Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Seattle places

Seattle, Washington / Shopping

Kobo Shop & Gallery at Higo

A minimalist art gallery and shop located in Seattle's historic Japantown, showcasing fine crafts from Japan and the Pacific Northwest in a building with deep local roots.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Kobo Shop & Gallery at Higo
www.kobogallery.com, og_image_www.kobogallery.com

What is Kobo Shop & Gallery at Higo known for?

It is an artisan gallery and shop specializing in traditional and contemporary artwork, specifically fine crafts from Japan and the Pacific Northwest.

Where is it located?

It is located at 602-608 S Jackson St in Seattle's historic Japantown, within the Chinatown-International District.

What is the history of the building?

The gallery occupies the former Higo Variety Store (also known as Higo 10 Cents Store) in the Jackson Building, which was owned by the Murakami family since 1932 and operated as a variety store for 75 years.

What can I do there besides shopping?

Visitors can explore a mini-museum featuring artifacts from the old Higo store and attend artists' shows, author readings, and musical or theatrical performances.

How often are there exhibitions?

Exhibitions featuring art, craft, and design are typically scheduled about six times per year.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

KOBO at Higo is an artisan gallery and shop that blends modern design with the heritage of Seattle's International District. The name 'Kobo' translates from Japanese as 'artist's workspace' or 'studio,' reflecting its mission to showcase fine crafts from Japan and the Pacific Northwest. The space is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, providing a quiet backdrop for traditional and contemporary artwork. Founded by Binko Chiong Bisbee and John Bisbee, the venture began as an arts-and-crafts store on Capitol Hill in 1995. The Higo location opened in 2004, reimagining the landmark Higo Variety Store as a gallery. This site is specifically designed to connect modern-day Japantown with its past, acting as a bridge between the neighborhood's history and its current artistic expression. The gallery occupies the two-story Jackson Building, which has been owned by the Murakami family since 1932. For 75 years, the Murakami family operated the Higo Variety Store, also known as the Higo 10 Cents Store, continuously at this location. This deep historical connection ensures the place remains a landmark of the community. Beyond its retail function, KOBO at Higo serves as a cultural hub. It hosts artists' shows, author readings, and musical and theatrical performances. The gallery also contains a mini-museum, with one wall dedicated to artifacts from the original Higo store, preserving the legacy of the former variety store for all visitors.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the dedicated wall of artifacts from the old Higo Variety Store to learn about the neighborhood's history.
  • Check the official website for current exhibition dates, as the gallery schedules art and design shows about six times per year.
  • Allow time to browse the fine crafts from both Japanese and Pacific Northwest artisans.

Nearby context

Located at 602-608 S Jackson St in Seattle's historic Japantown within the Chinatown-International District, KOBO at Higo occupies a building with deep ties to the Murakami family and the neighborhood's heritage.

Sources

Evidence and links