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Tokyo’s Fabric Paradise

By on March 19, 2018

Meister buy Yuzawaya Ginza

Textiles, and kimono in particular, have been an important part of Japan’s cultural history for centuries.

Kimono, obi, yukata, and furushiki are just a sampling of what’s out there. For quilters, textile artists and home decorators, there is an abundance of fabric stores and vintage kimono shops with a range of products, and a seemingly endless supply of vintage kimono.

Moving to Japan two years ago was like arriving in fabric paradise for this avid quilter and amateur collector of textiles. When my daughters and I became involved in Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese dance) I searched for reasonably priced, second-hand silk kimono and obi. I found them in vintage and second hand shops, flea markets and even photo shops where they rent kimono for photo sessions and sell them after a few seasons.
In addition to the interesting antique textiles to be found all over Tokyo, there are many excellent fabric stores that sell both traditional and contemporary fabrics. Since I joined a Japanese quilting group, I often use a combination of vintage fabrics with new fabrics to create a contrast in color and texture.
Here’s where you can find your favorite fabrics.

Fabrics

Yuzawaya Kamata
Nearest station: Kamata (look for Yuzawaya map inside JR station). www.yuzawaya.co.jp
This place is huge and great for fabric and miscellaneous sewing needs, as well as crafts of every kind.  Try Ginza too for more sophisticated fabrics.

Tomato
Nearest station: Nippori (follow the signs to Nippori Textile Town, it’s several blocks down on the left).
Four or five stories of wonderful fabric, good prices.

Momenya Makino (Cotton Shop Makino)
Nearest station: Shimo Kitazawa (take south exit, turn right continue down the street, shop is on your right).
A family-run place packed to the gills with
wonderful traditional and contemporary fabrics.

Vintage Kimono Shops

Tansuya Azabu Juban
Nearest station: Azabu Juban
http://tansuya.jp/shop/kanto/detail/azabujuban.html
This is a sweet little place near a vegetable/fruit market on a back street of Azabu Juban. See website for map. Lots of kimono, obi and friendly staff.

Fukusukedo
Nearest station: Nippori
www.fukusukedo.net
Another charming shop with yukata, kimono, obi and vintage kimono scraps for quilting.

Oriental Bazaar
Nearest station: Omotesando or Harajuku This well known institution has good quality second-hand kimono and obi downstairs, as well an independent vendor selling upstairs.

Flea Markets
There are flea markets almost every weekend in and around Tokyo. I use the excellent “Flea Markets Of Japan” book, by Theodore Manning.

About Carine Veruschueren