Best Places To Buy A Kimono In Tokyo

While kimonos and yukata have fallen out of favor as an everyday fashion choice, they are still worn for festivals, special occasions and sometimes just for a day out. So whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or just to expand your wardrobe, Tokyo has some of the best kimono makers going. Here are the top spots to buy a kimono.

Kimono Arts

Store

Kimono Arts specializes in Japanese kimonos and accessories, as well as crafts made from the same intricately detailed fabrics. Purchase kimonos off the shelf or order one to be tailor-made to fit your frame. The store is located in Minato Ward.

Jotaro Saito

Building, Shop

This shop in Roppongi sells everything you need for a complete kimono outfit, from wooden geta sandals and obi, to fabric bags and accessories. Jotaro Saito’s collections are known to take traditional kimonos and yukata and transform them with a modern twist, whether it be an unexpected cut or a non-traditional fabric. Located inside the Roppongi Hills mall.

Y & Sons

Shop, Store

One of the many available styles for purchase

Y & Sons sells clothing, including kimonos and traditional Japanese garb, exclusively for men. Each kimono made by the shop is different from the next, ensuring your own unique style. From order to sale, the tailoring process takes around two weeks.

Antique Mall

Store, Shopping Mall

This two-story mall in Ginza houses shops selling antique and vintage kimonos among other things. Although it won’t be made-to-order and many are on the shorter side, buying vintage adds a touch of class to kimono attire. Antique Mall also has an Ebay store.

Hanamura

Shop

Hanamura calls itself an ‘atelier of obi’. Here you’ll find both new and vintage obi – the ornamental outer waistband worn with a kimono – you won’t find anywhere else. Rows of intricately-patterned fabrics beckon discerning customers. This shop is also located in Ginza’s underground.

Kimono Tamuraya

Shop, Store

Kimono Tamuraya is a large kimono shop carrying clothes from several different dressmakers, such as Chikusen. Chikusen has been in the business for over 150 years and carries a wide selection of both formal and informal kimonos and yukata. This is the place to go for a clean, simple and classic kimono.

Furifu

Shop

Furifu adds a modern spin on traditional kimono and yukata patterns. Their bright colors and off-beat accessories appeal especially to the city’s fashionable youth. For those who aren’t brave enough to take the plunge into a full kimono outfit, Furifu offers hybrid fashion options in four Tokyo locations.

Chicago

Shop, Store

This second-hand shop prides itself on being the owners of one of the city’s largest collections of used and vintage kimonos. Pick up a kimono, juban or yukata plus accessories from Chicago on the cheap. The only thing they lack is a good selection of kanzashi (hairpins).

Echigoya

Shop

Echigoya specializes in bespoke kimono-wear. Order your kimono and, depending on availability, intricacy and fabric, it will be completed anywhere from one to two months.

Suzunoya

Shop, Store

Very elaborate furisode, a long-sleeved kimono typically for unmarried women

Suzunoya is a one-stop shop for your basic kimono, furisode or yukata. They carry a wide selection, and that includes suitable bags, tabi (socks), fans and other accessories to go with your new purchase. The shop anticipates a foreign clientele, and so helpful English signage and duty-free shopping with passport are available (tax exemptions are provided in-store in Japan, rather than at the airport).