Exploring Japan's textile treasures

I’ve just recently returned from an inspiring two-week trip to Japan. 🗾🏯🌸

As a lover of fabrics and crafts, I was excited to immerse myself in the rich world of Japanese textiles.

Many of you have asked me to share what I purchased during my trip and how I plan to use these beautiful materials. So, here’s a peek into my textile adventure, along with some tips for fellow craft enthusiasts planning to visit Japan!

Discovering Tokyo's textile haven

My journey started in Tokyo, where I visited the famous Nippori Textile District. Imagine an entire street lined with shops, each filled with fabrics, accessories, leather, beads, and trims—it was paradise!

While I didn’t have as much time as I would’ve liked to explore every nook and cranny, I managed to visit a few key spots. One of my favorite stores was Tomato, a well-known fabric shop with several shops in the district.

I picked up some gorgeous linen fabrics in my favorite shades of lime green and yellow, along with a soft cotton piece that feels like Tana lawn. What amazed me most was that all these fabrics were made in Japan! It’s rare to find textiles that are locally produced, and the craftsmanship truly shines through.

I also couldn’t resist buying some beautiful trimmings, even though I’m not sure what I’ll use them for yet. They were simply too lovely to pass up, and sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it!

A Journey through shibori in Arimatsu

Next, I traveled to the historic town of Arimatsu, famous for its shibori dyeing techniques. This small town was a bit off the beaten path, and we stayed two nights in nearby Nagoya to make the most of our visit. While there, I explored Narumi Shibori Museum and watched a demonstration of fabric being tied and dyed—a mesmerising process that results in intricate, unique patterns.

From this town, I brought back a stunning hand-dyed scarf and several small fabric pieces with beautiful textures. The level of detail and craftsmanship in these pieces is extraordinary. Although I’m not quite sure how I’ll incorporate them into my projects yet, I’m considering adding them as panels or pockets to future garments.

---

Kyoto’s flea markets: hidden gems

Kyoto surprised me with its charming flea markets, which offered a range of textiles at varying prices. Here, I found some incredible kimono fabrics, including a $10 men's cotton kimono that I plan to deconstruct, use for other projects and embellish with hand stitching. The soft linens and bold blues of these fabrics were a steal!

One of the most exciting discoveries was a piece of linen that had been used for kimonos. While these fabrics are narrower than typical western fabrics, they have a certain elegance and softness that makes them perfect for garment-making.

I really wanted a Boro jacket however, they were between $800-$1000 AUD. Although expensive and out of my price range, I can completely understand the high price and how they are truly a valued piece...such incredible Japanese treasures 🤗💖

---

A craft lover’s playground: Nomura Textile Shop

Kyoto also introduced me to the Nomura Textile Shop, a treasure trove of fabrics spread across three packed floors. From Liberty Tana Lawn to fine Japanese cotton and linen, the selection was vast, and the prices were slightly lower than what I would pay back home in Australia.

I purchased several meters of beautiful fabrics, which I plan to turn into tops and pants. The delicate prints and softness of these Japanese fabrics are perfect for everyday wear.

Along the way, I also grabbed some high-quality sashiko threads and accessories for future stitching projects, lace, buttons, brooches, perfect sized sewing notions.

---

Tips for craft lovers visiting Japan

For anyone considering a craft-focused trip to Japan, here are a few tips based on my experience:

1. Do your research: Japan has so many textile districts, flea markets, and craft shops that it’s worth doing some research before you go. Plan your visits and make sure to leave time to revisit your favorite spots.

   
   

2. Pack light: I regret not packing even lighter! If I could do it again, I’d bring fewer clothes and leave more room in my suitcase for fabrics and craft supplies.

   
   

3. Take your time: If you find a shop or market you love, consider spending more than just a morning there. Take a break, come back, and reassess what you’ve seen—you’ll be glad you did.

   
   

4. Explore beyond the big cities: Smaller towns like Arimatsu offer unique insights into traditional crafts and are well worth the trip.

   
   

Check out my video on YouTube to see me going through some of the things that I bought along the way...

Final thoughts

My trip to Japan was a whirlwind of inspiration and the fabrics I brought back are more than just materials—they’re pieces of Japan’s rich craft heritage that I can’t wait to add to and turn into something special.

Whether you're a fellow crafter or simply love the beauty of textiles, I hope this post gives you a glimpse into the incredible world of Japanese fabrics and inspires you to create something beautiful too!

Feel free to drop any questions in the comments or share your own crafting adventures!