This is a series of articles introducing stylish souvenirs chosen by Kyoto's stylish people that will impress your recipient. In this ancient capital, where tradition and fashion are strict, we introduce delicious and everyday "omotase" (gifts) beloved by locals. Our first guest is Noriko Okamoto, the second daughter of the owner of Okazen, a Kyoto kimono fabric maker with over 200 years of history. She also designs costumes for geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) in Kyoto's five geisha districts. Her Kyo-yuzen and Nishijin-ori (woven textiles) are popular with the general public and feature elegant Kyoto patterns. "I choose souvenirs that evoke Kyoto. Chirimen sansho (dried chirimen sansho) is compact and easy to carry, making it the perfect gift for guests visiting from afar. Chirimen sansho, once cooked in every Kyoto household, is now a staple Kyoto souvenir. It's sold in a variety of stores, and many people are accustomed to eating it, so I'll try something a little different." Okamoto's favorite is the dried baby sardines with Japanese pepper from Izawa Seibei. They come in two varieties: the "black" version, cooked with black shichimi spices from Hararyokaku in Gion, and the "white" version, containing yuba from Hanbeifu in Gojo Ohashi. "When you open the bag of the black version, the pungent aroma of black shichimi spices gently wafts through the air, really stimulating your appetite. Mixing the "white" version with rice makes the yuba moist and soft, making it perfect for onigiri. It contains no artificial seasonings or additives, so it has a gentle texture and aftertaste. It comes in a resealable bag, making it easy to store, which is another plus point." The address is 296 Oike-no-cho, Muromachi-dori Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. Business hours are 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Wednesdays. Picking up some errands in a traditional Kyoto townhouse is a truly Kyoto experience.