Located in downtown Sanjo-takakura, SHOYU Kyoto is a specialty calligraphy shop that opened in 2001. Every day, the serene machiya townhouse dwelling SHOYU Kyoto sees people from all countries come in search of calligraphy tools and brushes. Among the multitude of calligraphy stores in Kyoto, SHOYU offers a particularly outstanding balance of the different calligraphy tools; paper, brushes and ink. This makes SHOYU especially good for newcomers to calligraphy in Kyoto, who want to see everything in one place. Additionally, because of SHOYU’s immense variety, they are also where many watercolor, oil painting and ink wash painting artists come as well. Recently reopened in 2014, SHOYU’s new Kyoto store features an interior that is the epitome of clean and tidy. This well-designed layout allows for the plethora of goods to remain easily discoverable. As well, the store utilizes the natural features of its machiya townhouse architecture and even features a classical Japanese nakaniwa courtyard near the back. SHOYU nearly certainly has whatever calligraphy tool you’re looking for. And with such friendly staff, it’s definitely worth a quick drop by.