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Japanese Sensu Folding Fan Complete Guide — Top 10
⚡ 30-second answer: Top 10 long-established shops including Hakuchikudo, Ibasen, and Miyawaki Baisenan. Everyday sensu ¥1,500-5,000 / Kyoto sensu ¥5,000-20,000 / painting workshop ¥3,000-8,000 / top-tier crafts ¥50,000-200,000. Concentrated in Kyoto and Tokyo Nihonbashi, a classic souvenir and gift.
Quick Reference
Value
Everyday sensu
¥1,500-5,000
Kyoto sensu
¥5,000-20,000
Painting workshop
¥3,000-8,000
Top-tier crafts
¥50,000-200,000
Last verified
June 2026
✓ Last verified: Jun 2026
📖4 min read
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Contents
30-Second Answer
The sensu is Japan's invention — a folding fan that emerged in the Heian period. The two main lineages are Kyoto sensu (Kyoto Prefecture Traditional Craft) and Edo sensu (Tokyo Traditional Craft). Active 200-400 year-old shops include Hakuchikudo (founded 1718), Miyawaki Baisenan (1803), and Ibasen (1590). Everyday paper sensu run ¥1,500-5,000; silk-mounted and lacquer-decorated Kyoto sensu ¥5,000-20,000; Living National Treasure and Intangible Cultural Heritage artist works ¥50,000-200,000. Painting workshops run ¥3,000-8,000 in central Kyoto and Tokyo Nihonbashi. Many shops ship internationally, making sensu a favorite for weddings, retirement gifts, and overseas dignitary gifts.
🎐 Top 10 Sensu Shops
#
Shop
Location
Founded
Price range
1
Hakuchikudo
Kyoto Shijo
1718
¥2,000-30,000
2
Miyawaki Baisenan
Kyoto Rokkaku
1803
¥3,000-50,000
3
Kyosendo
Kyoto Horikawa
1832
¥2,500-40,000
4
Onishi Tsunesho
Kyoto Muromachi
1848
¥3,500-60,000
5
Yamani
Kyoto Nakagyo
1916
¥4,000-50,000
6
Ibasen
Tokyo Nihonbashi
1590
¥3,000-40,000
7
Bunsendo
Tokyo Asakusa
1861
¥2,500-30,000
8
Arai Bunsendo
Tokyo Asakusa
1924
¥2,500-40,000
9
Tomatsuya Fukui Senpo
Kyoto Horikawa
1624
¥4,000-100,000
10
Kyoto Maisendo
Kyoto Gion
1993
¥1,800-25,000
💰 Pricing Breakdown
Sensu purchases and workshops typically price out as:
Tourist souvenir sensu: ¥800-2,000
Everyday sensu (paper): ¥1,500-5,000
Kyoto sensu (silk-mounted): ¥5,000-15,000
Lacquer / gold-leaf: ¥10,000-30,000
Mai-ogi (dance fan): ¥5,000-20,000
Cha-sen (tea ceremony fan): ¥3,000-15,000
Men's Edo sensu: ¥3,000-15,000
Paulownia box gift set: ¥10,000-50,000
Signed artist work: ¥30,000-100,000
Painting workshop: ¥3,000-8,000
The traveler sweet spot is ¥3,000-15,000 (one for yourself plus family gifts).
🌐 Visitor Support
Hakuchikudo, Miyawaki Baisenan, and Ibasen all run English websites, accept tax-free purchases, and ship internationally. Klook lists Kyoto sensu painting workshops at ¥4,500-7,000. Most long-established shops have English-speaking staff or tablet translation. Card and e-money support is comprehensive. Tourist souvenir sensu start at ¥800; authentic traditional craft pieces (with the certification mark) start at ¥3,000. The bamboo ribs are air-dried for 1-3 years; the paper or silk mounting is handcrafted in Kyoto.
⏰ Hours
Shop hours: 10:00-18:00 (some until 19:00)
Closed: Sundays or Wednesdays (varies)
Painting workshop: 11:00 / 14:00 starts
Workshop booking: 1 week to 1 month ahead
Custom orders: 2 weeks to 2 months
Paulownia box wrapping: same day or next day
International shipping: 3-10 business days (EMS / DHL)