When traveling in Kyoto, the joy is not only in visiting famous temples and shrines but also in discovering the charm of hidden little shops tucked away in quiet alleys.
This article introduces one such treasure: the Mari Keychain—a tiny piece of Japanese tradition that can make your travel memories even more special.
A Touch of Japanese Tradition in Your Hands
For centuries, “mari” (Japanese embroidered balls) have been cherished in Japan. Their colorful patterns are more than just playthings—they symbolize happiness, harmony, and good fortune.

My handmade Mari Keychains capture that tradition in a small, palm-sized form.
Each one is carefully crafted, with unique patterns and colors that will never be the same twice. Compact yet eye-catching, these keychains make a charming Japanese accent for your bag or keys.

Now Available at “Rojiura 3 Tsubo Zakkaten – Yasaka Branch”
I am excited to share that my Mari Keychains are now available at the cozy little shop “Rojiura 3 Tsubo Zakkaten (Yasaka Branch)” in Kyoto.

📅 Period: September 13 (Sat) – October 13 (Mon)
🏠 Location: Rojiura 3 Tsubo Zakkaten (Yasaka Branch)
Address: 78 Tamamizu-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
As its name suggests (“3-tsubo” means only about 10 square meters!), this shop is small but full of personality. Inside, you’ll find a variety of handmade items and Japanese-style goods. Many international visitors stop by, making it a fun place to discover hidden treasures.
A Perfect Spot Near Famous Landmarks
The shop is located just 30 seconds on foot from Yasaka Koshindo Temple, famous for its colorful photo-worthy balls of cloth.
It’s also only about a 10-minute walk from Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and the Gion area—some of Kyoto’s most iconic spots. That makes it the perfect stop during your sightseeing.

🚶 Access:
- 40 seconds on foot from City Bus “Kiyomizu-michi” stop
- 30 seconds on foot from Yasaka Koshindo Temple
- Around 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, and Gion
Find Your Mari Keychain in Kyoto
If you are visiting Kyoto, I warmly invite you to drop by Rojiura 3 Tsubo Zakkaten (Yasaka Branch).
It would make me so happy if you found one of my Mari Keychains there and took it home as a memory of your journey.

A Mari is like a small charm that carries a piece of Japanese tradition.
May it add a little color and joy to your travel story.