The origin of Kyoto folding fans was a wooden fan made by placing slats of cypress wood together in the Heian period (794-1185) and called Hi-ougi. Later, fans made with paper and bamboo called Kami-ougi were created.

Along with the development of traditional cultures, such as Noh, Kyogen, and tea ceremony, various types of Kyoto folding fans had been created according to the purpose of use over time and Kyoto folding fans techniques that have been passed down until now were established. In the Edo period (1603-1868), some of the fan artisans in Kyoto were moved to Edo (present Tokyo) and started making folding fans there.

Various motifs including flowers, plants, animals, seasonal features, and landscapes as well as Japanese traditional patterns are used for Kyoto folding fans. Those with Japanese traditional ambiance are especially popular among foreigners as a gift. Nowadays, 90% of sensu fans produced in Japan are Kyoto folding fans.