Asakichi Iron Teapot

if you love someone and want to give them a gift that is worth ten times more than what you paid, go here, pick something out and they will gift wrap it in the most beautiful way you have ever seen.
the Unilocal confusion of which of their 3 shops is which, is driving me a bit crazy, but for now i can offer–
This shop is on the bridge between the kimono and incense place.
go in, find something crafted of iron, brass, cherrywood, or pine and take it up to the nice lady at the register. she will gift wrap it in such a way that you know whatever you have chosen to give to your loved one will be deeply appreciated and remembered.
I tried to give the lady a tip, but she ran out and refused to accept it.
I am not sure what gratuity etiquette is for japanese in america, so i took the money back, but then again, there are so many subtleties in business and politeness, i still feel unsure.
ps. i tend to become nobu k. ish when i write about japanese stuff, otherwise, i swear, i am pretty thoughtful with my grammar accuracy.
thanks for reading!

My favorite spot for handmade Japanese Papers…
Those fancy Japanese Rice Papers that they sell at Paper Source for $ 12 are less than $ 10 at this wonderful little antique shop… You have to wade through an ENTIRE stack of papers (they sell them by the half sheet, as well, for reasonable prices,) but that is half the fun, in my opinion!
After you’ve gotten your inspiration from ideas at Kozo arts and Paper Source, this should be your destination. They get new shipments every few months, so I’m always looking forward to see what new prints they get in!
Only thing is, there is only room for one person to be wading through the papers at a time, and it’s a small shop, so one person at a time!!! No crowding!