A Beauty Experience to Enjoy with All Five Senses. Introducing “CHEF de BEAUTĒ kyoto,” Born in Kyoto.

Hello, I’m Rina, a writer for Kodawari Times.
Kyoto is home to the beautiful streetscapes that Japan is so proud of. From historic temples and shrines to traditional Japanese houses and Kyoto cuisine, a delicate sense of beauty permeates every aspect of life here. While outward beauty is certainly a draw, the spirit of hospitality—a consideration for others—and the inner beauty symbolized by wabi-sabi are also major attractions.

Today, I’d like to introduce “CHEF de BEAUTĒ kyoto,” a new-concept beauty spot where you can experience Kyoto’s aesthetic sensibility with all five senses. It’s a special place that nurtures you from the inside out, guiding you toward true, essential beauty.

 

Kyoto’s New Hotspot: “CHEF de BEAUTÉ kyoto”

Tucked away at the end of an alley, a short distance from the bustling Nishiki Market—Kyoto’s culinary heart—lies “CHEF de BEAUTÉ kyoto,” a serene sanctuary.
“CHEF de BEAUTÉ,” a skincare brand developed by Momotanijuntenkan Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)—known for its long-selling “Bigansui (Beauty Water)” product, which has been on the market for over 140 years—opened its first experiential flagship store on April 29, 2026.

In the quiet interior, where you can forget the hustle and bustle outside, you’ll find yourself immersed in a moment of self-reflection, guided by textures and scents. Another appealing aspect is the opportunity to craft your own sense of “comfort”—one that feels just right for you right now—as you carefully tune into each of your senses.

 

The Highlight is the Hand Cream Customization Experience

One experience you won’t want to miss at “CHEF de BEAUTÉ kyoto” is the special program where you can create your very own custom hand cream.

Just as a chef doesn’t impose a set recipe, but rather crafts a dish that harmonizes with your physical condition, the weather, and your mood on any given day, skincare is no different. This experience was born from the desire to work together to find the “comfort that feels just right for you right now.”

Just as a chef prepares a meal, our skilled “beauty chefs” will guide you through the process of selecting each base texture and fragrance one by one, helping you create a product that perfectly suits your individual needs.

3 steps to custom-making

1. [Touch] Choose a Texture

From a range of foundations that offer subtle differences—such as how they melt into the skin or blend together the moment they’re applied—I select the one that feels most comfortable using only the touch of my fingertips.

2. [Smell] Discovering Scents Based on Your Mood

Select a scent that matches your mood or the atmosphere of the day. The chef will blend it with a base right there on the spot, and you’ll enjoy the moment when the fragrance comes to life together.

3. [Vision] Dressing to Reflect Your Lifestyle

Choose from three colors inspired by Kyoto—Yuba (tofu skin), Ume (plum), and Hojicha (roasted green tea)—for the packaging of your finished cream, and create your very own hand cream.

[Hand Cream Customization Experience]
Price: 2,420 yen (tax included; includes experience and product cost) / No reservation required

 

Fragrances that bring comfort to your daily life

In addition to our skincare line, the store also carries “Scent Tag,” a home fragrance collection designed to let you enjoy delightful scents. One of the highlights is that you can easily take home your favorite scents, such as Rose Garden or Osmanthus After the Rain.

Since it features a hook design, you can hang it wherever you like—such as in a closet, on a doorknob, or inside your car. By gently infusing your daily life with a subtle fragrance, it creates a soothing atmosphere that helps you unwind.
It’s the perfect treat for yourself, and also makes a wonderful souvenir that showcases Kyoto’s unique sensibility.

 

Let’s visit a beauty shop with a fresh new vibe

“CHEF de BEAUTÉ kyoto” goes beyond just outward appearance to harmonize your inner self and senses. This experience, which engages all five senses to explore “beauty,” offers a new perspective that transcends traditional beauty standards.

In addition to the hand cream customization experience, the salon offers a variety of other programs, including skincare sessions, makeup sessions (priority given to reservations), and workshops on beauty (by reservation only). It provides an opportunity to reevaluate and carefully consider what constitutes your “best skincare routine.” If you’re visiting Kyoto, be sure to stop by.

Store Details

Store Name: CHEF de BEAUTÉ kyoto
Address: Meiji 1010 1F, 473 Sakai-cho, Fuyacho Rokkaku-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8065

Access: About a 6-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station; about an 8-minute walk from Hankyu Karasuma Station or Subway Shijo Station
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays *Excluding national holidays
Details Page: https://chef-de-beaute.com/pages/stores-kyoto-flagship
CHEF de BEAUTÉ Official Website: https://chef-de-beaute.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_de_beaute/