John Lobb opens its first store in Kyoto

Luxury footwear brand John Lobb has opened its inaugural store in the city of Kyoto, Japan, marking its seventh retail store in the country. 

Situated in the heart of the historic Shinmonzen district, renowned for its rich tapestry of art, antiques, and handicrafts, the new boutique underscores John Lobb’s enduring bond with Japan and the loyalty of its local clientele.

Architect Teruhiro Yanagihara, known for his mastery of blending contemporary design with cultural heritage, was entrusted with crafting the boutique’s aesthetic. 

Housed within a traditional wooden machiya townhouse, the store seamlessly merges modern elegance with Kyoto’s timeless charm. Spanning two floors and 86 square meters, notable features include an interior patio and a traditional wooden façade adorned with iconic white fabric Noren curtains.

The boutique serves as a showcase for John Lobb’s craftsmanship and expertise in footwear. In addition to iconic Lobb classics and new collections, customers can purchase custom orders and commission bespoke creations.

As part of the opening, John Lobb has launched the zoori, inspired by traditional Japanese footwear and available exclusively at the John Lobb Kyoto store. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the pair features a handcrafted tatamiomote insole made of woven bamboo, complemented by premium John Lobb leather for the tongue and sides of the sole.

John Lobb arrived in Japan two decades ago.