Indenya Koshu Inden

Indenya's Kawaguchiko-area store sells Koshu Inden, a distinctive Yamanashi leather craft with more than 400 years of history that applies lacquer patterns directly onto tanned deer leather, producing a soft, durable material with a raised, textured pattern rather than a printed or embossed design. The technique originated in the historic Koshu region (present-day Yamanashi) and traditionally used indigo-dyed deerskin with lacquer patterns in floral, geometric, or seasonal motifs; modern production extends the same method to a wider range of colors and to everyday items like handbags, wallets, business card holders, and small accessories rather than only ceremonial pieces. Because Koshu Inden is a genuine regional handicraft rather than a generic leather-goods import, prices run higher than typical souvenir leather goods, reflecting the labor-intensive lacquering process. Prices are fixed, and the shop accepts both cash and card; bargaining is not part of the shopping culture here. The store closes on Wednesdays during the winter months, so checking ahead during the colder season is worthwhile, and its Funatsu-area location puts it within easy reach of Kawaguchiko's lakeshore hotels.