How to Smoke with a Traditional Japanese Pipe inside a 300 years old Machiya townhouse in Kyoto

Despite having lived in Japan for 10+ years, I never really knew anything about KISERU, traditional Japanese smoking pipe. Luckily I was able to visit the Tanigawa Kiseru shop in Kyoto and learned about the history and culture of Kiseru in Japan. I also couldn't believe that Tanigawa san's shop is one of the few Kiseru shop still standing...
Homepage of Tanigawa-san's 300 years old KISERU shop
www.kiserusenmo...
Homepage of Machiya Day 2023 (Events during 3/4~3/12 )
machiyanohi.jp/
#traditionalculture #japaneseculture
#machiya #kominka #kyoto #kyotovlog

[@RexxyRobin]

Dude's got the most positive vibe ever. His smile is radiant.

[@O___P]

As a pipe smoker, kiseru are a god-send. They take about as much time to smoke as a cigarette, and they also work with western tobacco (though it takes some experience to get them lit). Great for when you're on the move or at work and can't take forever off to smoke.

[@ObscurumMetallicus]

Right, that japenese Kizami-tobacco is the finest cut "shag" like tobacco I have ever seen, and it seemed like a bright virginia. I wonder if it's even possible to get that kind of tobacco in America or Europe.

[@rickhapstley3866]

@@ObscurumMetallicus It's very hard to find, but you can try to cut it yourself, whole cured tobacco leaves are inexpensive. Takarabune used to be made in Belgium, I don''t know if that's the case anymore

[@LeeePowers]

Is the shag type tobacco finer than Drum Rolling tobacco? Sometimes I need a small bowl. Waiting for next GT7 lobby and the like.

[@O___P]

@@LeeePowers Never had that specific type, but from pictures it seems about the same

[@michaelripley4528]

@@ObscurumMetallicus Bali shag red Virginia, i use for handrolling cigarettes, in Denmark😎

[@heribertohernandez2910]

Arigato The owner seems genuinely pleased with what he does. Good vibes for sure let's hope the younger generations will keep a lot of the old crafts alive.

[@1976ondy]

i noticed he was very happy to share his art, i love Japanese culture and humor

[@fractrum7111]

Thank you so much for your Video! I was able to visit Kyoto last week and visit Tanigawa-san’s shop and purchase a beautiful Kiseru from him! I unfortunately speak no Japanese but we were able to communicate well via a digital translator he had on hand. He is an incredibly lovely and friendly man - a true artisan as well. As I understand, he’s the 9th generation to run the shop since the Edo period and I hope I’ll be able to visit his shop (and Japan) again soon. If you ever are able to visit Kyoto, please please visit him! You will not be disappointed :)

[@shawnadyment]

I used to have a Japanese roommate who would use a kiseru pipe for smoking cannabis, always thought the pipes looked very elegant! My Dad also smokes tobacco from a pipe, I wonder if he would like one of these. Next time I visit Kyoto I will search!

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

I think it makes a great souvenir (just as decoration) even for people who don't smoke! Your Japanese roommate is on top of his game 😂

[@maikbelke3113]

Ahaha I'm looking to do the same thing xD ur former roommate sounds like a cool dude 🔥 Also ... These kiseru pipes look amazing and how adorable is the merchant 🫰

[@Jok3r00]

Whenever cannabis is talked about remember there is always a stoner around the corner to have a smoke with.

[@flaminggorilla909]

​@@Jok3r00 Somebody said cannabis!!!?!???

[@Dani.G_German]

Funny seeing from what I’ve heard that the Japanese highly frown upon cannabis

[@Retro_Ra]

I purchased a kiseru from him in January and he told me he is the ninth generation owner and they make all the pipes by hand. It's in a magazine from the official Kyoto tourisim bureu of stores preserving traditional Japanese/Kyoto crafts which he gave me a copy of. Really cool guy who genuienly wants to preserve this part of the culture and the Kiseru itself is exceptional.

[@JamesGoetzke]

Very nice. I'm 61. American and a pipe smoker. I hope I have a chance to experience this. Interesting looking tobacco. I smoke Dutch tobacco and Brier pipes. This looks so interesting. Peace and love to the people of Japan from an old American Navy veteran. ❤

[@apemancommeth8087]

I love how fine the tobacco is cut and it’s very long pipe to cool the smoke!

[@willmundell6741]

Thank you for this video! I bought a Kiseru from Tanigawa-san today. He was very kind and was patient with my inability to speak Japanese.

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

So happy to hear this!! Thank you for letting me know. Glad you enjoyed Tanigawa san's company.

[@TwOtHpAsTe]

what is the pricing like? Very interested in checking this place out.

[@Thrudv]

@@GoodOldHousesJapan Do you remember how much was the cost of the kiseru and the whole set?

[@Samuraistar92]

Awww such a cute Japanese grandpa who owns this store! ❤ He has such a calming reassuring presence. I wish I could drop by to meet him. He seems so kind and personable.

[@theoccasionalclaypiper]

Wonderful video and great presentation. Thanks for taking us the viewers along, to visit the Tanigawa Kiseru shop with you. ☺

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

No problem and glad you enjoyed the video! Since I don't smoke I am sure if a smoker goes there'll be more interesting conversations with Tanigawa-san :)

[@nikki_tay]

Absolutely wonderful I love this. Three hundred years, such a beautiful part of history. I hope this brings business.

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

I hope so too! I wonder if anyone runs an online shop for this yet?

[@SgtRocko]

When I was stationed in Japan, I got one of these pipes, but haven't used it... NOW I SHALL! Thank you!

[@elissitdesign]

I absolutely love traditional Japanese culture like this! Next time in Kyoto I’ll go here and support. I usually like to buy lots of things. This is now on my list!

[@wanwansamurai]

Oh hell yeah, that's the coolest thing I have ever seen. One day when I realize my dream of being in Japan, I am definitely gonna have to get into this.

[@evelininjapan]

I don't smoke but I could definitely consider buying a pipe just to support the work of art and memory of the culture.

[@kellykwongali]

You can buy one for me. :)

[@maybe183]

They are indeed well crafted and would certainly work well as an art piece.

[@TeslaWasHere]

Literally just did this today. Despite being interrupted by some rude New Yorkers in a rush, Tanigawa-san kept a good conversation despite my language barrier. What a skilled craftsman and great person.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I have seen a few of these pipes in antique stores and quite honestly I did not know they were for tobacco. I am a pipe smoker and I will go on the hunt for one of these. What a great piece of Japanese culture and tradition.

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

Please do! I don't smoke but I think it's a part of Japanese culture/history that's worth preserving.

[@SilvaDreams]

They were originally for tobacco but they also got used for opium

[@kilbonrobert]

chinese opium pipe @@SilvaDreams

[@zachnoll6245]

Ngl im wondering if he'd find it offesive if i i buy one and take it home to smoke green out of​@SilvaDreams

[@JoeFeels]

When the wavy hip-hop hook came in after OG wisped it, I knew this was the real. The store is a must-visit before I'm out. For any who seek it, the track is by this cat named Jim Swim...he got bars too.

[@irishsamurai9008]

Awesome video I thought those were opium pipes before now. And the pride he was speaking of about people's pieces and trays is how most people are with flower. 🤙🤘🤟🖖

[@gibrannicholau3447]

The shredding results of Japanese tobacco is very simillar to Javanese shag tobacco commonly used for roll your owns (mixed with spices such as clove, chinese rhubrarb, benzoid, etc.). The only difference is that traditionally the "bagal" or veins and midrib of the leaf are not thrown away. Only recently the Japanese way of pre-shredding disposal of midribs and sometimes veins were addopted.

[@Tsudoshi09]

Amazing I hope to see more and visit Tanigawa san's shop! I love the kiseru shame Koiki is so hard to get in the U.S it reminds me of the smell of tatami and tastes delicious. I hope to see more arigatou gozaimasu!

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

Yes do visit his shop when you are in town! Tatami smell and Buddhist temple smell are what remind me of Japan ;)

[@homecareful]

Excellent. Well done. I was a pipe smoker in the US for many years. Loved learning about the Japanese way.

[@joelkurowski7129]

5:44 this is how memes are made lol. As an American, I first became aware of kiseru when playing one of the Ganbare Goemon games on Super Nintendo. Goemon used a giant kiseru for his weapon! I was curious and did a little research. I found out that some kiseru had steel bodies and could be used to deflect sword strikes as well. They had an association with ninja because of this.

[@georgesimos4318]

Goemon for N64 was one of my favorite games as a kid!

[@SaxoGrammatic]

I read that when they banned swords in the Edo period, samurai carried ostentatious pipes as a status marker.

[@joelkurowski7129]

@@SaxoGrammatic that's very interesting!

[@carlarthur4442]

Very classy lovely bit of history 👌 👏

[@scaleartsg]

im a pipe smoker and seeing this for the first time makes me super intrigued to try it myself!

[@jamesblinzler7421]

Very cool thank you for sharing. I’m an American pipe smoker I use meerschaum pipes mostly of Amish type and some hard wood or burl wood pipes. A corduroy smoking jacket with pockets full of wood matches and Scandinavian mixed tobacco and different spices teas or root products to blend for flavor or effect. Would be happy to share recipes.

[@Hadrian9707]

As a cigar smoker, I definitely plan to give this a try. The whole reason I got into cigars 5 months back was cause I was curious about them and noticed how the way of smoking wasn't as harsh or even as unhealthy as cigarette smoking. Not to forget the most important thing: You actually enjoy the taste of the tobacco rather than just smoking to get a nicotine rush to cope with stress. Enjoying the taste of tobacco and relaxing is how tobacco was suppose to be smoked~ Really like the look of the tobacco Tanigawa san is using too. It's a lot different from the full on leaf or shreds of it I'm use too when smoking cigars or viewing cigarettes. I'll have to find one online I can buy along with that fluffy looking tobacco.

[@sargera1]

Cigarette is mixed while this is as pure as u get Also try get a clove cigarette like dji samsoe for a diff experience

[@Hadrian9707]

@@sargera1 True that. Of course tobacco in excessive amount is bad for you, but that pure tobacco will always beat the crap they put in cigarettes!~

[@Luketheplumpkie]

Thank you for this wonderful video. 300 years is a long time!

[@brianphillips1864]

Such a lovely effort showing this topic. Very very cool.

[@kraptastic333]

Arigato gozaimashita, awesome video on kiseru

[@slimpsy]

tnks for sharing it!

[@theblackgoldengirl1597]

It’s crazy how no matter the cultures and time period how things are the same today all over. We sit around with our smoke trays/ sets and special “flowers” w/ or w/o a drink alone and with friends talking shiii 😂 and relaxing. Old heads schooling and joking the younger. Relatable 🍃💨

[@noahlee350]

Awesome video, a great history lesson included too, I will have to get one when I come to Japan!

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

I am a pipe smoker but i love this video!!👍🤝🤝 The pipe looks beautiful! I wish I could find that tobacco in Europe!

[@ridwandwiatmadja3309]

U can use rolling tabacco which is fine cut

[@ZodiakAsHell]

Very respectful man and great shop. Loved the video.

[@John.Flower.Productions]

Tanigawa Kiseru is, by far, the classiest headshop on the planet. Domo arigato.

[@2FRESH-4U]

Smoke weed I’m in full agreement

[@juzqs]

fully agree bro I perfer woods 🍂🔥

[@heythatskarma]

I wanna get one and smoke only high end weed. Such beauty and art and history in a pipe. Definitely a conversation starter.

[@ThexInsidexMan]

This is such a cool video and smoke shot

[@tritonplayz1020]

I would like to visit this place just for the freaking history! its a living working relic from a time long ago yet its modernized i would love to visit

[@mindgames470]

I'm a non-smoker but I've always been interested in this kind of pipes. very interesting video. thank you for making it. well done!

[@66noobtube]

I'm totally sold on trying this now, it reminds me of a mix between the western pipe shown in the video, my Arabian Doha pipe, and smoking a hookah with the charcoals, but it looks like it would be so much smoother and more enjoyable to smoke, especially with the kiserus pipe length

[@極楽鳥-m8m]

Respect☺️🙏 Smoke+Weed💚🧡 "Happiness world kept"!

[@derrickharmon7980]

These are amazing for also smoking sift and good hash. We'd smoke a mix of fine sift or hash, a lil flower/bud and mexican opium back in the day..

[@1marktanderson]

Very interesting. Thank you. 😎

[@Egodeathforlife]

Although i strictly use cannabis i would definitely add one of his pipes to my collection

[@onioncontrol]

I used to use that same type of pipe to smoke hash. Works quite well for both finely shredded tobacco, straight hash, or a mixture of both.

[@ianbarlow9387]

Wow you guys smoke weed? How cool!

[@sargera1]

They used this pipe back in the days too even early chinese weed smoke was on this style o pipe

[@bigchief2331]

Good tobacco is one of lifes finest pleasures. Would love to try a kiseru pipe some day.

[@wolfteeth2334]

Very interesting video, I am a pipe smoker and I would love to try Japanese tobacco and have one of these amazing Japanese style pipes in my collection.

[@TheOpticalFreak]

Very nice! Thank you! 😊

[@imstupid880]

Thank you! I've had a kiseru for a while now and always wondered if you were meant to inhale or not, now I know!

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Thank you. I've always wondered about how tobacco was enjoyed. Very cool. (I like your choice of music too)

[@JohnnyMoscow]

The Japanese are so refined and polite. The pinnacle of culture.

[@richardp2309]

Don't.

[@rikukiviharju7537]

such a great video, will be watching more from your channel

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

Thank you Riku! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jeremyarroyo360]

My ancestors invented tabakko it is actually traditionally rolled in a fanta leaf call it a cohiba. It is used traditionally used for ceremony. Smoke session.

[@alavista4218]

Are you mentally ill?

[@VLADPowder]

I'm glad to see that my OCD specifications around bowl loading are backed up by ancient Japanese tradition ! So I'm not a crazy person, I just know how top load a mean bowl ! 😎

[@kellykwongali]

I wish i could visit here. I was in Japan once for a few hours and only saw the inside of an airport. .. The had sealed smoking rooms.

[@alexmojarro2065]

My friend gave me one for Christmas it's really good

[@DragonMasters525]

i need a kiseru so bad that seems more manageable then glass at any head shop

[@Beetle-JUS]

Hello I'm from Germany and I saw these Kiseru pipes already in internet shops. I was wondering how you can smoke with such a small pipe. In comparison to European pipes there is no room for tobacco. But you work with very fine cut. In Europe we have in comparison shag pipes. They have also a smaller head than usual, but still much bigger than yours. In Japan everything is more filigree. How long do you enjoy with one filling the pipe? In Germany we spend 15-45 minutes with one pipe. It was very exiting to watch your video and to learn, that also Japan has a long history of smoking pipes. You celebrate it (as we do) but it in different, but very nice way. I want to learn all ways of smoking a pipe and this is a very exiting way to do this. I also collect such different pipes and bought already two Tsuge pipes. Such a Kiseru pipe should be in my collection with all stuff around. Thank you for your video and all the experience you gave me. Best regards Jürgen

[@UlfMTG]

one filling of a kiseru lasts about as long as a regular cig

[@reismw]

So cool

[@CreatorCade]

I've got an antique kiseru pipe that I've had for years, I've tried to use it for regular tobacco but never had much luck with it.

[@J-DSPIPEDREAMS]

Great video thank you, my wife and I just started our YTPC channel, its allot of fun.

[@UnderestimatedA1]

Nice video! I enjoy the pipe as well

[@Vitorruy1]

he sounds excited to be sharing all those tiny details

[@DRooPY_eYeZ_tellsNoLies]

Awesome video!

[@oliversmith9200]

Thankyou very much.

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

Well, I was wondering if these would work with western tobacco, and I see in the comments that this is indeed the case, so, being in Japan right now, I'm going to have to pick one of these up for my collection! Very cool! Thank you for the video!

[@M2the72]

Bros skin is immaculate for a smoke shop owner

[@panzfaust9812]

love the history

[@RagingHamster8330]

Interesting! Thank you!

[@potatokitty]

An awesome concept I've only seen with shallow and tiny pipes.

[@kalesmythe]

Nice, like an antique one-hitter

[@bakarysylla6930]

Belle création . L'art japonais super

[@noorfazira3043]

Ok the bes japan ....banyak aktiviti di japan

[@JarodMoonchild1975]

Interesting video. But there was one thing you didn't cover in it, though. And that is, who are making the pipes, because it's not Tanigawa himself, he only sells them, right?

[@Aven-Sharma1991]

Japanese are very nice and helpful to their customers, they treat their customers so nicely and it makes you feel comfortable, it’s better than western customer service where they don’t even care about the customers and are very rude and abrupt and make you feel insignificant and stupid, I’ve always admired Japanese customer service and their manners, in general as people

[@jakecochran8808]

My gods this makes me want one so badly

[@YaoiMastah]

Why oh why, did I only now see this video when I was just in Kyoto, two weeks earlier, and our hotel was just a stone's throw away from this place?

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

I'm sorry to hear that....there's always next time....!

[@TheStageClear]

i really like the style of these pipes, are there versions which take active-coal-filters like modern pipes?

[@JapanReels]

I really enjoy your channel. Thank you for making this content! I'm thinking of buying a holiday home outside of Tokyo, so I'll be watching this channel closely!

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

Thank you and glad you liked the videos here!

[@acuriousrobot1375]

I've only ever smoked western pipes, I'd like to try a kiseru pipe and some japanese tobacco at some point

[@mark-fd8ol]

anyone subscribed to this channel. This is the real thing

[@adamsherman5024]

I personally own two and they are wayyy easier on the throat then a tradional american style country tobacco pipe. They are also smooth and the small bowl allows for a more mild concentrated smoke and also even burn

[@Kriswixx]

those pipes work great for hashish. head shops have em on occasion lol

[@lokimund7338]

The Smoke vendor really looks good for his 32years

[@downofdead12]

Wonderfull!

[@unexpectedmemes372]

japanese people always shock me love them

[@sthitapragnya9818]

It's an insane majestic place.

[@dkrol997]

Just curious do you happen to offer guide services? Iv been trying to learn Japanese for about a month now and have another 2 before my trip but am afraid of missing out from lack of communication lol, I do plan on visiting this shop when in Kyoto

[@nicodemus1828384]

The trader joes bag at the beginning!

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

Okay, now I want one.

[@evanf1443]

I appreciate the demonstration, might need to add one of these to my collection. Weren’t some kiseru designed to be used as self defense weapons?

[@maryt2887]

This video was extremely helpful to me in identifying a small pipe handed down in my family as a Kiseru. It has never been used and has a Japanese label which I cannot read with the date 3/11/26. As I am not Japanese, I would love to find an appreciative home for it. Is there anyone I could contact in the Washington, DC, area?

[@gullreefclub]

Interesting as a pipe smoker I would like to have one or more of these pipes as well as try Japanese tobacco

[@GoodOldHousesJapan]

Do visit Tanigawa-san's shop when you are in Kyoto!

[@fnc5369]

I love weed! Weed loves you too! Blessings to you Senpai!

[@bussinholidays9010]

What did he say they put the tobacco in the small purse haha I’m actually like how happy is to talk about it

[@stormrider8861]

I’ve had one of these pipes for years. I always thought it was a Hash Pipe and I’ve never used it.

[@jamesstmanhattan]

Gotta visit this place. P.S. An update is needed.

[@cromandum217]

damn dat dude be gettin hella lit up in da club

[@koreboredom4302]

Life advice: Your local old Asian man who smokes with this could cure your 10 bullet holes with incense, a wet towel and a mishmash of random herbs he grows in his back garden.