In October of 2023, we went on a tour of Snow Peak facilities in Japan. Staying at their accommodations, browsing their storefronts, and eating at their restaurants. And while most offered something unique, exciting, or special, the Snow Peak Landstation Kyoto Arashiyama rose above the rest.
Nestled in a busy and more populated part of Kyoto on the western edge of the city, the building the store is located inside of was originally a restaurant. Built and opened over 100 years ago, the restaurant served customers until its closure and reopening as Snow Peak in 2020. While the facility is relatively new to Snow Peak, so much of the structure has remained unchanged.
What does traditional Japanese construction mean for visitors? First and foremost, shoes off - but we'll get there. As you enter around the side, you pass the front yard space. While we were visiting, this was set up with a Takibi Tarp and seating for those eating at the cafe. But their Instagram showcases its also used for a plethora of events as it buts up to the main street.
The Entrance to Snow Peak Kyoto
Walking inside, you're greeted with special products and announcements. While most Snow Peak stores in Japan offer unique goods, and all Landstations offer specially colored titanium, Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama also features a number of handmade goods that can only be purchased here. Even other Snow Peak stores in Kyoto do not have these, nor can they be bought online.
We were fortunate enough to pick up a few of these pieces, including the Seppou Coffee Can by Kaikado and the White Moon Single Flower Vase by Asahi Yaki, though the bamboo parasol eluded us at the time.
The entryway also features a healthy selection of Point Gifts and Local Goods, while advertising events coming up. We unfortunately would miss the portrait sessions by a day, but the local connections are part of what made this space so special.
From the entrance you can go left or right. Left is where the cafe resides (more on that later), while the bulk of the store is to your right.
But before you step further and remove your shoes, it is absolutely worth the slight tilt of your head to look up. In the exposed beams and rafters lie the bones of the building. Centuries old trees forming the structure, with hand-hewn faces and joinery connecting them. While there is copious daylight, auxiliary lighting is supplied by large paper globes similar to what Snow Peak Campfield Long Beach uses.
The Landstation Supply
Being a Landstation level store, Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama offers an incredibly robust lineup of tents, gear, and apparel. When we visited, they also had a large selection of Yamai apparel from Lisa Yamai before she stepped into the role of President and CEO of Snow Peak.
The use of the Iron Grill Table system throughout as tables and displays in conjunction with the bamboo benches was a nice touch.
But without a doubt, my favorite part was due to how the building remained untouched was that there are nooks, crannies, and things to discover everywhere. Like so much of Snow Peak's philosophy, where humans are intrinsically a part of nature, this felt as a retail store embodying that approach. They molded to the building, instead of demoing and renovating to make the building fit them.
Hotel Accommodations at Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama
We didn't stay here, as it was a little out of the way for most of our time in Kyoto. However, unsurprisingly it fits the Snow Peak feel to a T. With a few smaller sights, the pinnacle is the Jyubako out back.
Unlike most Jyubakos, the Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama tiny home has a one-of-a-kind Shou Sugi Ban 焼杉板 (or Yakisugi) burned finish to the exterior. This blackened wood stands out amongst the layers of neutral tones in the area. It also features a full Tatami Mat floor, another completely bespoke addition to the space.
Photos below courtesy of Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama
After making our purchases, we stepped over to the Cafe for a quick lunch. There was a somewhat limited but fun and easy menu of what most people would probably consider American fare. Hot dogs, hamburger, beer. The most unique part was that all buns had the Snow Peak logo burned into them, and even the plastic cups were branded with the Snow Peak logo with the ml listed - just as if it was a titanium mug. But more on all this in an upcoming article.
There's plenty to enjoy about Kyoto for travelers, and the Snow Peak Kyoto Arashiyama Land Station should count itself as part of that. For those visiting, you get unique products that can't be found anywhere else, a place to stop for a unique lunch, and the atmosphere of a century old building that has remained largely unchanged. It is a five minute walk to the closest JR-line station, which will take you to the city core of Kyoto in 16 minutes.
If you only have time to visit one Snow Peak in Kyoto, this is certainly it as well. The other store, Kyoto Fuji Daimaru, is inside of a mall. It carries the staples of a Snow Peak store, but unique products and experiences are minimal.
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