“More Than Just Selling Products” – A Place That Tells a Story

At the heart of Kyoto, where history and modernity intertwine, stands ShinPuhKan at the Karasuma Oike intersection. With its retro-modern architecture, it watches over the city with quiet elegance. Inside, the iconic Ace Hotel, originally from Seattle, made its Asia debut, turning the space into a gathering spot for travelers from around the world.

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Nestled on the first floor of ShinPuhKan, TRAVELER’S FACTORY Kyoto blends seamlessly into Kyoto’s unique landscape, where tradition meets contemporary culture. Designed for those who cherish the journey, this official store of TRAVELER’S notebook welcomes visitors with the warm scent of wood and leather. Shelves are lined with TRAVELER’S notebooks—crafted to gain character over time—alongside a curated selection of items that enrich the travel experience. But this is more than just a stationery store; it’s a space that invites people to embrace the idea of “living each day like a journey.”

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Now, nearly four years since its opening, TRAVELER’S FACTORY Kyoto has become a beloved destination for fans from Japan and beyond. At the heart of it all is store manager Ms. Mizuguchi, who has been part of the journey from the very beginning. We sat down with her to talk about the charm of TRAVELER’S notebook, the heartfelt connections formed with customers, and the special moments that could only happen in Kyoto.

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– Mizuguchi-san, I heard you originally started at a store in Tokyo.

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Mizuguchi: Yes, I first started working at TRAVELER’S FACTORY Station in Tokyo Station in 2019. Before that, I was in a completely different line of work. When my contract at my previous job ended, I was at a crossroads, wondering what I wanted to do next. That’s when I happened to come across a job listing for TRAVELER’S FACTORY.

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I’ve always loved carrying notebooks and writing things down by hand, but I wouldn’t say I was a stationery fanatic. For me, notebooks were more about being useful tools that fit naturally into my life. What really resonated with me in the job description was a line that said, “We’re looking for people who can share stories, not just sell products.” That struck a chord with me, and I knew right away—this was it. So, I applied.

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My first assignment was at Station, but soon after joining, I heard about the opening of the Kyoto store. Since I’m originally from western Japan and spent my student years in the Kansai area, I decided to transfer there. The store was initially set to open in April 2020, but due to the pandemic, the launch was postponed to June. At first, there weren’t many tourists, and we had a relatively quiet start. But looking back, I think that turned out to be a good thing—it gave me the chance to personally greet and connect with each customer who came in.

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– TRAVELER’S is a brand built around the theme of travel. It must have been tough when everything came to a halt.

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Mizuguchi: The core concept of TRAVELER’S is “Live each day like a journey.” People often assume TRAVELER’S notebook is just for travel, but we want to inspire that same sense of excitement and curiosity in everyday life. When people couldn’t go anywhere during the pandemic, we encouraged them to embrace their TRAVELER’S notebook—to use it as a way to find joy in their daily lives, even when staying close to home.

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– What kind of place is the Kyoto store?

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Mizuguchi: We have many local customers, but we also see regular visitors who come from far away. For example, one customer stops by our Kyoto store every month on their way home from a business trip to Osaka. Even though we’re a retail shop, it means a lot to us that people see it as a place worth visiting.

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Another key feature of our store is its spacious layout, allowing visitors to take their time and relax. We also have a library space where customers can sit on a sofa and freely browse books, creating an open and inviting atmosphere.

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– I’ve heard that Kyoto-exclusive products are especially popular.

Mizuguchi: Yes! At the Kyoto store, we offer a special “KYOTO EDITION” collection, which includes store-exclusive TRAVELER’S notebooks, refills, and brass tags. These items feature Kyoto-inspired designs, such as gold-foil motifs and refills made with traditional washi paper, making them truly unique.

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We also have collaborative items with Ace Hotel, such as notebooks and stickers. TRAVELER’S has a long-standing friendship with Ace Hotel, having held events at locations like New York, Los Angeles, and London.

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Additionally, we offer unique in-store experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. These include customization stamps, a ticket scale, and a name engraving service. The stamp station, in particular, is extremely popular, with each TRAVELER’S store having its own exclusive designs. Many customers visit just to collect these stamps—including visitors from overseas. We aim to create a space where people can enjoy something beyond online shopping, offering experiences that make their visit special.

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We also provide repair services, including rubber band replacements. One of our staff members even discovered a clever trick—twisting a single rubber band into a double loop—and it’s been gaining popularity. If you're interested, feel free to ask our staff!

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