Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city where tradition and culture are woven into every street and temple. Renowned for its centuries-old craftsmanship, from textiles to ceramics, Kyoto has long been a hub for preserving and innovating the Japanese arts. Among its rich cultural heritage, the art of washi paper is often overlooked, yet it deserves recognition for its beauty, durability, and deep connection to Japan’s artistic traditions.
Nestled in the heart of this historic city is Shogado, a company founded in 1964 that continues Kyoto’s legacy of paper craftsmanship. Originally a wholesaler of Japanese paper products such as shikishi, tanzaku, and traditional wahoncho notebooks, Shogado now continues to produce finely crafted Japanese stationery using carefully sourced washi, including the renowned Echizen and Kurotani papers. Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, many of whom have been collaborating with the company since its earliest days.
Through its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, Shogado not only preserves Kyoto’s cultural heritage but also shares the artistry of Japanese paper with the world.
Inside the Shogado Workshop
Behind the scenes at Shogado: a peek into the workshop where skilled artisans bring traditional washi paper stationery to life. Each one created with passion, careful attention to detail, and patience.
The Shogado Notebook: Tradition in Every Page
Our lineup features the Shogado notebooks, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design. The Yuzen paper used for the cover is dyed one sheet at a time by artisans in a Kyoto workshop, giving it a texture and a sense of weight not found in printed materials. This series presents this traditional technique in a modern way, offering a fresh color scheme for classic patterns.
Browse our Shogado Collection and find your perfect notebook!
ADASHINO HOUSE: Shogado’s New Kyoto Home
On July 20, 2025, Shogado opened a new cultural space in Kyoto’s historic Saga-Toriimoto district: ADASHINO HOUSE. Housed in a beautifully preserved 100-year-old townhouse, this new location is more than just a shop, it’s a place where visitors can experience the beauty of Japanese washi and stationery firsthand. Showcasing Shogado’s signature products, ADASHINO HOUSE invites both locals and international guests to connect with Kyoto’s traditions and discover how washi continues to enrich daily life.
