes after the long-term of writing or reading at desk.  

✔ CHANEL CC logo earrings are my forever collector’s accessories. Bought this twisted spiral pairs at Chanel Osaka, the warm service of Client Advisor enhanced me to rethink of the luxury clientele. Goossens hand-made costume jewelry, that contains a blend of nickel free metals, and the lightweight mixture of resin, brass and strass formulate the shining trendy precious, never cause any allergy on my ear lobes.