If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s both practical and beautiful, the tenugui is a perfect choice. Available in a multitude of colours and designs, these versatile cloths are a testament to Japanese craftsmanship, being as durable as they are stylish.
One of the best spots to pick up tenugui in Tokyo is at Kamawanu, a long-standing tenugui speciality store in Daikanyama that’s been around since 1897. Tenugui are deeply ingrained in Japanese lifestyle and culture. Hemp cloths, first used as prototypes for tenugui during the Nara period (710-794), later evolved into ceremonial accessories in the Heian period (794-1185), when they were used by aristocrats. After cotton cultivation became more widespread, tenugui transitioned into practical, everyday items and, in modern times, have become stylish and decorative pieces.
Kamawanu’s flagship store in Daikanyama is the perfect place to start your tenugui journey. The shop offers an impressive selection of 250 different tenugui in various sizes, colours and patterns, with fresh designs dropping every season. Aside from the Daikanyama store, you can browse Kamawanu’s collections at the brand’s four other stores in Tokyo as well as one in Nagoya. For those not in Japan, Kamawanu has an online store with international shipping available.
Not sure what to do with your newly acquired tenugui? These sustainable cloths have a long lifespan and can be used in countless ways – starting as beautiful decorative pieces and gradually transitioning into practical items for the kitchen, exercise, or outdoor use as they wear in over time. Here are some of our favourite ways to use tenugui.
Want to jazz up your outfit with a pop of colour or a fun accessory? You can style tenugui as a scarf or handkerchief around your neck, or even tie it around your head as a chic bandana-style headband. Another fun way to use the cloth is by twisting it over the handles of your handbag or even fashioning it into an accessory pouch or small bag with some smart folding and tying techniques.
Another way to integrate tenugui into your everyday life is to use it as a stylish piece of home decor. Cloths featuring beautiful imagery and patterns make stunning wall hangings when paired with Kamawanu’s specially designed wooden hangers, or they can be framed to add a refined touch to any space. Hosting a dinner party? Use tenugui as chic table runners, placemats or napkins to instantly elevate your table setting.
Skip the disposable bags and wrapping paper – tenugui make for stylish, sustainable gift wrap that doubles as a thoughtful gift in itself. It adds a special touch to any gift and can easily be used to wrap boxes – even wine bottles.
The cloths are also perfect for wrapping bento or lunch boxes to take to work or a picnic. Their versatility doesn’t stop there – you can even use them to cover and carry small fruits like oranges and apples, or even fold them into a cup sleeve to protect your hands and catch condensation.
If you tend to work up a sweat, tenugui are a great addition to your sports bag. They’re thin, lightweight, and compact – perfect for all kinds of activities. Made from absorbent, breathable cotton, tenugui are soft on the skin and ideal for wiping away moisture. Because they add no bulk, you can comfortably wear them under a hat or helmet. They also work surprisingly well as stretching aids, offering gentle resistance.
Beyond their function, tenugui come in a wide variety of fun prints and patterns, making them easy to style with both casual and athletic wear. They’re especially suited for active lifestyles – think running, skateboarding or even yoga – where versatility and lightness really count.
Additionally, those adventuring in the outdoors might find tenugui useful in emergency situations. For instance, the cloths can serve as a temporary bandage or even a makeshift brace when needed.
As your tenugui naturally soften and break in over time, they can become even more useful – especially in the kitchen. Once worn in, these cloths are perfect for everyday tasks: from wiping down surfaces and drying dishes to serving as reusable napkins or even a makeshift bib.
Made from flat-weave cotton, tenugui minimise fuzz and won’t shed lint, making them perfect for polishing or drying delicate items like wine glasses. Their lightweight, quick-drying nature also makes them a practical and eco-friendly choice.