The shops

Loved Yuzawaya, it was my favourite of all the stores we visited. This place is huge and is right above the station at Kichijoji. We started on the notion level and already my heart was racing. This place had every trim or notion that you have ever seen in a Japanese craft book. The selection was amazing - so much so that it was a bit overwhelming! This level also had quite a big yarn selection...I only had a quick browse but the samples they had on display were gorgeous and I especially liked some organic cotton they had in muted colours. I also spotted Liberty on this level as well which was only Y2835 a metre which is a bargain compared to what in sells for here in Australia.

Next up was the fabric level, as soon as we got out of the lift Nicole and I were calling to each other. Hey they've got this and that...then Nicole called me over and I knew it was good by the look on her face! She had found the Lotta Jandotter fabrics. By this stage we already had a growing pile of bolts. My poor kids did so well for the amount of time we spent in there, they ended up just sitting in one spot guarding our baskets of bolts as Nicole and I darted from one aisle to another. Even their selection of basics like canvas, drill and linen was amazing and such great prices. I can only imagine what it must be like to just walk in and pick up this and that at your leisure, heaven!

Next up was the stationary level, we didn't do too much looking here as the kids were getting over it. But we did see Goccos here at the same price as Tokyu hands.

I would strongly recommend you ask about Yuzawaya's member card which gives you 10% discount on non-clearance items. Also you can use you credit card here.

Also, on the level 1 which isn't part of Yuzawaya there is a bookstore which had quite a good selection of craft books.

After packing our wheelie case we headed to Inokashira Park on Suzy's recommendation which is only about a 10min walk from the station. The kids had a great time, they have swan paddle boats that you can rent and also a small zoo. I must admit the zoo isn't in the best condition, but the kids enjoyed wandering around and checking out the different animals. As far as they were concern, it was heaps more fun then sitting on the floor of a boring fabric store!

Directions - Kichijoji is 15mins from Shinjuku station. Take the express train from platform 15 using the chuo line, the fare is Y210. Take the park exit, when you clear the barriers you will see escalators on your left. Go up these, you will then see a small set of stairs directly on your left. Take these they are the entrance to Yuzawaya. This level has underwear, don't be deterred. Just jump in the lift and go up a level.

Tomato store in Nippori. I would definitely make this your first port of call. You won't find everything your looking for. But the prices were the best we found anywhere. So if you see something you like - buy it! Most of the fabrics are on the roll and stacked 5-6 rolls high on the shelf. So it's diffcult to see straight off what there is, you have to search. Take your time, I often missed stuff that Nicole found as she followed behind me. Tomato also have a good selection of U.S. fabric on the top level. They are Y880 metre, which is a bargain for us Aussie's.

Next door is another Tomato store which has buttons, trims, felt, notions, stamps, knitting needles. Worth a browse..I found a few things here. Which I noticed were cheaper than when I saw them elsewhere.

The only other shop worth mentioing was across the road from Tomato, it also had some cute Japanese fabrics.

Directions - Take the Yamanote line from Shinjuku, it will take you about 20mins the fare is Y190. Once you are out of the barriers turn right and head down the stairs. Just follow the signs to texile town.


Marimekko - Harajuku

Nice store..the fabrics are still pricey. I wouldn't bother unless you especially want to buy Marimekko.

Directions - here

La Droegurie - Ometasando

Beautiful store, full of beads, buttons,yarn and felt. So full of colour with heaps of Marie Claire Idees projects on display, worth a look if you are around Harajuku.

Directions - here

Okadaya - Shinjuku

Great little store, had a nice selection of fabrics and supplies. They also sell trims, notions and books. Great for those that don't have the time to go out to Kichijoji it's a good all-rounder.

Directions - here

Cottonfield - Kichijoji

A two storey store in the back streets of Kichijoji on the other side of the station to Yuzawaya. Definitely worth a visit, they had a lot of fabrics we didn't see elsewhere. The minimum cut here is 1/2 metre and they take credit card.

Directions - we followed this map

Marunen - Shibuya

We didn't buy too much from here. Tiny store over a few levels, with a few cute prints in the basement and some Lotta Jandotter and Amy Butler Forest on the ground level.

Directions - here

We also went to Kinokuniya (2nd floor for craft books) and Tokyu hands for our goccos - both in Shinjuku. To be honest we got most of our books at Yuzawaya and Okadaya. So you may find you don't need to go to Kinokuniya unless you want something in particular, just see how you go. I also got stamp making supplies, cute stamps including alphapet stamps and fabric ink at Tokyu hands. Same level as the Gocco's just down a bit. The goccos were on the stationary level, back left hand corner.

If you want to check out what I got I've started to post some pics over at flickr. I'll add more over the next few days - still folding that washing and back to work tomorrow :(