8 best kimono souvenirs in Tokyo: sneakers, tumblers, jewellery and more

Currently run by the third-generation owner Norikazu Shibukawa, Asakusa Tatsumiya was first established as a kimono retailer more than 80 years ago. However, Shibukawa decided to revamp the old business after finding a way to connect Japan’s traditional elements with Tokyoites’ modern lifestyles.

The shop features a gorgeous array of handmade kimono tumblers, each unique in design and therefore a real piece of art. They are adorned with the most elegant and intricate parts of the obi sashes made from exquisite Nishijin-ori silk fabrics produced in Kyoto. From the selection of the pattern to the tailoring, each tumbler is impeccably handmade, which explains the higher price tag – these cups range from ¥7,700 to ¥33,000. But it will be one of the most beautiful and practical souvenirs to take home.

Combining Japan’s passion for upcycling and sneakers, Tokyo Kimono Shoes is giving unused luxurious kimono a second life by transforming the fabric into gorgeous kicks.

Traditional silk kimono are typically worn only for special occasions and are otherwise stored away. To make use of these beautiful robes, Tokyo Kimono Shoes has been buying up unused silk kimono to turn them into unique sneakers. The shoes are 100 percent made in Japan and crafted with Japanese silk kimono and genuine Japanese leather. No two pairs are alike as each shoe features unique patterns cut from different kimono.

Truth is, most of us don’t get to wear kimono in our daily lives, but Wonder Fabric has a genius solution to help foster our love for the traditional garment. The brand is breathing new life into vintage kimono and obi-sashes by upcycling the fabric into a modern fashion staple – the cap. The best part is, every cap is unique since there’s limited amount of fabric in each piece of kimono.

Available through wonderfabric-store.com

Founded by Cristina Morini Sumi, who has a passion for antiques and Japanese culture, I was a Kimono upcycles used kimono into gorgeous fashion accessories and home decorations. Think Christmas baubles draped with beautiful fabrics as well as earrings and necklaces fashioned from kimono-covered beads. The kimono are sourced from various antique markets around Tokyo and are reinvented into new, modern forms in hopes of giving a new lease of life to items that were clearly originally created with much care.

Available through iwasakimono.com

Looking for something a little fancier than sneakers? Kyoto shoe brand Relier81 might just be what you're looking for. You’ll find a collection of shoes crafted from upcycled kimono and obi, with everything from chic mules with comfortable wide heels to sandals ideal for the warmer weather.

As a unique touch, the brand also accepts custom orders, where you can send in your unused obi or kimono to be turned into the exact pair of shoes you want. To get your custom-made kicks, visit the website and follow the steps, from choosing your shoe model to sending in your precious kimono.

Available through relier81.stores.jp

While wearing a full-on kimono might be a bit much for everyday life, you can still rock a kimono look with a shirt or jacket from Far East Fabric. The Fukuoka-based brand takes unworn kimono and remakes them into gorgeous shirts, vests and blazers for men and women. These one-of-a-kind pieces are a seamless addition to any wardrobe and can easily match with other simple closet staples, including jeans and dress pants.

Shirts are available in a few different styles – think short-sleeved aloha shirts to more dressy long-sleeved styles. Kimono shirts can also be made-to-order. This way you can ensure you have your favourite pattern and style, custom tailored to fit you and only you.

Available through fareastfabric.com

Kimonos are available both tailor-made or ready-to-wear at this friendly store, alongside a range of crafts and ornaments fashioned from recycled kimono material. Think adorable coin pouches and eyeglass holders made from kimono fabric to colourful handbags and cardholders. It's like carrying a little kimono with you everywhere you go. 

Originating in Kyoto, kimekomi dolls were traditionally dressed in exquisite embroidered cloths (such as kimono fabric) to imitate the aristocratic fashion worn by court nobles in the olden days. Tokyo-based doll-maker Mataro is now giving this age-old technique a modern-day relevance by crafting a Pikachu doll from an opulent floral fabric in the Pokémon’s signature cheery yellow. This elegant 15cm-tall Pikachu goes for a ¥16,500 and can be ordered online here.