Choose, Write, and Send — The Japanese Art of Thoughtfulness

Have you ever wanted to preserve your travels in your own words?

This time, I’d like to introduce Kyoto Kyukyodo (Kyoto Hatoido), a long-established stationery shop founded in 1663. Kyukyodo is best known for products such as incense, calligraphy and painting materials, and fine writing paper. Guided by the belief of “protecting and nurturing Japan’s traditional culture,” the shop has been rooted in Kyoto for generations.

One of Kyukyodo’s most charming experiences is “Letter Viking,” a small but special activity that lets you keep your travel memories in the form of words. You choose seasonal designs and the feel of washi paper, then at Kyohotel Kishotei Goshominami, you create a one-of-a-kind letter—your own personal message, shaped by Kyoto’s quiet atmosphere. That gentle time becomes part of the city’s lingering afterglow.

“Choose” — Letter Viking

Located in an annex across from Kyukyodo’s main store, Letter Viking is a simple experience that lets you enjoy Kyoto’s elegance through the act of writing. On the shelves are stationery and envelopes featuring motifs inspired by the four seasons. By selecting your favorite combination, you can create a truly original letter set—one that exists nowhere else.

First, you purchase a Letter Viking box (385 yen), then choose writing paper (385 yen for 10 sheets). The selection ranges from clean and minimal designs to charming patterned styles—and true to the name “Kyukyodo,” you’ll also find items featuring dove motifs, which are worth looking out for.

Envelopes are 220 yen for 3, and you can choose from a variety of designs to match your taste. The time spent placing your chosen paper into the wooden tray may become one of your favorite memories from the trip.

In addition to stationery, you can also purchase items such as pencils, postcards, tenugui cloths, and incense.

“Write” — Weaving Words at Kishotei

Time at Kyohotel Kishotei Goshominami has a calm sense of “space.” After a day of sightseeing, you return to your room and spend a few quiet hours. That gentle pause may be the perfect moment to organize your thoughts and reflect.

Once you’re back, take out the Kyukyodo paper you chose and write down what you experienced. It can be a letter to someone—or simply a record for yourself. In a world where writing by hand has become something rare, the act of putting pen to paper feels unexpectedly special.

That’s precisely why choosing to slow down during your trip and write quietly holds real value. In its own way, it resonates with Kyoto’s culture of living carefully and thoughtfully.

The time you spend choosing stationery at Kyukyodo, and the unhurried time you spend at Kishotei, may transform your stay in Kyoto into something more meaningful—something with a cultural depth that lingers.

“Send” — Delivering Your Words at the End of the Journey

To close out your trip, why not send a letter with your own hands?

Place the paper you chose at Kyukyodo—and wrote at Kishotei—into an envelope, then walk to a postbox or post office. Even that short walk becomes part of the journey. There is a post office very close to Kishotei, making it easy to stop by during a stroll, or even after checking out.

The recipient can be your family, a friend—or even yourself. You might write about the moments you loved in Kyoto, the air you felt, or even add a small sketch. Inside the envelope, your “travel afterglow” remains intact.

And if you send a letter to yourself, imagine opening your mailbox after you return home and seeing your own handwriting—Kyoto’s quiet time may come back to you in an instant.

Staying mindful and intentional, right up until the very end of your trip—
why not begin that Kyoto-like way of spending time with a single letter?

Kyoto Kyukyodo (Kyoto Hatoido)

Address: 520 Shimohonnoji-mae-cho, Teramachi Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-231-0510
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Closed: Open daily