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# KOBO – Unique Gifts and Art from Local Artists in Seattle

KOBO is a charming gift shop located in Seattle's International District, known for its unique offerings of art, home decor, and locally crafted goods. Formerly known as Higo, KOBO has a rich history tied to the Murakami family, who have been part of the community since the 1940s. The store showcases a variety of items, including apparel, jewelry, and art, all curated to reflect a minimalist aesthetic and a connection to Japanese culture. Visitors often praise KOBO for its beautiful selection and the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. With a focus on local artisans, KOBO stands out as a go-to destination for unique gifts and cultural experiences in Seattle.

## History
### The story of KOBO
KOBO was founded with a vision to celebrate and promote Japanese and Northwest fine crafts. The store's origins trace back to Higo, which was established by the Murakami family, who played a significant role in the community. Surviving the challenges of World War II, including Executive Order 9066, the shop has evolved while maintaining its commitment to showcasing local artists and their crafts.

### Milestones and growth
- Transition from Higo to KOBO, reflecting a modernized vision
- Continued support for local artisans and craftspeople
- Expansion of product offerings to include a wider range of artistic goods
- Recognition as a cultural hub in Seattle's International District

### Cultural and local influence
KOBO serves as a bridge between Japanese culture and the local community, offering a space where traditional crafts meet contemporary design. The shop's commitment to local artists fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.

### Continuing the tradition
The legacy of KOBO continues as it embraces new generations of artists while honoring its historical roots. The store regularly features events that celebrate Japanese culture, such as the Nihonmachi celebration, reinforcing its role as a cultural touchstone in Seattle.

## Community
### Community involvement
KOBO actively engages with the local community by supporting local artists and hosting events that highlight cultural traditions. The store often collaborates with artisans to create unique products and experiences that resonate with the community's values and history.

### Community notion about the place
Visitors and locals alike view KOBO as a treasure trove of unique gifts and artistic expression. Many express a deep emotional connection to the store, often referring to it by its former name, Higo. This connection underscores the shop's significance in the community and its role in preserving cultural heritage.

### Events and gatherings
KOBO hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural celebrations. These gatherings not only promote local talent but also foster a sense of belonging and community among attendees, making KOBO a vibrant social hub in the International District.

## Offerings
### What KOBO offers
KOBO provides a diverse range of products that reflect both Japanese culture and local artistry. Shoppers can find everything from home decor and jewelry to unique apparel and art books. The carefully curated selection ensures that each item tells a story and adds value to the shopping experience.

### Dining and food experience
While KOBO primarily focuses on gifts and art, its location in the International District allows visitors to explore nearby dining options that complement their shopping experience. The area is rich in culinary offerings, providing a full day of cultural exploration.

### Events and packages
KOBO frequently organizes special events that showcase local artists and craftspeople. These events often include workshops where participants can learn about traditional Japanese crafts, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

### Facilities and features
- Art gallery-style displays
- A wide selection of Japanese home goods
- Locally designed apparel and accessories
- Unique gift items and novelties
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of KOBO highlight its beautiful selection of items and the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. Many visitors appreciate the store's focus on local artisans, which adds a unique touch to their shopping experience.

### Compliments and strengths
- Curated selection of high-quality, unique gifts
- Support for local artists and craftspeople
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
- Aesthetic appeal reminiscent of an art gallery

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Some visitors note that while KOBO offers a wide range of unique items, prices may be on the higher side. However, many feel that the quality and uniqueness of the products justify the cost, making it a worthwhile shopping destination.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, KOBO is highly regarded for its commitment to quality and community. The store successfully blends cultural heritage with modern design, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking unique gifts and a taste of local artistry.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
KOBO is located at 604 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, in the heart of the International District. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its rich cultural history and diverse offerings, including restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks. Visitors to KOBO can easily explore nearby attractions, such as the Wing Luke Museum and various authentic Asian eateries, enhancing their experience in this culturally rich area.

## FAQs
**What types of products does KOBO offer** KOBO offers a variety of gifts, including home decor, jewelry, and apparel.
**Is KOBO a good place for unique gifts** Yes, KOBO is known for its curated selection of unique and artistic gifts.
**Are there events held at KOBO** Yes, KOBO hosts various events and workshops throughout the year.
**Is KOBO accessible by public transport** Yes, KOBO is conveniently located in the International District, accessible by public transport.
**What is the history of KOBO** KOBO was formerly known as Higo and has a rich history tied to the Murakami family.

## Visit KOBO Today
KOBO invites you to explore its unique offerings of art, home decor, and locally crafted goods in Seattle's International District. With a rich history and a commitment to community, KOBO provides a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers seeking special gifts. Experience the blend of cultural heritage and modern artistry that makes KOBO a beloved destination for both locals and visitors alike.

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Many visitors and shoppers tend to have an emotional connection to Kobo, formerly known as Higo. I am one of those people who calls it Higo, before I will remember it is in fact Kobo now. Higo is the original shop owned and run by the Murakami family. This is one of the few businesses that survived the Executive Order 9066 written in 1942 with thanks to the non-Japanese friends of the family who owned businesses in the same building. Today, Kobo represents a new generation of local artists, selling gift items, crafts, tees, books, art, jewelry, and much more at varying level of prices. I highly recommend Kobo when shopping for unique gifts. When I recently visited, they had a glass artwork on display, art gallery style. It was also the yearly Nihonmachi celebration, and they had a table outside with an artist painting one of three designs on classic Japanese windchimes. I was thrilled to buy one of these adorable windchimes commonly featured in anime including Studio Ghibli movies. For those who want to read the long version of the store's history: https://www.historylink.org/File/9094

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This is my go to for minimalist aesthetic, unique, and well made goods. They often carry brands like Hasami, Upstate Stock, and local designers. The aesthetic is beautiful and really well curated. It's not as cramped as the Capitol Hill location and there is a sense of space and art to this. I used to come to this location when it was the old Higa. I'm glad that business is thriving and modern meets aspects of vintage in this cozy shop.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

Discover KOBO in Seattle, WA—an exceptional restaurant offering unique flavors and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table now for an unforgettable dining experience.

KOBO Restaurant in Seattle, WA - Unique Flavors & Vibrant Atmosphere

Seattle

KOBO

Washington

Explore the full menu at KOBO in Seattle, WA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 604 S Jackson St, Seattle.

KOBO Menu – Food & Drinks in Seattle, WA

Learn about KOBO, a vibrant restaurant located at 604 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA. Experience our unique cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service.

About KOBO in Seattle, WA

Opening hours for KOBO, Seattle, WA. Find opening hours for KOBO at 604 S Jackson St, Seattle on our website.

KOBO Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

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Experience the Menu at KOBO

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