Hanayagi the Japanese Garden Shop

Hols a lot of beautiful items. Personel was helpful. CoVid safety certified.

I absolutely love this shop and could spend all day just looking around and talking to the owner who is gracious, inviting, very nice and possesses great knowledge in the Japanese culture. Owner/operator not only took her time trying to help me find what I was looking for but she directed me to another shop when I was unable to find exactly what I was wanting for my mothers birthday. I happily found/purchased the perfect gift for my mother but I would have never found it without all of this owners assistance. I have already returned to this shop multiple times, had great conversations with the owner and have found many unique and beautiful pieces. There really is no other place like it in Albuquerque.

I cannot recommend this business. The items within the shop are nice, but, unfortunately, I have never felt welcome in this shop for as long as I can recall. The last time I visited this shop (2018), I was looking for a kimono for engagement photos in celebration of my Afro-Japanese heritage and my upcoming wedding. It meant a great deal to me to marry the love of my life and to embrace who I am as a mixed-race woman. When I inquired about kimonos in the shop, it was clear there were none in my size, but I received a lecture about body types appropriate for traditional kimonos and to not bother "trying to be traditional". Just simply telling me there were none in my size would have been sufficient, minus the rude lecture. My pursuit of a kimono did not deserve that conversation. I am very aware that I do not have a Japanese body or even face, and that conversation was unpleasant, inappropriate, and culturally insensitive. After that uncomfortable conversation, I did receive a great tip to create a modified kimono for my photos which I did. I do plan to have a custom traditional kimono made regardless of my appearance, and I will wear it. After this past experience in Hanayagi, I will purchase my Japanese items online or travel out of state. I have a traditional Korean hanbok made for me in South Korea in 2015, and even there I did not receive an inappropriate lecture from people that have lived there their entire lives. Saddening to be spoken to like that here in Albuquerque, for no real reason at all.

I have enjoyed shopping for unique gifts and visiting with the owner, Mary, for several years. I also sell textiles on consignment and Mary has always been supportive, easy to work with and knowledgeable. Hanayagi is a great way to ‘visit’ Japan.

A beautiful store, quite unusual for Albuquerque. We have been coming to Mary's store for the past four years, and have been impressed by the our overall experience. The store is quiet and serene, and is filled with high quality, authentic items - many handmade by Japanese artisans including the beautiful ceramic vases from the traditional kilns of Japan. It's hard to find good Japanese antiques and items that aren't kitschy or cheap knock-offs - these are the real thing. Mary is very knowledgeable about the items as well - I remember she explained about a beautiful bamboo lattice that was on display and how it was handmade by Japanese artisans that unfortunately is a dying art, and the way she is so knowledgeable about the Japanese culture and explains it to you, you can really tell this is her passion and she has spent her life learning about Japan. Mary is very helpful too, and very considerate of her customers. She is always happy to help you if you need help, but also lets you browse on your own if you want to do that as well. I love the way that she carefully wraps your purchase to ensure that it will survive the journey home intact - she really shows her care and dedication to her customers and her items. Whether you're looking for handmade Japanese woodprints, beautiful silk kimono, books and information about Japan, bonsai, or ikebana ceramic vases and snips, there is something for everyone at Hanayagi, and I think we are lucky to have the shop (and Mary!) here in town. There's nothing else quite like it.