I stopped by today just for a pick up order, but I've been shopping at KOBO for the past five years, both the Capitol Hill and International District locations. KOBO Capitol Hill is tucked away at one end of Broadway on a cute little corner that's easy to miss if you're not looking. They have an AMAZING collection of local and international art, books, and other small finds that make it feel like a new experience every time you visit. They also have virtual art shows featuring new artists every month, offering them platform to show off new work in a time where it might not otherwise happen. Due to Covid, they've taken a lot of precautions for their customers and staff, which I really appreciate. Private shopping sessions can be booked online, and curbside pick up was a really smooth experience! read more

I love this place! It so cute and has so many great gift ideas! 100% going back for some gifts later this year read more

KOBO Capitol Hill - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

WHAT A GEM!!! Everything in this shop is so beautiful, top quality everything. I love Kobo for gifts! The shop associate is a dream! So kind, knows everything about all the items in the shop and to top everything off, she will gift wrap your items if you would like. I LOVE LOVE LOVE KOBO! read more

Pre-quarantine, I always loved stopping into KOBO to browse. This store has such a lovely variety of gifts and goods, it's easy to find something for yourself, your home, and anyone on your gift list. I also have to give them huge props for handling Covid seamlessly - curbside pickup was fast and easy, and their website is almost as fun to browse as the real store! Of course I miss browsing the store, but they've done a great job of putting their inventory up online, with lots of photos, descriptions, and even sound clips of their wind chimes - so delightful. I can't wait to browse here again post-Covid, but in the meantime, if you're looking for gifts, do check out their website! read more

On my way to visit Volunteer Park, Interlaken Park and the Japanese Garden, I happened upon this adorable Japanese gift shop run by a sweet woman who was an architect in a prior life. Everything in the store is high quality and oh-so-lovely, I wish I could buy everything. The detail on every item from the traditional linen clothing to shoulder bags, to dish ware, a book on treehouses, the watches, jewelry and miniature origami folded inside a miniature glass bottles are so exquisite down to the final detail. I bought a unique, colorful Taki watch as well as some souvenirs for my family. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Japanese Garden afterwards to feed the koi next to the zigzag bridge for a perfect afternoon. Maybe you'll get a surprise visit by the resident heron as gift. read more

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Very rich in Japanese culture, meaning, if you look in the side of the store, there is a little story about how the family survived the relocation camp ordeal. Saved objects, photo of the jewish guy that saved their possessions and returned them when they got out. Very touching as the same thing happened to my parents. Cool hip art by up and coming artists with a japanese theme. Imported clothes and things from Japan. And right next to MoMo, which is another cute store. read more

Full disclosure -- I live upstairs from the owners of Kobo and they are so incredibly nice that I am, understandably, biased. That said, Kobo is a gem. Housed in a charming stone building with sweet window nooks and slanted eves, Kobo is where I go whenever I need a gift. I've purchased whimsical felt hats, modern Japanese prints, delicate tea cups, and fragrant soaps. This location has less art than the location in the International District, which suits this Cap Hill spot well. Funky or classy, cheap or expensive, you can find unique gifts for anyone on your holiday list. read more

Found this store during a short visit to Seattle - loved it! Kobo offers a well-curated stock of antiques, textiles, books and gifts related to Japan. It is located across from the equally amazing Harvard Exit cinema. I ended up buying a book and an interesting antique sake bottle. When I returned to Austin, I signed up for Kobo's email list. In one of the emails, I saw that they were selling the unique Karhu calendars from Japan - I emailed them, was able to order one by phone which they sent to me *fast.* Great customer service. Hope to return soon. read more

I don't love to shop. Members of my family (hi Mom) will tell you that I am notoriously difficult to convince to go shopping, don't seem to understand the meaning of the word "browse", and begin to yawn (or, on my worse days, sulk) after about 5 minutes. But Kobo might make a shopper out of me. So many interesting and/or adorable items. Including some bizarre ones, like the pair of oil & vinegar bottles shaped like very long dachshunds, where you pour out of the tails. And some "huh, I wouldn't think that would work but it does" ones, like the little cards with rows of vegetables on them. They also had organic cotton T-shirts with subdued nature-inspired designs on them. And koi with unhappy looking little boys riding on them. And a wide variety of bird-related items, including both tiny bird-themed calendars and life sized crow sculptures. All very interesting. All very... browse-worthy. And the saleswoman was sweet and patient and made me feel comfortable being there, not pressured to either buy something or leave. If it was all like this, I could learn to love shopping. read more

Kobo is awesome. It offers a unique take on the melding of Asian and American cultures. Here you will find stylish, unique works of art, knick-knacks and various other things that often serve the dual purposes of being functional as well as providing eye candy. The store is tucked away on the edge of the neighborhood, which makes it easy to pass up; however, this is not totally a bad thing since it keeps the relatively small space from becoming overcrowded from the hustle and bustle of the main Broadway strip. This helps make the ambiance of the store relaxing and inviting for those looking to browse. My wife and I stumbled in here a few months ago and were taken with the clean, modern and imaginative styles of the pieces sold at Kobo. The woman working there was friendly and non-invasive while still being helpful and friendly when we needed her. We fell in love with a few posters and just recently returned to buy one of them. Having been back a second time, the store and employee were both consistent in being inviting and helpful. Kobo is a store and art gallery, so prices range drastically depending on what you are looking for. Thankfully, there are plenty of choices for those not looking to spend an arm and a leg. They even offer a nice little sections for kids, including books, clothing and toys. I am impressed at how many neat little things there are to discover in Kobo's tiny interior. Definitely make a trip here if you haven't yet. read more

Admist all the latest bars and coffee shops covering Capitol Hill its really a shame not to find more small shops for picking up random nick-knacks etc. Kobo has been standing for quite some time and full of Asian theme'd oddities, jewelry, handmade glass ware that all make for fancy cool gifting. Miniature glasswares were my favorite and well curiated in the mix. Its a teeny little spot but you'll likely to come away with a card, trinket or two! read more

Unique knick-knacks that would please anybody. Bought a set of earrings made by a local designer.

A tiny "gallery" of mediocre quality "Japanese" goods, way over priced, in a very nice building and in a well put together space. The thing that makes these run-of-the-mill knock-off like pieces look good is in the space, combos and lighting. To someone who can see what they're selling is a feeling, the prices look ridiculous. Why spend good monies on whimsy trendy goods, just because the shop is small and in a nice building? But what's (who's) insulting is the owner. Literally. Aloof, unhelpful, short, and rude. I came in, thinking they were purveyors of fine Japanese goods who could help me find something- a kind of myth in this city, I'm finding- and they're just an importer of mass produced cheap stuff like the rest of 'em, except she is stuck up about it. read more

This is the original Kobo location, the more intimate and charming of the two; holding its own in the ever-vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. This family-owned business is hosted by the sweetest proprietors and staff who clearly are obsessed with the minutiae of detail, art, and form. Eclectic, yet intrinsically familiar, the shop is layered with discoveries waiting for your review. Whether you leave behind remuneration or not, a sacred gift will be with you as you leave this place for all the wonder and possibilities that can be found in sometimes small, unassuming packages. read more

KOBO Capitol Hill - Discover a plentitude of thoughtful, desirous possessions. - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I walked in here on a whim, and I fell in love. They have a lot of great Japanese items for the home or for a friend. They had some original tshirts that were really neat for $20.00, and some lovely art pieces. The prices were not that bad for most items. Check it out! read more

KOBO Capitol Hill - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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These guys have lovely things. They are rather chichi for my budget, but when I want to splurge on adorable gifts (lovely cards, children's books, jewelry, cutesie cooking stuff), this is my go-to. A perfect place to buy presents for your yuppie BFFs. read more

One of the coolest little shops in the city of Seattle. You really gotta check out this place if your a fan of pop art or Asia. Fantastic works from both Japan and local artisans. Unique gifts, art, clothing, paintings, jewelry, cards, etc, etc!! Every time I visit Seattle I go to check out what new items they have. A must for anyone browsing for things for themselves to a gift for a person who has everything. read more

Adorable little shop. Everyone who works here is so kind and personable. Great place to find unique gifts (most of which are by local artists). I've been buying my mom's birthday/holiday cards here the past few years. read more

Kobo is a beautiful shop full of pretty little things. They have incense, tea accessories, ornaments, Japanese scarves, pottery, toys (including adorable cats sewn from recycled cashmere sweaters), etc. It's an eclectic collection with something for everyone. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for Kobo yet. This is my to-go place when I need a gift, especially when I'm not sure what to buy. It's also a fun place to go when I have some money burning a hole in my pocket. If you love art, jewelry, animals, scarves, and Japanese decor, or you're buying for someone who does, check it out. They seem to get new stuff in fairly frequently, and the store has lots of packed little nooks and crannies, so I tend to spend a lot of time there. They offer free gift wrapping, and they do a really awesome job. It takes a while, but it's definitely worth it. Oh, and one of the workers isn't super outgoing, but whatever. You'll be okay. read more

Kobo is so cool! There are gifts and "artifacts" that you won't find in your average gift shop in Seattle, or anywhere but perhaps in Japan. They have curated a wide selection of jewelry, clothes, home goods. The vibe of the store screams authentic. The "Loveless BUilding" where it is located is cool as well tucked away right at Harvard and Roy, a great walking location. The day I was there they had a gorgeous model doing a photo shoot, very distracting. They say that the endorphines released during shopping are similar to those during sex and it confuses people to shop more. I was very confused that day. Maybe out of some sort of guilt, I bought alot of gifts for GF. Anyway, if you have a birthday, hostess gift or Xmas- this is a cool place to buy a unique gift. read more

I frequent the I.D. (Higo) location of Kobo, and I ventured to this store last weekend in search of a birthday gift for my boss. This little store was adorable and well curated, but it just felt very cold. I was very disappointed that the woman behind the counter failed to acknowledge me (she was reading a book and didn't look up, even with many customers in the store). She was very unapproachable and it soured me on even asking to look at an expensive antique statue that I was keen on buying. I won't be back anytime soon. read more

This is my go to place for unique gifts from the baby bibs to art for birthdays, weddings, etc. and most of my earrings come from here. Many new things to choose from... read more

What a sweet unforgetable surprise to find Kobo at the end of a strip of Broadway which is so forgetable! As an artist, I at once recognized the quality of the merchandise on display. This is my choice for interesting gifts which are beautifully wrapped by the staff/owner. read more

This is a gem, the lady is so nice and they have so many interesting pieces here. If only every store was as unique.

one of my favorite shops in seattle. lots of great unique finds.