Nippori Fabric Town: A Textile Paradise
Explore Tokyo's vibrant Nippori Fabric Town: a textile paradise with 90+ shops offering fabrics, leather, buttons, and sewing accessories for every creator.
Nippori Fabric Town, or Nippori Sen'i Gai, is a one-kilometer stretch of textile shops located just a few minutes from Nippori Station in Tokyo. Dating back to the early 20th century, this area has evolved into one of Japan's leading textile districts, attracting designers, fashion students, and craft enthusiasts from across the country and the world. Originally a wholesale district, Nippori Fabric Town began attracting textile manufacturers in the early Taisho era (1910s). The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and a fire in 1963 led to land readjustment and road system improvements, further spurring the area's development. Today, the main street, Nippori Chuo-dori, is lined with a diverse array of specialty stores offering everything from fabrics and leather to buttons, patterns, and sewing accessories. Among the must-visit shops is Tomato, perhaps the most famous establishment in the area, boasting multiple shops, including a five-story main building with affordable prices. Humongous offers unique woodblock-printed fabrics and hand-painted buttons, while Kawano And Leather specializes in leather materials. Whether you're seeking traditional kimono silk, modern cotton prints, or discounted remnants, Nippori Fabric Town offers a sensory experience filled with colors, textures, and endless possibilities. Exploring the Ura-Nippori and Oku-Nippori alleys off the main street reveals hidden gems with fascinating materials. Keep an eye out for seasonal fashion week sales and events, including the Nippori Fashion Design Contest.
Local tips
- Grab a free English map from one of the stores to navigate the vast array of shops and find specific items.
- Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and have a more relaxed shopping experience.
- Check out Tomato's main store for a wide selection of fabrics at affordable prices; be sure to pay on the floor where you make your purchase.
- Explore the smaller alleys (Ura-Nippori and Oku-Nippori) for unique and hidden shops with specialized materials.
- Bring cash, as some smaller shops may not accept credit cards.
A brief summary to NIPPORI FABRIC TOWN
- Higashinippori, 5 Chome−34−8 やまよ1号店内, Arakawa City, 5 Chome Higashinippori, Tokyo, 116-0014, JP
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Nippori Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Joban Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Keisei Line, Nippori-Toneri Liner), take the South Exit. The fabric town is a 3-minute walk from the station. Exit the station, head right at the first Y intersection, then left at the following T junction. Walk straight, past the MOS Burger, and turn right onto Nippori Chuo-dori street. Cross the street and continue straight; you'll soon arrive in Nippori Fabric Town. Subway fares in Tokyo typically range from ¥180-¥330 depending on the distance. A Tokyo Subway Ticket can be purchased for unlimited travel.
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Walking
From Ueno Station, it's approximately a 30-minute (2.5 km) walk to Nippori Fabric Town. Head north-east. Walk along the main road, passing Ueno Park on your left. Continue until you reach Nippori Station. Follow the 'Public Transport' directions from Nippori Station's South Exit to reach the fabric town.
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Taxi
From Ueno Station, a taxi ride to Nippori Fabric Town takes about 4 minutes and costs between ¥2,000 and ¥2,600. Taxis charge a flat rate of ¥730 for the first 1-2 kilometers, with an additional ¥280 for each 280 meters traveled. Note that there may be extra charges.
