Anavrin Kyoto Gion Review

If you have ever wandered through Kyoto’s Gion district at dawn, you will recognise the quiet magic this kit captures. The moment I opened the box, I was transported back to an early spring morning strolling along the empty Hōkan-ji walkway – soft light, crisp air, and the faint scent of cherry blossoms lingering like a whisper. That same sense of calm and wonder is exactly what this DIY book nook brings to life.

The kit includes everything you need to build the scene: pre-coloured wooden pieces, LED lighting, an illustrated instructions, a front dustproof cover, a small filing rod, and all the miniature décor details. It is suitable for ages 14 and above, and requires two AAA batteries, which are not included.

You will need to supply a few basic tools – scissors for cutting the lantern papers, tweezers for placing tiny stickers, and craft glue. I used water-based glue at first, and it became quite messy when attaching the wax paper pieces, so I would strongly recommend using a silicone-based craft glue instead for a cleaner finish.

Assembling the Kyoto Gion set was a surprisingly therapeutic experience. Piece by piece, the scene unfolded. The 304 pre-cut wooden components push out easily from the non-coloured side and fit together cleanly. I did not even have to use the filing rod to sand down any edges.

The warm LED lights give the finished display its beautiful golden glow, and tiny accessories like planters and Ramen bowls make the whole street feel alive. And of course, there is Mochi – Anavrin’s signature little cat – waiting quietly by the lanterns. It is the kind of project that makes you slow down, enjoy the process, and feel genuinely proud when you switch on the lights for the first time.

Some parts of the build were challenging – like forming the umbrellas with stickers and assembling the temple roofs- but they were also the most fun and satisfying moments once completed.

When fully assembled, the book nook measures 11.4 cm × 18 cm × 23.1 cm and fits neatly on a bookshelf alongside your novels. It comes with a dustproof cover to keep everything clean, and I love the clever design feature where you simply touch the top right corner of the nook to turn the lights on or off. Changing the batteries is equally easy – just slide out the dustproof cover and the Kyoto-Gion’s sign to access the compartment.

One thing I really appreciate is the customer support. If a piece breaks or something is missing, they will send replacements to keep your Kyoto scene perfect. I did chip a few corners on the roof and photo frame sticks, but once placed inside, they were barely noticeable and did not affect the final look at all.

Overall, the Anavrin Kyoto Gion Book Nook is more than a craft project. It is a mindful escape, a beautiful piece of décor, and a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves art, travel, or miniature storytelling. It makes a wonderful birthday or Christmas present – and this set has truly captured my heart. You can get it from Anavrin DIY Book Nook website.

And now for the exciting part – Anavrin is giving one of my followers the Kyoto Gion kit worth £69.99! Good luck, and enter through Gleam!

Win Anavrin Kyoto Gion Set worth £69.99

House Rules for Giveaways (Gleam):

• Open to UK residents only, aged 18 or over.
• One winner will be selected via Gleam and announced on this page.
• The winner will be contacted by email within 3 days of the competition ending. If no response is received within 28 days, another winner may be selected.
• Your contact details will be shared with Anavrin solely for prize fulfilment. They will not be shared with any third parties by ET Speaks From Home.
• The prize will be sent directly by Anavrin.
• ET Speaks From Home is not responsible for delivery delays or any damage to the prize during transit.
• If the original prize is unavailable, the company reserves the right to substitute it with a prize of similar type and value.
• Entries using software or automated systems to generate bulk entries will be disqualified.
• By entering, you agree that your first name and last initial (e.g., from your Facebook profile) may be published via the Gleam widget if you are the winner.
• Giveaway dates: 25/11/2025 at 12:00 am to 01/01/2026 at 11:59 pm.

Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own.