Skip to main content

Nippori Fabric Town: Tokyo’s Textile Paradise



Just a few minutes’ walk from JR Nippori Station’s East Exit, you'll find a hidden treasure for anyone who loves fabrics, sewing, or handicrafts — Nippori Fabric Town(日暮里繊維街). This compact but densely packed street stretches for a few blocks and has become a beloved destination for both industry professionals and amateur creators alike.


A Haven for Creators


Originally a textile wholesale district for professional tailors and designers, Nippori Fabric Town has evolved into a welcoming place for all kinds of makers, from students and hobbyists to tourists in search of unique souvenirs. You’ll find everything from traditional Japanese prints and cottons to lace, leather, denim, and a stunning variety of accessories like buttons, threads, and zippers.

Many shops reflect Japan’s aesthetic — indigo-dyed cloth, sakura patterns, or yukata-style prints — making it especially appealing to international visitors. And since many shops open around 10:00 a.m. and close by 6:00 p.m., it's a good idea to visit earlier in the day. Do note that many stores are closed on Sundays.

Buy Exactly What You Need – Or Enjoy the Remnant Hunt

Most shops sell fabric by the meter, but some are happy to cut as little as a few dozen centimeters, while others require a minimum of one meter. It's best to check in advance, depending on your project needs.

In addition to domestic shipping, some stores also offer international shipping via EMS, UPS, DHL, and other services. If you're visiting from abroad or planning to send your purchases overseas, it's a good idea to ask individual stores about their shipping options.

One of the most enjoyable parts of shopping here is exploring the hagire (fabric remnant) sections. These pre-cut fabric pieces are often sold at bargain prices — sometimes as low as 100 yen. They’re perfect for patchwork, small accessories, or travel souvenirs, and since they’re lightweight and uniquely Japanese, they make ideal gifts to bring home.



While many shops accept cards, it's best to bring cash, especially when shopping at smaller, family-run stores that may not support credit payments.

Don’t Miss Tomato


The most famous store in the area is undoubtedly Tomato, a multi-story fabric emporium known for its red-striped awning and massive selection. Its flagship store spans five floors, each devoted to a different category of fabric: cotton prints, knits, denim, discounted remnants, and more.




Tomato is well-organized and foreigner-friendly, with prices clearly labeled and basic English assistance available. Even if you’re not a crafter, walking through Tomato is a fun and memorable experience.


Small Street, Big Inspiration

Though the street is relatively short, Nippori Fabric Town is packed with character. If you plan to browse leisurely, set aside at least half a day. You might stumble upon rare or vintage patterns in tucked-away shops, or chat with shop owners about the fabrics' origins.

Whether you're a skilled maker or simply want to take home a piece of Japan’s textile culture, Nippori Fabric Town offers creativity, color, and inspiration at every turn.

Nippori is also conveniently located near popular sightseeing areas like Ueno and Asakusa, so it’s a great idea to include a visit to Fabric Town as part of a broader Tokyo itinerary.

 

Labels:
Location: 日本、〒116-0014 東京都荒川区東日暮里６丁目４４−６

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Ebisu – A Neighborhood Blessed by Gods and Beer

Among Tokyo’s many stylish districts, Ebisu has a special charm. Perched on hilly slopes, the area gathers sophisticated shopping complexes and international restaurants, while also being home to many foreign residents. It is a place where comfort and high-class living, everyday life and a touch of the extraordinary, mingle harmoniously. Ebisu is also conveniently adjacent to Shibuya and Daikanyama, making it easy to access and explore as part of a day in Tokyo. When deciding where to have dinner in central Tokyo, Ebisu is a neighborhood worth remembering. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it so distinctive. The Origin of the Name “Ebisu” Ebisu ( えびす ) is one of Japan’s “Seven Lucky Gods,” a group that includes deities from Buddhism, Hindu traditions, and Japan’s own ancient beliefs. He is depicted holding a fishing rod and a sea bream, symbolizing prosperity in business and bountiful catches from the sea. To this day, Ebisu remains a beloved figure. And yet, the dir...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why Do So Many Japanese Retirees Become Soba Masters?

SOBAGIRI RAKUJYO In Japan, there’s a curious and often heartwarming trend. After years of commuting, overtime, and corporate life, some Japanese salarymen retire and suddenly… take up soba-making by hand. Their friends chuckle. Their kids roll their eyes. “Seriously? Dad’s becoming a soba chef now?” But behind the jokes lies something very real: the quiet joy of working with your hands, and the meditative rhythm of turning buckwheat flour into something deeply nourishing. What Is Soba? Soba noodles are thin, light noodles made mainly from buckwheat flour, often mixed with a bit of wheat flour for elasticity. A common blend is 80% buckwheat and 20% wheat, known in Japan as ni-hachi soba . Soba lovers often debate the ideal flour ratio like wine lovers debate grape blends. You can eat soba hot in a savory broth or cold with dipping sauce — it's enjoyed all year but plays an especially symbolic role on New Year’s Eve, when toshikoshi soba is eaten to mark the transition to th...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Most "Unassuming" Ward in Tokyo? Exploring Kita Ward, Oji, Autumn in Asukayama Park

Among Tokyo’s 23 wards, there’s one area often called the most unremarkable . That’s Kita Ward — literally “North.” Kita = North. Simple as that. But there’s a reason behind that plain name. As the name suggests, Kita marks the northern gateway to Tokyo . Bordering Saitama Prefecture , it has long been considered the entrance to Edo — the historical Tokyo — since samurai times. The Northern Gateway: Oji Station At the heart of Kita Ward stands Oji Station , one of the city’s northernmost transport hubs. This time, I visited Oji on an autumn day to see what kind of charm this quiet part of Tokyo holds. The Slopes of Oji Tell a Story Step out of Oji Station, and you’ll immediately notice the slope.　Here, the flat streets from downtown Tokyo suddenly rise, reminding you of the city’s dramatic terrain. Today it’s neatly paved, but in the past, this was known as the beginning of a difficult hill road. At the top lies Asukayama Park , created in the 18th century by the eighth...
Post a Comment
Read more