Kyoto is a city of traditions with its many temples, tea houses, and picturesque shops. It is THE city to buy a yukata or a kimono… or fabric to create one from scratch!
When I travel to Kyoto, I always stop by the Nomura Tailor store located on the lively street called Teramachi dori, in the Gion district. Cotton, linen, liberty, lace, embroidered cotton… at unbeatable prices but also chirimen and jacquard. On the ground floor, in the storefront, you will find large bins filled with coupons from 30cm to 2m, but also 4m coupons packaged and offered at the price of 980 Yens, that is 8.3 euros.

This year, I fell for the 4m coupons. I chose 2 white, 1 pale pink, 1 orange, and 1 rust; which made 20m of fabric for less than 42 euros. I also chose some coupons.

The other store I recommend visiting is Yuzawaya. It is located in the station district in the basement of the Yodobashi commercial building. Fabric, haberdashery but also materials for various crafts: knitting, jewelry, embroidery…
Beautiful selection of cotton with the Japanese brands Nani Iro, Kokka… but also quilted fabric, faux leather, coated cottons… This store has a nice collection of sewing books. These are in Japanese but well illustrated; a note for those who are not afraid of challenges!

Finally, in Kyoto, many small shops offer pieces of kimonos or yukata to recycle. The best known of these shops is Chicago, upstairs you will find many second-hand kimono and yukata for women, men, and also children. This year, while walking along the Philosopher's Path, I bought from a charming old gentleman 2 rolls of fabric for yukata. I do not yet know which blouse pattern I will make with these...

In Kyoto, do not hesitate to enter the small traditional antique shops, they are rich in history and treasures and often lead to wonderful encounters.