Kobo Shop & Gallery (at Higo)

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

Kobo is one of my favorite shops in Seattle, they have a lovely, curated collection of Japanese or Japanese-inspired goods that are always beautiful and interesting. Covering all price ranges, just a wonderful little shop to explore. New items, including the first Muji outlet in Washington state (albeit small, it’s so nice to see)

This store has an array of unusual, tempting, design and art items. Expertly curated selection of scarves, local jewelry, pottery, books, housewares, lacquer, carefully selected Japanese items, and many other things to delight the eye. There is always something new here. A perfect place to pick up a gift.

I’m absolutely over the moon about this Japanese Gallery/Shop. They have an array of housewares, apparel and artwork from local artists. The items are expensive, but I find that it is worth it when supporting local artists. It’s a huge place and worth making a trip out for. The staff is also very helpful and friendly.

WOW. A Huge shop/gallery where you can actually buy everything you see/learn about. Perfect for something unusual and beautiful for the person who has it all or hard to shop for people. Features a def Japanese vibe but there’s something for everyone including handmade cards, jewels, ceramics, wall art and also fun novelty items like tiny good luck porcelain cats, coffee table books, T’s, scarves, Natural curiosities, etc. A lot of fun to explore.

One of the best boutique gift and housewares shops in the city. An absolute cornerstone of the international district. If you are looking for rare and hard to find this is your place. Offerings include mass market in a highly curated presentation as well as one of a kind artist made gems.

I am someone who barely buys stuff beyond what I strictly need, but I love this store. It’s products are the perfect balance of grace, humor, utility and beauty. Fantastic gifts - for yourself or others!

I really love this little place for unique gifts. It specializes in whimsical Japanese imports. Imagine if MUJI sold artisan goods. Lots of things from books to art to yukata to homegoods, many of which come from local and international artists and small businesses who are inspired by Japan.

A beautiful gem of a place..Hand crafted Japanese ornaments, clothing, silks, books, great ideas for a special gift..a tea or sake set..hand stitched silk wraps..and one of a kind jewelry. Great discovery.

Beautiful and enjoyable store filled with Japanese arts, clothes, toys, and history. Loved my visit there and loved the history behind the store even more.
If you're in the area, please stop by because you won't regret it.

Adorable spot with great home decor. One of the few places you can get Hasami porcelain in person. The service was excellent and they have an interest and well curated collection of items. Worth a visit.

Great assortment of high quality local artisan gifts!

Amazing lamps, cards, soaps, ceramics and art etc... They limit how many people in the store. We bought some blank cards.

20% history museum of the Higa ten cent store and Japanese community in Seattle. 80% art, book, jewelry store with amazing things it's well.worth a visit.

An ID classic that has tons of great gift ideas and Japanese products. In normal non COVID times they have great ceramics shows and openings.