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  4. Five Top Kyoto Clothing Experiences for the Fashion Conscious Shopper

Five Top Kyoto Clothing Experiences for the Fashion Conscious Shopper

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Takumu Ogama

I have been living in Kyoto, Japan since I was born. I have a lot of friends in other countries. So, I know how poor their knowledge about Kyoto is. That is why I am trying to share food, culture, and stuffs like those with people around the world. I hope my articles will be useful for your trip.

What better way could there be to experience the rich culture of Japan than by sightseeing around beautiful, old Kyoto. But did you know that Kyoto also offers some of the most exciting fashions in Japan? From sophisticated designer brands to recycle clothing, trendy boutiques to department stores – this lovely city has it all, including unique Kyoto clothing not sold anywhere else! So here is my personal list of five of Kyoto’s must-visit stores for all your specialty clothing needs.

 

If you are interested in Kyoto as the downtown, please check here:

Things to do and where to stay in Downtown Kyoto

Fujii Daimaru Has Many Kinds of Clothing Stores Fin Kyoto Downtown 

Just a short walk from Kawaramachi Station, Fujii Daimaru department store is 7 floors of absolute heaven for the fashion conscious of any age.

Ladies’ and men’s fashions include well-known Japanese clothing labels such as Beams and Comme des Garçons, as well as international clothing brands like Paul Smith and The North Face. There are even fashions for babies and kids on the 5th floor, along with facilities for nursing mothers and one of the stores 5 coffee bars – for when you need to take a break from shopping.

Website:https: //www.fujiidaimaru.co.jp/

 Traditional Japanese-Style Department Store, Daimaru Kyoto 

A couple of minutes on foot by direct underpass from either Karasuma Station, or the Karasuma line Shijo Station, is Daimaru Kyoto, another renowned department store with a history stretching back some 100 years or so. With 8 floors offering a wide range of adult and children’s fashions, gift items and restaurants, Daimaru Kyoto is one of Kyoto’s largest and most elegant stores; a perfect example of the now traditional Japanese-style department store

At Daimaru Kyoto (which, incidentally, is no relation to Fujii Daimaru), you will find top Japanese and international fashion brands, specialty goods, sportswear, bespoke tailoring, and more, offering shoppers the kind of mature, diverse and immersive shopping experience that Japan does so well. What is more, the store prides itself on exemplary service. But while you are there, please visit the basement food floor – a mouthwatering world unto itself!

Website: https: //www.daimaru.co.jp/kyoto/

Modern Clothing Store in Kyoto, Urban Research

Right opposite Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine and inside the Teramachi Shopping Arcade, Urban Research is one of Kyoto’s trendiest clothing stores. Hugely popular with young people and overseas visitors alike, the Urban Research store offers, as they say: “Unique clothes for urban people.”

Urban Research is what the Japanese call a “Select Shop” – one that sells clothing from a variety of different brands, both Japanese and imported, and which can be mixed and matched to achieve different looks and expressions of personal style. In fact, many of the fashion items on display are the result of collaboration between Urban Research and Japanese companies/designers, adding to that distinctive look and exceptional quality the clothing store is known for. In addition to men’s and women’s fashions, the clothing store has some really interesting and unique items on the basement floor that can only be found in Kyoto.

With the carefully selected clothing styles and accessories, and the clothing store’s ultra-contemporary aesthetic, Urban Research offers a refreshing change from typical high street shopping choices.

Website: http://www.urban-research.co.jp/company/english.html

One of the Most Popular Used Clothing Store in Kyoto, Clothing Shop JAM

In recent years, there has been something of a boom in the market for quality used clothing, and a burgeoning of recycle shops to fill the demand. Some would claim that the trend in Japan was started in Tokyo’s fashionable Harajuku and Omotesando districts, but the truth is that recycle shops are part of a wider global movement towards affordability and sustainability, as well as a more eclectic fashion sensibility amongst young people. No wonder then, that in a city with a large student population, Kyoto’s Clothing Store JAM has proven to be so very popular.

Actually, the Kyoto shop is just one of several JAM shops in the Kansai region dealing in second-hand Japanese and international fashions, classic 50s style Americana, decora, or just simple mix n’ match. The secret of the store’s success is in the quality of items they buy, accepting only well-known and designer clothing brands in good condition; this is good for both sellers and customers, who are often one and the same.

If you want to know how young Japanese are able to acquire such uniquely individual wardrobes on a small budget, Clothing Store JAM is the place to go – around 6 minutes on foot south-east of Kyoto Shiyakusho-Mae Station.

Website(Japanese only): https: //jamtrading.jp/kyoto/

Kimono Style Clothing Shop in the Middle of Kyoto, SOU SOU

Just a few yards north-west of Kawaramachi Station you can find an area of narrow shopping streets that lead towards Nishiki Tenman-gū Shrine known as Nakanochō. Here you will find SOU SOU, or maybe I should say SOU SOUs, because this is not just one store but several, each catering to different customer needs. There are individual SOU SOU stores for kimonos, womenswear, menswear, kids clothes, sports apparel, footwear, towels, everyday items, bags, and more.

Let’s take a look at just four of the SOU SOU stores, where you will find various clothing items that are unique to Kyoto and which cannot be bought anywhere else.

Website(Japanese Only): http://sousounetshop.jp/?mode=f94

SOU-SOU le coq sportif offers Kyoto Style Clothing × Sportswear

SOU-SOU le coq sportif carries a whole range of goods from the famous French sportswear designer, as well as many exclusive designs arising out of their association with SOU SOU, which includes hand-made shoes and tabi (Japanese socks worn with kimono).

SOU-SOU warabegi for Kids’ Kyoto style Clothing

SOU-SOU warabegi must surely be one of the most delightful children’s clothing stores on the planet. The ‘warabegi look’ is bold, colorful and expressive – like kids themselves. The clothing incorporates many traditional design elements from kimono and yukata to produce durable, high-quality clothing that is novel, eye-catching and unrestrictive. Seriously, if you visit SOU-SOU warabegi, you will wish you were a kid again!

SOU-SOU kikoromo is the Best Place for Women who LOVE Kimono

SOU-SOU kikoromo is the must-visit location for fashionable and discerning women of any age. The clothing store’s elegantly modern interior and friendly, helpful staff will straight away put you at ease to browse SOU SOU’s unconventional take on women’s fashions. Here the look is both subtle and revolutionary; sophisticated yet unassuming.

At kikoromo, the clothing often borrows features from traditional kimono design, though the aim is to create a freer, less formal and easier to wear kimono. Traditional kimonos might look dignified, but they are extremely difficult to put on without experienced help and impose a rigid, restrained bearing upon the wearer. SOU-SOU kikoromo’s designs seek to combine all the grace of kimono, with a more nimble, unbound sense of self.

SOU-SOU kei-i For Men Who Wants to Be Kyoto Style

SOU-SOU kei-i is the shop for men’s clothing, though the approach to male fashions is every bit as unique and exclusive as the women’s fashions. SOU-SOU kei-i is for the man who wants to be a little different from the crowd; the man who likes to cast off that business suit at the weekend and be himself.

 

Beyond Kyoto’s fashion scene lies a realm of traditional arts waiting to be discovered. One such experience is the ‘Hochoshiki Knife Ceremony,’ a profound ritual that showcases the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship. Participants witness the delicate art of knife-handling and gain insight into the ceremonial aspects of Japanese culinary traditions. This unique ceremony offers a deeper connection to the cultural heritage that influences Kyoto’s contemporary fashion and lifestyle.

https://www.hochoshiki-knifeceremony.com/

A sacred place for Japanese food, a treasure house of ingredients, Minami-Boso Takaya Shrine Kitchen knife ceremony "Ryumon-no-Koi" long story: edited by Minamiboso City Tourism Association Channel

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Summary

Did you see any stores that appealed to you? Of course, Kyoto has many, many more clothing shops, so finding a favorite is not difficult. But I hope these suggestions will have whetted your appetite to find something new and uncommon for your wardrobe; a wearable memory, if you like, of your visit to the ever-beautiful and amazing city of Kyoto.

Even foreigners can now have access to Geisha and Maiko

We are proud to offer an excellent opportunity for foreign visitors to Kyoto to meet and interact directly with Geisha, at an exceptional price, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 6 pm to 8 pm. This tour includes dinner, an English guide, watching a traditional dance performance, and be able to play a unique game with the Geisha.
Are you curious about this tour? Check the detailed information, and make an online reservation now to meet an authentic Japanese Geisha in Kyoto!

 

Make an online reservation to have a precious time with Geisha!

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