From Heritage to High Fashion: 3 Must-See Kimono Boutiques in Kyoto
Hi, this is Shiho. Today’s video is about kimono. Recently I’ve been looking for kimono for myself and also as a gift. If I didn’t live in Kyoto,I would probably search and buy online because it’s easier. But here in Kyoto, there are so many kimono shops everywhere. So over the past weeks I visited quite a
few of them and in this video I’ll show you three shops that I really liked. So let’s go. Let’s start with YOUSAI. This place is all about variety. From kajar yukata to high-end kimono, they have it all. YOUSAI is one of the biggest kimono wholesalers in Kyoto. Usually kimono shops focus on either fancy or casual styles, but because YOUSAI is a wholesaler, you get to see everything in one place. That felt pretty special to me. If you’re interested in kimono and want to explore many types, this is a great place to visit. Since it’s summer, almost the whole first floor is filled with yukata. light cotton kimono that are cool and comfy. YOUSAI is said to have one of the biggest yukata selections in Japan. So, if you’re thinking of getting one, this is the place to go. I actually came here looking for something specific. I’m pregnant right now and in Japan,
we have a tradition called Omiamairi, a baby’s first visit to shrine. For this, babies wear special kimono called an ubugi. I had searched many shops and online but I couldn’t find one I liked. Then I came here and found two beautiful ones. Now I can’t decide. Upstairs it’s like a treasure hunt. There are stacks of kimono. And if you look closely you spot Kyoto Yuzen Kimono and Nishijin-Ori-Obi,
a really high quality items. It felt like stepping into a wholesaler’s hidden back room, which made it even more exciting. They’re not exactly cheap, but compared to other places, the prices here are really fair. I totally wanted to buy one. From casual yukata to elegant kimono, YOUSAI is perfect if you want to buy a souvenir or simply enjoy browsing many styles. Next, let me introduce Kikuya, an antique kimono shop. Kikuya has been handing vintage kimono for about 80 years. Because of their wide
selection of authentic historical kimono, their pieces have often been used in
Japanese period dramas. In other words, they can truly valuable kimono. And the amazing part is you can actually buy them. For example, you rarely see kimono
with this kind of pattern today, but it was apparently quite popular in the 1920s. What makes this shop so unique is
that it offers rare and unusual items you wouldn’t typically see at regular kimono store. This is a child’s kimono from 100 years ago. Vintage kimono aren’t just appealing because of the price. Some are made with traditional techniques that no longer exist today. Since no one is left to carry on those skills, these kimono are truly one of a kind pieces that can never be made again. Shopping here feels like a treasure hunt.
You never know what real gem you’ll find. The last shop I’d like to introduce is
Ando, a brand that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to explore new possibilities in Japanese fashion accessories. Ando originally started
as a maker of a traditional kimono accessories, especially Obi-Age, made with Kyo-Kanoko- Shibori and has a
100 year history. Kyo-Kanoko-Shibori is a traditional dying method where each tiny dot is tied
by hand to create beautiful patterns. It takes a lot of time and skill, sometimes
even months to finish one piece. Today, very few articians still know how to do it, which makes it rare and highly valued. Traditionally Kyo-Kanoko-Shibori was used mainly for kimono and
formal accessories. Wanting to share its beauty in new everyday ways, Ando opened its first retail store in 2023 to help bring this traditional craft into everyday living. One of their standout item
is the Shibori back, a stylish and practical design that’s gaining attention. The unique textures like spikes, bumps or coin like patterns are created through traditional handwork. The back stretches to fit your items and shrinks when empty, making it compact and easy to carry. It’s roomy and fold free, perfect for daily use. I used to think of Shibori as something
only for traditional Japanese clothing, but visiting Ando changed that. Their design pair beautifully with modern outfits and seeing this centuries old technique transform into stylish accessories felt so fresh and cool. Thank you very much for watching the video. I’ll see you in the next one. Bye-bye.
In this video, I’ll take you on a tour of three amazing kimono shops that I visited while searching for the perfect piece — from casual yukata to luxurious vintage and modern designs.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, kimono lover, or looking for a unique souvenir, Kyoto is the best place to explore Japanese traditional fashion.
👘 Featured Shops:
1. YOUSAI – Kyoto’s Largest Kimono Wholesaler — From Formal to Casual Wear
📍567 Kikusuiboko-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8154, Japan
https://www.yousai-kimono-kyoto.com/
2. KIKUYA – A vintage kimono store full of rare, historical finds.
📍567 Katata-cho, Yanaginobanba-nishi-iru, Manjuji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8067, Japan
3. ANDO – Traditional Japanese Tie-Dye Reimagined for Daily Life
📍327 Kashiwaya-cho, north of Gojo Street, Yanaginobanba-dori, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8066, Japan
https://ando-kyo.co.jp/en/
00:00 Intro
01:13 YOUSAI
04:06 KIKUYA
07:10 ANDO
AloJapan.com