Discover Tokyo's Hidden Treasure: Nippori Fabric Town - An Unexpected Haven for Sewists and Crafters from Around the World
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Discover Tokyo's Hidden Treasure: Nippori Fabric Town
An Unexpected Haven for Sewists and Crafters from Around the World

By Elizabeth Webb for The J-Pop Exchange

When most travelers picture Tokyo, images of Shibuya’s scramble crossing or the glittering towers of Shinjuku might come to mind. Rarely does the humble Nippori district enter the conversation. But for crafters, sewists and fabric fanatics, this corner of the city has become a hidden gem offering one of the most unique shopping experiences in Japan.

Welcome to Nippori Fabric Town (also known as Nippori Textile Town, Textile District, or Fabric Street), a vibrant one-kilometer stretch filled with color, inspiration, texture and creativity. Nestled along the JR Yamanote Line, it’s easy to access but still retains a calm, local atmosphere. What once began during the early Taisho era (1912–1926) as a textile supplier hub has blossomed into a destination for everyone from curious tourists to veteran designers.

Today, Nippori Fabric Town boasts around 90 to 100 shops that sell every fabric and sewing tool imaginable, whether you're new to sewing or went to school for fashion design. Visitors will find everything from novelty fabrics to sewing tools.

Whether you're in search of a souvenir or looking to seriously stock your fabric stash, Nippori is an essential stop on any creative Tokyo itinerary. Here are some of the best fabric stores in Tokyo’s textile district:

1. Tomato
The Fabric Giant of Nippori
Tomato is the crown jewel of Nippori Fabric Town. Comparable to big-name chains like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics in the U.S., Tomato consists of several specialized storefronts (one for upholstery, one for discounted finds, another for tools, and more). But the main attraction is Tomato Honkan, a five-story flagship store stacked floor-to-ceiling with fabrics from around the world. Tomato Honkan is a paradise for fabric lovers, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable.

2. Mihama Cloth
Traditional Beauty in Every Thread
Mihama is a favorite among those seeking something uniquely Japanese. You’ll find beautiful prints of cherry blossoms, cranes, Mt. Fuji, and classic motifs -- all perfect for souvenir projects, kimono-inspired garments, or cultural decor.

3. Tsukiyasu
The Heart of Japanese Patterned Textiles
Much like Mihama, Tsukiyasu is a must-visit for fans of traditional Japanese fabrics. Hundreds of designs in all colors and sizes are packed into this store, offering options for garment-making, crafting, or even frameable art.

4. NIPPORIOMARU
A Candy Store but for Beads and Buttons
Step into NIPPORIOMARU and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a whimsical bead shop out of a children’s book. With walls lined like vintage candy jars, every corner glimmers with colorful buttons, beads, and other sewing notions. It’s a haven for embellishers and jewelry-makers alike.

5. On-Travelling
Kawaii Finds for the Accessory Lover
Perfect for those with a taste for cute, colorful and quirky, On-Travelling stocks sewing accessories and haberdashery items that lean heavily into the kawaii aesthetic. Think pastel buttons, embroidered patches, cute ribbon trims, and more.

6. Momo
Modern, Natural and Original
Finish your shopping trip with a stop at Momo, a hip boutique near the station offering original textiles made from natural materials like hemp, silk, cotton and linen, perfect for making garments. With soft colors and a modern vibe, Momo’s fabrics appeal to minimalist makers and eco-conscious creatives alike.

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Whether you’re building your stash or just browsing, Nippori Fabric Town is an unforgettable stop in Tokyo. The district invites visitors to slow down, touch, explore and get inspired.

More by Elizabeth Webb:

Japan’s Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity: A Country Like No Other

Spring in Japan: Chasing Cherry Blossoms and the Art of Floral Forecasting