Nippori Textile Town
Tokyo's Fabric Paradise and Fashion District
Nippori Textile Town, known as Nippori Senigai in Japanese, emerged in the early 20th century as Tokyo's premier textile wholesale district. Located just north of central Tokyo, this 1-kilometer shopping street became the go-to destination for fabric merchants and clothing manufacturers. The district flourished during Japan's post-war economic boom, supplying materials to the burgeoning fashion industry.
The area survived the transition from traditional kimono fabrics to modern Western-style textiles, adapting to changing fashion trends while maintaining its wholesale character. Today, it represents one of the few remaining traditional commercial districts in Tokyo where visitors can purchase professional-quality fabrics at wholesale prices, making it popular with fashion students, designers, and craft enthusiasts.
Unlike typical tourist shopping districts, Nippori Textile Town maintains its authentic working atmosphere. The shops cater to both professional designers and hobbyists, offering everything from luxury silks and traditional Japanese textiles to synthetic fabrics, buttons, zippers, and sewing supplies. The district has become increasingly popular with international visitors seeking unique Japanese fabrics and materials.
Key Highlights
- Over 90 fabric and textile stores concentrated in one area
- Wholesale prices available to general customers
- Traditional Japanese fabrics alongside modern materials
- Popular with fashion designers and students
- Easy access from Nippori Station
- Unique shopping experience off the tourist path
Access Information
Location
Nippori 3-5, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0014, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Nippori Station (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Joban Lines) - 3 min walk
- • Nippori Station (Keisei Line) - 3 min walk
Opening Hours
Varies by shop, typically 10:00-17:00 (closed Sundays)
Admission Fee
Free to browse, purchases vary
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station
JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Nippori Station
20 minutes
From Shinjuku
JR Yamanote Line to Nippori Station
25 minutes
From Ueno
JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Nippori Station
5 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00-12:00) offer the quietest shopping experience. Most shops close on Sundays, and some close early on Saturdays. Avoid the last week of December and first week of January when many shops are closed.
Shopping Strategy
Browse multiple shops before buying - prices and selection vary significantly. Bring a measuring tape and fabric swatches if matching colors. Most shops sell fabric by the meter with minimum purchase requirements (often 1-2 meters).
Language Considerations
Limited English is spoken in most shops as they primarily serve Japanese professionals. Bring a translation app and pictures of what you're looking for. Staff are generally helpful despite language barriers.
Payment Methods
Many shops are cash-only, especially smaller establishments. Bring sufficient yen. Some larger stores accept credit cards. Wholesale prices mean significant savings compared to retail fabric stores.
Types of Fabrics
Find everything from traditional kimono silks and yukata cotton to modern synthetics, denim, wool, and specialty materials. Specialized shops focus on buttons, trims, zippers, and sewing supplies.
Shipping Options
Large purchases can be heavy. Some shops offer domestic shipping services. For international shipping, consider using Japan Post from nearby Nippori Station post office. Bring a large shopping bag or rolling cart.
For Fashion Students
This is where many Tokyo fashion school students source materials. Bring your student ID as some shops offer additional discounts. Staff can provide advice on fabric selection and suitability for different projects.
Combine with Nearby Attractions
Located near Yanaka Ginza shopping street and the traditional Yanaka neighborhood. Combine your fabric shopping with exploring this atmospheric old Tokyo district. Ueno Park is just one station away.
FAQ
What is Nippori Textile Town?
Nippori Fabric Town (Nippori Senigai) is a concentrated district of over 90 fabric and craft supply shops along a 1-kilometer street near Nippori Station. It's Tokyo's largest textile district, offering an incredible variety of fabrics, trims, buttons, and sewing supplies at wholesale prices. Both professional designers and hobby sewers frequent this area.
How do I get to Nippori Textile Town?
Take the JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, or Keisei Line to Nippori Station. Exit from the South Exit and walk 3-5 minutes. The textile shops line both sides of the street. The convenient location on the Yamanote Loop Line makes it easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo.
What kinds of fabrics can I find?
Everything imaginable: cotton prints, silk, wool, linen, kimono fabrics, costume materials, lace, leather, faux fur, specialty textiles, imported European fabrics, Japanese traditional fabrics, and more. Each shop specializes differently—some focus on quilting, others on apparel, bridal, or costume materials. The variety is staggering.
Are prices cheaper than regular craft stores?
Yes, significantly! Many shops sell at wholesale or near-wholesale prices, typically 30-50% cheaper than retail craft stores. Buying larger quantities often yields discounts. Even tourists can purchase at these prices without trade credentials. The savings make it worthwhile for serious crafters to stock up.
Do I need to speak Japanese to shop here?
Basic Japanese is helpful, but many shops have staff experienced with international customers. Pointing, using translation apps, and showing pictures of what you need works well. Shops display fabric prices clearly. Some larger stores have basic English signage. The shopping experience is straightforward even with limited language skills.
How long should I spend in Nippori Textile Town?
Serious fabric enthusiasts can easily spend 3-4 hours browsing the many shops. A quick visit to hit highlights takes 1-2 hours. If you're shopping for a specific project, allow 2 hours to compare options across multiple stores. The area is compact, making it efficient to explore even in a short time.
What are the shop opening hours?
Most shops operate Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Many shops close on Sundays and national holidays, though some major stores remain open. Thursday is traditionally a rest day for some textile businesses. Always check before planning a visit, especially if targeting specific shops.
Can I buy small quantities or only bulk?
Most shops sell any quantity, even small amounts like 50cm of fabric. While they cater to professionals buying bulk, they welcome hobbyists buying small quantities. Minimum purchases are rare. This flexibility makes it accessible for tourists wanting unique Japanese fabrics for small projects or souvenirs.
What else can I buy besides fabric?
Buttons, zippers, ribbons, lace, elastic, threads, sewing notions, interfacing, patterns, beads, sequins, craft supplies, leather working materials, and more. Several shops sell sewing machines and equipment. You'll find everything needed for sewing, quilting, and textile crafts all in one concentrated area.
Are there shops for specific crafts like quilting?
Yes, shops specialize in different niches. Tomato is famous for cosplay and character fabrics. Several shops focus on quilting with American cotton prints. Others specialize in bridal lace, Japanese traditional fabrics, or outdoor/technical fabrics. Browsing multiple shops helps you discover these specializations.
Is Nippori Textile Town good for tourists?
Absolutely! It offers a unique shopping experience showcasing Japanese textile culture, excellent souvenirs (fabric with Japanese patterns makes great gifts), budget-friendly prices, and insight into Tokyo's traditional commercial districts. Even non-sewers find it fascinating. The compact area is easy to navigate and combines well with other Tokyo sightseeing.
Can I ship purchases internationally?
Individual shops typically don't offer international shipping, but you can use nearby post offices or shipping services. Japan Post's EMS service handles international parcels efficiently. Fabric is lightweight, keeping shipping costs reasonable. Alternatively, pack fabric in your luggage—it's an easy souvenir to transport.
What Japanese fabrics make good souvenirs?
Furoshiki wrapping cloth, tenugui hand towels, chirimen crepe fabric, indigo-dyed textiles, kimono fabrics (silk and cotton), character prints (anime, Hello Kitty), and small fabric pieces with traditional Japanese patterns like sakura or waves. These are uniquely Japanese and unavailable in most countries at such prices.
Are there cafes or restaurants in the area?
Yes, small cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the district and nearby streets. The area isn't known for dining, but basic options exist for lunch or coffee breaks. The nearby Yanaka neighborhood (10-minute walk) has charming cafes and eateries if you want a proper meal combined with your visit.
Can I combine Nippori Textile Town with other attractions?
Perfectly! The old-town Yanaka district (traditional shops, temples, cemetery with cherry blossoms) is a 10-minute walk. Ueno Park with museums and zoo is two stations away. The trendy Kappabashi Kitchen Street is 20 minutes via train. These combinations create excellent half-day or full-day Tokyo itineraries.
What should I bring when shopping?
A shopping bag or backpack for purchases, cash (many small shops don't accept cards), a measuring tape if buying fabric for specific projects, photos or sketches of what you need, and a translation app. Wearing comfortable shoes helps as you'll walk between many shops. A notebook helps track which shops have what you want.
Do shops accept credit cards?
Larger shops increasingly accept credit cards, but many smaller shops remain cash-only. ATMs are available at Nippori Station and convenience stores. Bring sufficient cash to avoid disappointment. Prices are so reasonable that you won't need huge amounts of money for substantial purchases.
Is there a map of the textile shops?
The Nippori Textile Town website and some travel blogs provide maps. The tourist information might have maps. However, the district is essentially one main street, making navigation simple. Just walk along the street browsing both sides. Spontaneous discovery is part of the fun—you'll find shops specializing in exactly what you need.
What makes Nippori different from regular fabric stores?
The incredible concentration of specialized shops, wholesale pricing, variety unavailable elsewhere, traditional shopping district atmosphere, and the fact that this is where Tokyo's professional fashion designers and costumers actually shop. It's authentic rather than touristy, offering insight into Tokyo's textile industry.
Are there any must-visit shops for first-timers?
Tomato (huge variety, multiple floors, cosplay fabrics), Gorgeous (lace and bridal), Yamashiro (general fabrics, foreigner-friendly), and the various button specialty shops are highlights. However, exploring spontaneously often yields the best finds. Each shop has its own character and specialty, making browsing part of the adventure.
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