Bags are an integral part of our lives, supporting us during travel, work, shopping, and everyday outings. It's safe to say we rarely go a day without one, and many of us have items we feel particularly attached to. Just a 30-minute bus ride from the popular tourist destination of Kinosaki Onsen, Toyooka City is one of Japan's premier bag production areas. Join us as we explore the depth of bag-making craftsmanship and the history behind it.

The History of Bags in Toyooka

Toyooka City has a rich history, dating back to 27 AD, when the person who opened the Tajima region (the former name of the area where Toyooka is located) introduced the technique of weaving with willow (used to make bags in the past). Over the years, bags made from Toyooka's willow became highly valued, reaching their peak during the Edo period (1603-1868) with the popularity of willow bags. This truly cements Toyooka's status as a bag city.

Nearby, visitors can enjoy strolling in yukata, soaking in hot springs, and savoring fresh seafood in Kinosaki Onsen, or exploring the historical castle town of Izushi, making it a perfect area to stop during a hot spring trip.

Finding Your Travel Companion

Kaban Street, located about 10 minutes by bus and a short 15-minute walk from Toyooka Station, is an area filled with numerous bag workshops showcasing the artisans' remarkable skills. Along this 300-meter stretch, shops and workshops present bags that highlight the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans. Each store has its unique flair, making it a delight just to browse.

As you walk along Kaban Street, you'll notice bag-themed vending machines, bus stops, benches, and flower beds everywhere. Even the utility poles are adorned with zippers! It could be fun to search for various bag motifs scattered throughout the town.

"Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue" – A Hub for Bag Culture

At the heart of Kaban Street lies "Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue," a select shop that features bags bearing the "Toyooka Bag" mark—products that meet strict quality standards—and leather goods made in Toyooka.

On the first and mezzanine floors, you’ll find bags from 15 local workshops, while the third floor houses the "Artisan School," dedicated to training bag craftsmen. If you look closely, you'll notice that the ceiling lights are designed to resemble willow bags.

Inside the shop, you'll find around 250 unique items, including formal bags for work, casual fabric bags, stylish pastel-colored designs, and wallets that combine traditional patterns with leather. Why not find your favorite piece?

Touching on the History of Toyooka Bags at "Kaban Kōbō Kagen"

Head straight north from "Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue" for about three minutes to find "Kaban Kōbō Kagen," operated by Endō Kaban Co., known for their silent wheeled suitcases and functional bags.

Opened in 2013 under the concept of "creating Japanese bags with a focus on tradition," Kagen showcases beautiful bags crafted with care from high-quality materials. Each piece reflects the artisans' dedication, and the vanity boxes used by professional makeup artists are particularly striking.

On the second floor is a museum (named "Kakichirō's Room") where you can learn about the history of Toyooka bags through artifacts collected by the company’s first president, Kakichirō.

The area surrounding the Maruyama River in Toyooka is home to many willow trees, the original material for bag-making. Willow bags were essential for storing clothes and carrying travel belongings, benefiting from their ability to absorb moisture while being sturdy and lightweight.

Interestingly, as materials evolved from willow to fibers, fabrics, and leathers, Toyooka's bag craftsmen embraced these changes, continuously creating quality bags.

At "Kaban Kōbō Kagen," you can also enjoy workshops to make items like coin cases and sacoche bags. With just about 30 minutes of simple crafting, you can create a unique souvenir for yourself or a loved one, even personalizing it with your initials.

Take a Break While Exploring

If you get tired from walking along Kaban Street or visiting workshops, head to "todo bien coffee." Its serene terrace space makes it an ideal spot to relax.

While at "todo bien coffee," be sure to try the "Big Size Slice Pizza" (available in three varieties). I ordered the "Pepperoni" this time. The crispy pizza topped with plenty of cheese and pepperoni is fantastic, combining a satisfying crunch with the richness of cheese and savory flavor of pepperoni.

Though you might crave a soda, I recommend trying their coffee. The deep-roasted bitterness and richness pair perfectly with the pizza.

Every Thursday, "todo bien coffee" hosts local community events, allowing you to mingle with residents. They also have a variety of records to enjoy.

After satisfying your hunger with delicious coffee and pizza, you're ready to continue exploring more workshops.

Conclusion

In Toyooka City, you can experience the craftsmanship of artisans, learn about the history, and encounter beautiful bags. If you're visiting Kinosaki Onsen, consider extending your stay to explore Toyooka and Izushi!

Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue Address: 18-10 Chūōcho, Toyooka, Hyōgo (Google map) Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (11:00 AM on weekdays) Closed: Wednesdays Website: Toyooka KABAN Artisan Avenue

Kaban Kōbō Kagen Address: 2-5 Motomachi, Toyooka, Hyōgo (Google map) Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed: Wednesdays Website: Kaban Kōbō Kagen (Japanese only; please use translation tools)

todo bien coffee Address: 18 Chūōcho, Toyooka, Hyōgo (Google map) Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays Website: todo bien coffee