Kobo Shop & Gallery (at Higo)

Very cool shop with interesting items like funky shaped dishes and bamboo lamps, cute stuff like finger puppet books and handmade night lights, and art supplies. There’s a lot of cool things to look at, albeit a lot of them have high prices 😅 Highly recommend this store if you are looking to get a unique gift and don’t mind paying a bit for uniqueness and high quality. I realllly wanted to get the night light, they are sooooo LIT haha, pun intended. If you keep browsing though, there’s some items that are more affordable like the $6 card with a giant bingsoo and dog, soap bars with good scent, and a really cute collection of children’s books with finger puppets that’s actually only $7 per book. I recommend the finger puppet book if you have young kids or looking to get gifts for them.

which translates from Japanese as "artist's workspace," is an artisan gallery featuring Japanese and Northwest fine crafts. KOBO Many Japanese crafts have a long history, and many of them make you feel emotional and artistic. Akabeko was famous even in my hometown It is a shop that brings back nostalgic memories and the joy of experiencing craft culture in America. Oh. . . Akabeko was here!

Classic gift store in the ID. Lots of quality, affordable to high priced clothing, books, textiles, art..and lots of cool knick knacks and small gift items.

Cool spot, not a lot of options for this sort of store in day to day life. But the policy of having to cover your other shopping bags with plastic is very weird (and I don't think would actually help prevent a determined thief)

I LOVE this shop! It was always one of my favorite stops to walk through when showing visiting friends around the international district before covid. They are still open to buy things online and pickup in store—and it’s super easy to do so because they have reserved pickup/drop off parking right in front of the shop. To be honest, a lot of what they stock is a bit out of my price range on a normal day—but if you’re looking for a gift or something special, it’s the perfect place to shop. Everything there is carefully selected and great quality. I’ve never been disappointed when I chose to make a purchase here. Even if you’re just window shopping, getting to peruse the selection of work by local artisans and the exhibits they sometimes have open in the back left of the shop makes it totally worth the stop. Got my dad a a couple Grids and Guides notebooks here for father’s day recently after seeing it as one of their recommendations in their newsletter (which I really recommend signing up for, by the way) and he absolutely loved them. If you’re a fan of beautifully designed objects for the home, I can’t recommend Kobo enough.

One of Seattle's unique gems of a retail experience. Rare Japanese products mostly gravitating towards art and home decor. Store staff is attentive and friendly. I went there to buy a nice lacquer jewelry box for my fiance's birthday and ended up picking up a cute card too. Will definitely be back. You will likely need to pay for parking.

A boutique store with Japanese trinkets and art of all kinds for different budgets. Bought cute prints from local Japanese artists. A store for all ages-my kids loved it too!

I stumbled into this place when taking my cousin out to show her Seattle. She had just returned from living in Japan. We wandered in and I was bummed I had not known about this place sooner. It is a gorgeous and fascinating store. My cousin loved it as well. I'll tell anyone that will listen. I bought a few shirts and plan to return for Christmas gifts. They didn't have my size in a couple of the shirts so they contacted the artist who sent more in my size. To much stuff to rave about. I loved it

which translates from Japanese as "artist's workspace," is an artisan gallery featuring Japanese and Northwest fine crafts. KOBO Many Japanese crafts have a long history, and many of them make you feel emotional and artistic. Akabeko was famous even in my hometown It is a shop that brings back nostalgic memories and the joy of experiencing craft culture in America. Oh. . . Akabeko was here!

Lovely gift shop in the Japantown / Chinatown / International District area that offers an array of apparel and textiles, art, houseware and decor, and even the random novelty items. My mother picked up a really fun t-shirt from KOBO, and I found various gifts - including the Mari Ichimasu (a Seattle-based Japanese artist who works in stop-motion animation, painting, and drawing) book "Fur Coats & Backpacks", which includes the art of her collection of traveling cats & an accompanying poem for each cat. The perfect gift for my feline-loving friends. The staff were happy to let you browse through the store, and you can tell that they work to include items from the local art and design community while also carrying items with wider appeal. The prices may be a bit high? But I was less concerned with the cost of the items than I was on finding quality gifts - and KOBO has those in spades. I'd certainly recommend a visit.

Everything in this store is so beautiful! It's expensive but each product feels curated and purposeful. They have a great selection of Japanese home goods, jewelry, clothing, and books. This is a good spot if you're looking for a gift or something special for your home.

First I visited the smaller Kobo on E Roy which is near where I'm staying. I love the situation/location where the E Roy Kobo hides. For a small shop, I thought it close to being in Japan n was tickled to find a good buy. This bigger Kobo has of course more variety. I bought another gift here. I will definitely visit both Kobos on my next visit to SEA. I love that it has some old pieces to purchase.

Cute store in the international district. I think it's in the Japantown part, if I remember correctly. Pretty big, but kinda feels like a secret hole in the wall and has, what looks like, high quality items for sale. I think this is a great visiting location, or a good spot for a getting gifts for people so I recommend you stop by and see what they got.

Beautiful store filled with Japanese art, jewelry, apparel, paper goods, and housewares. The selection is outstanding and many of the items are designer or locally designed. Just walking in it felt like a fancy art gallery, but it's much more relaxed in atmosphere. Picked up an adorable ninja owl tee shirt that was designed by a local artist and some unique greeting cards. The tee's were just too adorable. They have kids apparel too. Pretty much everything in this store was fabulous and it took a lot of shopping restraint to not buy one of everything. The jewelry was very minimalist and gorgeously designed. There were some unusual items under the glass counter, they even sold porcupine quills oddly enough. They have lots of good luck charms and little lucky cats. If you're in the Chinatown area check this store out, the art and decor are very pleasing to the eye. The ladies running the store were funny too.

This is one of my absolute favorite shops in all of Seattle! I've been to both the ID and Capitol Hill locations and both offer a beautifully curated selection of items--everything is a work of art. Even better, so many things are made by local artisans. Anytime I want a special unique gift for someone, this is my go-to store. It's always such a joy to shop here!

I usually love this store and have been several times. Really lovely items at pretty high prices, but its always enjoyable to look around - except when you are being treated like a potential shoplifter everytime. This is probably my last visit since they do what they can to make anyone feel unwelcome that they think looks suspicious. They are so paranoid about theft they rope off entire sections of the store to make it harder to navigate, and give you disposable plastic covers for your bag to keep you from stealing. Talk about tacky and totally wasteful! I was asked to cover my bags and rather than take the plastic I just offered them to the lady who looked very confused. Usually a store will just offer to hold your bag for you if they are concerned. Most of the other clients in the store were not approached or asked to cover their open bags so it felt rather targeted. Don't run a gift shop in an area if you're that concerned about shoplifting that you make customers uncomfortable. It was almost enough to keep me from purchasing anything. Best of all - white lady running the shop and treating guests like thieves. Super disappointing.

Kobo is one of the few shops in the International District that is there to appeal to tourists and shoppers who want a higher end shopping experience in the neighborhood. What I love about Seattle's International District is many of the shops, restaurants, bakeries and such have a more "this is what we do in everyday life" kind of vibe. I have only been to a handful of Chinatowns in the country but the one in Boston is much more souvenir and tourist oriented. At least it seems like that to me. Seattle's International District still has a plentiful amount of things to see for out of towners too. It is a healthy mix of both ideas to me. Kobo seems to capture this healthy balance by having things like cards, home decor and artwork while having plenty of things accessible to tourists. Everyone here is very friendly and more than eager to answer any questions you may have. It is a fun boutique!

What a great gift shop! They have so many one of a kind items. Jewelry, books, artwork and more. I actually came in here as part of the tour for Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, courtesy of the Wing Luke Museum. In the corner of this shop is where they house items from several decades ago when this shop was run by the Murakami family. It was fun to learn some local history and also browse through the curated northwest art.

Cute books, pottery, art, and trinkets can be found through Kobo. If you enjoy a Japanese/PNW aesthetic, you're sure to find something to like in here! Great for gifts! Some interesting historical bits about this location: Located in what's left of Seattle's historic Nihonmachi (Japantown), this shop occupies what used to be known as the Higo Variety Store. The Higo Variety Store had been in that spot for over seventy years and managed to survive World War II (when the owners, who were Japanese American, were forced to go to the Japanese internment camps), the subsequent collapse of Nihonmachi, and a couple of generations-worth of ownership.

My inner female came screaming when I walked into this store. Absolutely charming with all the products sold inside by local artists Products ranged from jewelry, paintings, toiletries, clothes, and etc... The lady at the front counter was incredibly versed in the history of former japan now industrial district while providing options to explore more of the history around this area. Pricing is appropriate at the boutique while the more costly items are mostly paintings.

Very expensive product in here, but very unique items. Lots of history to be seen just walking around the store. Irt'a actually a pretty big store inside, so there are lots of things to peek at. I absolutely love the logo and almost bought one of the t shirts with the hedgehog dude/dudette on it. I think I was getting tired and cranky, so I'll save that for another trip.

I thought this was a used furniture store but so glad I peeked in to check it out! Masked by the original store front of the Higo Variety Store is a new art gallery/shop with plenty of local products. There are plenty of gift shops with local products like greeting cards with Pacific Northwest pics on them, but this one is unique with a Japanese flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed browsing the store to look at the pottery, jewellery, and picked up a Valentine's day card.

I adore this store. It's like walking into etsy, only you can see and touch and feel everything, and you find things you didn't even search for, and everything goes together and creates this magic aura of a life well lived. It's one of my favorite spots to browse on a cold and wintery day, because everything has a certain elegance about it that makes the cold seem poetic instead of wearisome. During November and December they have a lovely selection of ornaments. Year-round they have beautiful jewelry and small home items, like trivets and coasters. It's hard for me to walk out of here without buying something, so I have to be very careful about when I go in and who I'm shopping for to avoid breaking the bank. The shop is chock full of items made by local artisans, and even the things that aren't locally made are thoughtfully selected. You'll find beautiful reusable light-as-a-feather Envirosax here, and while they are a tad more expensive than you might find them elsewhere online, the convenience is wonderful.

Great store with quality items that can not be seen elsewhere. Curated displayed for easy shopping. Plus, they gift wrap in elegant style for free. Check it out!

This is a wonderful, wonderful store with gorgeous hand-selected Japanese items of design to buy for oneself or for gifts. The staff go about their business of running a fairly large store with a variety of merchandise, which is how we shoppers like it. Lots of time and space for browsing the aisles. Excellent selection of local pottery. Support Northwest talent, support your local artists! Perk: Parking is usually pretty good in the ID.

So glad Lei Ann from Momo mentioned this place next door. I went to the pricier gallery side first to check out the jewelry and art pieces. Nice but too expensive for me. Luckily I kept going to the other store section and found a ton of great Japanese themed stuff. Like Momo, it wasn't cheap but I considered it reasonable for pretty unique pieces. They were also heavily stocked with things by local artists. I bought a couple great $20 poster prints from an artist my dumb@ss didn't write down. Hopefully his signature is legible. There were some great craft books that I have to buy in the near future. And lots of cute screened shirts and bags - kind of higher end craft fair stuff, but there's nothing wrong with that. I just mean that most of it looks handmade. Can't wait to frame the prints once I get home. Leaving in the morning and wondering if I have time to stop at the capitol hill location to see if they have different stock.

I could really kill some time here looking at all the interesting books, art, jewelry, gift items, clothing and other sublime knickknacks. I could have easily spent a nice chunk of cash here, but I restrained myself. But, now I keep thinking back to those items I wish I bought. I think I will go back for those cute silk-screened shirts. If you're looking for some interesting, unique gift items this is a fun place to browse and shop while in the ID.

Came through here after visiting the Wing Luke Asian Museum and learning that this business had preserved the quality and the memory of the Higo Variety Store, an International District institution. While I love to visit Asian/Asian American type arts/crafts/gift shops, I'm usually quite skeptical about what I'll find there - either because I've traveled some in Asia and know what's "real" and what's not, or because I work in SF Chinatown and know what's unique and what's not. That said, I found many great gifts at this shop, run by a couple who appreciates and engages local and international designers. On my stop there today, they were preparing for the opening of a teacup exhibition/competition... lots of gorgeous cups. This place carries stuff I've seen at Giant Robot and Super 7 and Kinokuniya, but has a good focus on organic/local design - they stock houseware, books, arts/crafts, gifts, and even original tshirt designs. I actually walked out with a number of their little animal bells, which will make quality Christmas gifts.

Filled with amazing Japanese gifts. I love looking around, everything is quality eye candy yet it's not overwhelming.

I pretty much always stop here when I'm in the Int'l Dist. Hate to admit, but I only browse and window shop; never bought anything. Prices are a little bit high. But it's a really nice 'museum' of modern Japanese art and knickknacks, as well as memorabilia of old Seattle. Like the big Octopus Takohachi neon sign. Oh, Takohachi, I miss you TONS. Remember them days when Takohachi was still around? When you want good, cheap Japanese food, all you gotta do is look for the Octopus sign. OK, this is not a Takohachi review. When I win the lottery, that's one of the first things I'll buy! Just you wait, Kobo.

I had to restrain myself and not buy everything: from furniture, to awesome jewelry, to yummy green tea mints in a super tin, to minuscule manekinekos. We bought a Higo journal as a gift, covered with a selection of photos from the Murakami family who founded the Higo Ten Cent Store in 1932. Next time, I'm treating myself to a unique necklace or some cool furniture.

Interesting place with unique items. It had a yard sale feel though. More of a gallery than a shop---don't expect any anime items or many modern things.

We were in the neighborhood to go back to Tiger Tiger Tattoo (next door) and had some time to kill so we came in here. Again. Yes, the pull of the beautiful and unique items (plus weird stuff) in the window always succeeds. We always go inside. We never regret it. We don't always buy stuff but I always *want* to. Here is some history of the place, in relation to the Higo variety store: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/381134_noparking30.html

Part shop, part museum, part gallery, part bookstore, part history lesson - all locally owned, beautiful, unique and well worth a visit.

I walked into this store out of curiosity and the first word that came to mind was, "swanky." I swear I saw a standard journal for $30.00, which is absurd as it's not like the journal will write itself upon opening the first page. If you're a fan of marked up odds and ends that will likely end up sitting underneath your bed or if you have an unlimited amount of cash flow, then this place is for you.

This is a fantastic place to experience "the other art gallery". Located in a former Japanese convenient store, one side of it is still preserved as it was back then complete with counter and groceries from the beginning of last century, so for the city historians among you: don't miss that opportunity! For all others: have a look anyways, as these items are most interesting in design, if nothing else. The other side is used for permanent items displayed for sale and changing art exhibitions. The theme is Japanese or Western with-a-Japanese-connection art and craft with a focus on functional ceramic. There are also small, decorative Japanese folk art items, known as "mingei", toys, books and items from fabric, paper or other material. The owner has a connection to two local ceramic group studios, who regularly hold juries shows there, which are very popular and a fun event to attend. Come to the "annual cup show" if you want to rub shoulders with the local ceramic maestros, if you happen to be into the medium you probably know that some of them are actually no less than world famous. Come also, if you are only looking for a great, personal gift for your favorite niece's wedding, or special someone or actually yourself (simply because you're worth it!) Price range accommodates any budget, you can start with the small "I saw this and thought of you"-surprise gift to serious investments for the home together. They send things for you by mail and you can also shop through their website, if for some reason you can't make it in personally (shame!!!) KOBO also hosts several cultural events and workshops and invites artist from Japan and elsewhere. There is a second branch, "KOBO at HIGO", which is tuned a tick more contemporary and less folksy, both places are great to see, shop and you will come out enriched, even if you only went there browsing.

What a fabulous store! I was visiting Seattle and saw Kobo while riding the bus downtown. I knew I had to check it out. If you are looking for pottery, jewelry, journals, prints, cards, animals figurines and all sorts of other items this place is for you. Even if you're on a tight budget you can find something. Kobo is a special place with a pleasant staff. I'll be returning when I next visit Seattle.

For your unabashed Japanophile, Kobo is a mecca deserving routine pilgrimage. Everything in their store is absolutely lovely and wonderful, from hard-carved drawers to posters by contemporary graphic genius Enfu. I won't spoil the surprises for you - just go check it out!

I always find the perfect gift for friends when go to Kobo at Higo. Be it a birthday or a housewarming present, the price point is always fair and the quality is wonderful. The staff do a fantastic job wrapping my purchases with beautiful papers and accents to bring a smile to recipients' faces--before they even see the gift that awaits them. Kobo is my go-to shop for gift giving.

This is a super cool store, with a very nice staff. Their wares come in all price ranges and for many tastes, but all share an intangible essence that creates an invigorating and interesting shopping experience, even if you don't buy anything. There is a gallery in this store which has regular openings and show changes, and the store hosts occasional Ikebana classes by Megumi Schacher. If you like the Kobo on Capitol Hill I definitely recommend Kobo at Higo, as if has more stock and the attached gallery for further enjoyment.

The best Seattle has to offer in local Asian artisan work. Imported items, vintage art , pottery, and clothing from Japan round out the trendy shop. This place is has so many cool items I love to go every time I visit !! Its worth a trip to Seattle's International district.....

Cool art and knick knacks for personal use/collection or use. Lots of things that are just nice to look at even if you are not going to purchase. The jewelry they carry are really nice as well. Lots of goodies here!

Fun place! I really enjoy browsing here and buying the odd small gift. Prices vary widely.

Worth the stop if you are in the area for sure. Most of the place is pretty pricey and more upscale arty. With that said, this is usually a 5-star kind of place in my books. However, I miss the more kitschy, old school feel of the place from before the sale/remodel several years back. It used to make me feel more like childhood somehow. I like it now, but it is somehow a little more soulless...

I'm a little perplexed at the reviewers who go to Kobo and are surprised at the prices, or think they should find the 5 and 10 cent store they remember from the 1960s frozen in time just for them. Kobo at Higo is a gallery and shop featuring the work of artists who sell the products of their hands and hearts for a living, as well as limited production art-y goods, some of which are quite inexpensive. Higo closed a few years ago, and was none too well patronized in its later years. The current owners honor and try to keep some of the feel and ambiance of the classic Japan town store, but it's not fair for modern "shoppers" to expect a time machine, or a free museum, or handmade art at wal-mart prices. If you wait until you win the lottery to support Kobo and its artist/contributors, if you look and wax nostalgic and never buy, we will lose a soul-filled, classic part of our community. Again.

Beautiful one-of-a-kind artwork and crafts alongside well curated stationery, children's books, and other gifts. I was so sad that photos weren't allowed here (although I see some people got around that!) because I wanted to remember everything. I can't wait to check this place out again when I come back to Seattle.

Even though the impending closure of this venerable Asian Woolworth's earned it poignant eulogies in local papers, some of us blew our last chance to check it out as they played DannyBoy-san. So for us lazybones, here's a second chance to understand what-all was so cool about Higo. The spirit of the original retail survives as a museumette. This, plus the current selection creates a unique shop greater than the sum of its parts. Reminiscent of OKOK, but with a veil of sesame-scented provenance. On our visit, we enjoyed a quietly passionate primer by its owner/curator. This was as part of the WingLuke walking tour. A must on anyone's tour of the neighborhood, be they I-District vets or virgins. Great selection of unique and tasteful craft products for sale is combined with a heartwarming display memorializing the store's 5 & Dime offerings. Cheers to the proprietor for seeing the value and glory in a yellowed package of garters or a private matchbook collection. When he ran in back to retrieve some butcherpaper which had lined the front window (its edges waterstained from what-decade's condensation I don't know) - he could have been holding the Shroud of Turin. An especially nice way to spend those cold rainy nights when Jackson is unpeopled, with the neon doubled up backwards on the sidewalks.

Great selection of arts and crafts in a historically significant building. I come here to purchase gifts, especially locally made t-shirts with cool designs. And then you can just go around the corner for tea/coffee at the Panama Hotel Tearoom.

So I went here to visit the old Higo Variety Store - which was a Japanese five and dime store where you could find all sorts of wonderful, wacky, plasticy, Asian, fun things - and was I ever surprised to find instead a combination art gallery, furniture store, antique store and variety store. Japanese arts and crafts from everything you need for a tea ceremony to stunning antique furniture. Beautiful old paintings. Jewelry. Teapots. And a few pieces of fun old variety store toys. This place went way upscale, but it's still accessible and though I miss the funky old place, this one is worth visiting too.

What a wonderful gift shop & museum tucked away on this strip of Jackson Street. The old fashioned sign out front does not do justice to all the cool, arty artifacts one will find inside. I can always find something for myself or as a gift for someone. Controlling the urge to splurge is a real problem here. They have done a great job curating the merchandise with art, cooking tools, books, linens, tableware, clothing, accessories. The staff is very unobtrusive and generally stays behind the counter unless you need them. They do a great job of gift wrapping and almost assume that everything is a gift unless you tell them. The museum part of the store, tucked in the west side is a nice touch with a display of old five & dime goods and a booth with signage from one of my favorite old sushi bars, "The Red Octopus" god I miss that place!

This is one of the greatest gift shops ever. They have lots of local handmade items and art--mostly a sort of organic modern Japanese style, plus extremely well selected merchandise such as calendars, tea glasses, saki sets, boxes, books, cards, etc. The owners have great taste and a good eye for interesting and high-quality products. My favorite category of items in the store is the pottery, which is always very beautiful and not that expensive for what it is. I did all my holiday shopping here, and usually check here first if I need to buy a gift for anyone. The owners/workers are lovely people--kind, thoughtful, and helpful. I wish every store could be like this!

I love this store. It's the only store I have to go to when I visit Seattle. I can't wait to go again! I adore their zen-like pottery and their book selection is so inspiring and creative. These are beautifully selected items and the owners are sweet. The last time I visited I bought some wabi Sabi type pottery cups with fabulous indentations in them that feel exquisite when you use them. Other pottery pieces and some books completed my order.