Kyoto Store Opens

Studio Nicholson's Kyoto store, our third in Japan, has just opened. The new space marks a significant milestone as the first Studio Nicholson store to sensitively interpret local architecture in a unique location.

This first opening in the Kansai region reflects our long-standing relationship with Japan, and ​Founder and ​Creative ​Director Nick Wakeman’s enduring admiration for the country’s architecture, craftsmanship and materiality. The result is a blend of our gallery-meets-residential approach to store design, in a space rich in local architectural details.

Studio Nicholson Kyoto occupies a renovated Kyomachiya townhouse that was formerly used as a precious metal workshop. For the space, we translated the brand’s store concept through a focus on the building’s sense of space, proportion and perspective. details such as Tajimi tiles, Kyoto wax-resist dyed Noren curtains and a vintage kiri chest made from paulownia wood and traditionally used to store precious kimonos.

Industrial and refined residential elements are subtly combined with traditional Kansai details, including a tsuboniwa - a compact inner garden - and Kyoto lanterns, creating a calm and contemplative environment. This​ atmosphere is evoked further through the thoughtful use of traditional Japanese architectural details such as Tajimi tiles, Kyoto wax-resist dyed Noren curtains and a vintage kiri chest made from paulownia wood and traditionally used to store precious kimonos.

“There is ultimately a sense of purity and calmness within this store,” says Wakeman. “We have lit the interior perfectly through lightboxes and a vast warm traditional lantern hanging from the second floor where the intimate shoe lounge is housed. I chose the materials which sit alongside our global store concept to feel haptic. Smooth stainless steel juxtaposes warm wood, textural concretes and rough-textured wall finishes. The tsuboniwa adds an ethereal element and is a focal point as soon as you enter.”

- Nick Wakeman

The store design was ​produced in collaboration with a long-established local construction company with more than 100 years of experience, bringing a deep understanding of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and building traditions. A doma entrance stone is created using reclaimed natural stones and preserves the ceremonial experience of arrival intrinsic to Kyoto residences

The original machiya structure frames the ​pure and clean interior, allowing the building’s history and craftsmanship to remain visible while integrating Studio Nicholson’s global store identity and sense of space. Preserving elements such as the exposed beams and timber structure, the renovation honours the heritage of Kyoto’s traditional buildings while introducing Studio Nicholson’s unique approach to materials and texture.

Studio Nicholson Kyoto, our third Japan store, is situated at 268 Enpukuji-maecho, Teramachi-dori Takoyakushi Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 604-8042, Japan.

Open from 11am – 8pm daily.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEO JOSSERAND
STUDIO NICHOLSON STORES

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