Discover Snow Peak's Japan-Exclusive LOCAL WEAR and Must-Buy Souvenirs
LOCAL WEAR is a clothing line exclusive to Japan from the outdoor brand, Snow Peak. Their apparel combines fashion with the cultures of northern Japan. Today we introduce how to look your best with LOCAL WEAR, as well as must-buy items at Snow Peak.
Snow Peak: Japan's Top Outdoor Equipment Brand
Snow Peak is a Japanese outdoor gear and apparel company that was founded in 1958. They handle products that combine functionality and design.
Snow Peak offers a wide range of items―more than one thousand in total―from tents, lanterns, and kitchenware, right down to apparel.
Every item is made with great attention to detail, and combines modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Snow Peak products have received high praise and support from outdoor enthusiasts.
In recent years, the company has been focusing their energies on developing sustainable products. They are also working diligently to promote Japan's unique regional features and the country's textile culture.
LOCAL WEAR: Exclusive Japanese Clothing That Integrates Traditional Craftsmanship
Picture courtesy of Snow Peak
In addition to outdoor products, Snow Peak has also recently been focusing their efforts on their clothing line, LOCAL WEAR. LOCAL WEAR incorporates the regional cultures of Niigata and Iwate Prefectures.
This clothing line was inspired by Japan's regional cultures and natural environment.
It takes advantage of Japan's manufacturing technologies, utilizes local materials, and incorporates modern fashion elements.
Another characteristic of LOCAL WEAR is that they strive to create comfortable clothing that suits the local climate. They also show respect for the region's identity and lifestyle, and value their connection with the local community.
LOCAL WEAR: Coming to You From Niigata in 2024!
In 2024, LOCAL WEAR apparel is being produced in Niigata Prefecture. Yarn dyeing is done in Gosen City, while Mitsuke City handles fabric production and finishing.
The material for this clothing line is 100% cotton. Cotton is a fabric that breathes well and people usually don't perspire much when wearing it. It's also soft and comfortable, and the natural texture also makes it attractive.
LOCAL WEAR makes full use of the unique characteristics of sakizome-orimono (*1), or yarn-dyed fabrics. Its color palette is comprised of two colors, charcoal black and grey, and was inspired by bonfires.
Designs are produced by skillfully combining single-colored fabrics―made by carefully arranging the weft and warp threads―together with Oxford cloth (*2) and striped patterns, creating a strong fashion statement and mood.
There are two color variations: grey and black.
*1 Sakizome-orimono: A fabric that's made with various pre-dyed yarns. Patterns are created by using different colored threads.
*2 Oxford Cloth: A type of mid-weight woven fabric. The cloth features a basket-weave structure in which each thread (weft and warp) travels over two threads, then under two threads of the opposing direction.
Make LOCAL WEAR Part of Your Everyday Life!
LOCAL WEAR is available in two sizes: M (Medium) size and L (Large) size. The apparel is unisex―both men and women can wear it.
We recommend M size for women of average height, 150-160 centimeters, and L size for men over 175 centimeters tall.
Grey and black both have a sense of calmness and sophistication. It's easy to match them with a variety of outfits, and they can be used in different everyday situations.
Next, we introduce some actual outfits!
Top: Modern Work T-ShirtM Grey
Bottom: Modern Work Pants Wide M Grey
The short sleeve Modern Work T-Shirt is characterized by the kimono-like nature of the sleeves. The three-dimensional contours are impresssive, and it gives off a stylish vibe that's slightly different from a typical t-shirt.
Of course it's also easy to use. There's a chest pocket on the shirt's left side and a stomach pocket on the right side―really handy for storing your glasses, hankerchief, or other small items.
The bottom half of this outfit is the Modern Work Pants (Wide). The elasticized waist area makes it so easy to put on and take off these pants. A gusset (*3) has also been placed along the inseam of the pants, making it much easier to move around.
It's ideal for everyday use as well as for outdoor activities.
*3 Gusset: A piece of cloth (often triangular) that's placed in a pant's crotch area or along an inseam to provide extra room, ease of movement and comfort for the wearer.
Top: Modern Work Shirts M Grey
Bottom: Modern Work Pants Wide M Grey
The Modern Work Shirts is a distinctive shirt featuring a placket, a narrow strip of layered fabric that runs vertically down the front of a shirt and acts as a foundation for the button holes. While this shirt gives off a unique impression, the colors are fairly quiet and conservative, so it also looks cute.
The pockets were made for ease of use so they're handy for storing small items.
Top: Old work shirt JIBAN M Grey
Bottom: Modern Work Pants Regular M Grey
The Old work shirt JIBAN M Grey is a simple Western-style arrangement of samue (*4) and a juban (a kimono undergarment), which have been around since the Meiji Period . The result is a mix of Japanese and Western styles.
JIBAN means something like a shirt or underwear, and is an undergarment for a kimono. This one item has enough impact just on its own, so you can pair it with a solid-colored t-shirt and complete your own unique fashion style.
Unlike the Work Pants-Wide which gives an active impression, the Modern Work Pants Regular offers a slimmer fit. It has a more relaxed feel to it.
The Regular type also has a gusset sewn into the pant's inseam, making it easier to move around. The pants are slim and give a calm impression, making them perfect for work or school.
*4 Samue: A type of Japanese clothing that started out as workwear. It originally served as work clothes for Buddhist monks in training.
Top: Old work Jacket JIBAN L Black
Bottom: Modern Work Pants Regular L Black
The Old work Jacket JIBAN is a long sleeve jacket made from lightweight material that breathes well. It's light to wear, making it suitable even for sun protection.
Furthermore, the design makes it the perfect outfit for festivals and other events.
The Modern Work Pants Regular come in black. This color is not overpowering, which is why it also matches other clothing items perfectly. They are comfortable and easy to move around in, so they're ideal for a variety of situations in daily life.
Top: Old winter wear HANTEN L Black
Bottom: Modern Work Pants Regular L Black
Left: Old winter wear HANTEN L Black, Right: Old work Jacket JIBAN Black
The Old winter wear HANTEN uses 100% polyester filling. Though it's very light to wear, it also retains body heat extremely well.
HANTEN is a Japanese traditional short winter coat. It's both easy to put on and take off, and great for mobility.
Snow Peak Products Make the Perfect Gift!
In addition to their LOCAL WEAR line of clothing, Snow Peak also has camping gear made by expert craftsmen, as well as many items that give you a taste of Japan.
All products are both practical and visually attractive. These make wonderful gifts as well as being a great way to treat yourself.
Next, we are proud to introduce Japan Selection―a list of must-buy items carefully selected from the thousands of Snow Peak products.
All products have a lifetime guarantee (*) and after-sales service. Another attractive feature is that they can be used for a long period of time without any worries.
*Lifetime guarantee: Snow Peak might be unable to repair your item in some rare instances. For example, in cases where the materials have deteriorated due to aging, or where severe damage has occurred because of use. In cases where the cause is a manufacturing defect, the item will be repaired or replaced free of charge. In other cases we will repair the item for you at a reasonable price.
Wabuki Chopsticks M
In mountain climbing jargon, "buki" refers to cutlery. "Wabuki (*5)" means chopsticks.
The Wabuki Chopsticks M were cleverly designed so that each chopstick collapses into two smaller pieces. The bottom portion of the chopstick can be unscrewed and then stored like a sword in the hollow upper portion. Once you put them into the carry case they're so easy to bring along with you (see photo above).
The carry case also comes with a neck strap. So during your outdoor adventures you won't have to worry about losing your chopsticks (2009 Good Design Award winner).
*5 Wabuki: In the Japanese language, the character "wa" is sometimes used as a prefix, indicating that something has a Japanese twist to it. Some examples are washoku (Japanese-style cuisine) and wagashi (Japanese-style confectionery). So wabuki might be translated as Japanese-style cutlery, in other words, chopsticks.
Stacking Mug Seppo M
This is the Stacking Mug Seppo M. This distinctive mug cup is made with double-walled titanium and has a clean, simple design. The double-wall effectively maintains the temperature of your drink, so you can enjoy a variety of beverages―hot or cold.
A unique feature is that even when you pour a hot drink, the rim of the cup won't get hot. You can sip on your drink right away because you don't have to wait for the cup's rim to cool down!
The photo above shows the different sizes from left to right: 400 mL, 300 mL, and 200 mL. The cups can stack inside each other for easy storage. This makes it so convenient when you want to take them with you (2005 Good Design Award winner).
Field Coffee Master
The Field Coffee Master is a coffee kettle with a built-in dripper. This excellent product can be used to brew coffee in one of two ways: as a percolator (*6) or a dripper.
The coffee filter was designed with a single hole to allow for quick coffee extraction.
*6 Percolator: A special pot for making coffee. A percolator continually circulates boiling water through the coffee grounds during the brewing process.
Sayou Tea Pot Set
The Sayou Tea Pot Set is made with see-through material. You can enjoy watching the hot water as it changes color and the tea leaves as they move up and down. So the Sayou Tea Pot Set is a treat for the eyes as well.
The teapot lid and strainer are integrated. So not only can you brew a cup of tea, but the pot is also easy to wash.
In addition to tea, this pot can also make a variety of drinks including Cafe au lait, royal milk tea, and cocktails.
HITA GETA Sandals
HITA GETA Sandals are made in Oita Prefecture's Hita City (Kyushu Region). The sandals are made with Hita Cedar, a wood found in the Hita area. The wood grain is beautiful, and though the sandals are light to wear, they feature a sturdy construction.
The sandals use a rubber sole from Vibram, a world leader in the development of rubber soles. The sole offers a strong grip and comfort when strolling about. The sandals are perfect for walking, shopping and other activities in everyday life.
Recycled Titanium Aurora Bottle 800 mL
Compared to other products, the Recycled Titanium Aurora Bottle reduces CO2 emissions by more than 50% by using recycled titanium featuring TranTixxii®-Eco.
The bottle holds 800 mL of water or your favorite drink, so it will become an important part of your outdoor life.
Titanium Sake Bottle
The Titanium Sake Bottle (sakazutsu) has a simple yet elegant design. It was designed for enjoying Japanese sake and is built for easy pouring.
The bottle is characterized by its use of titanium―a material that leaves behind no metal aftertaste. For this reason, the flavor of spirits are perfectly preserved, whether it's Japanese sake, refined sake, or even whiskey (2015 Good Design Award winner).
One item you'll want to purchase together with the sake bottle is the Titanium Sake Cup. The double walls of the cup will keep your sake―hot or cold―at the proper temperature, ensuring the quality of your sake's flavor. So you can enjoy the delicious taste of sake up until the final drop.
These sake cups can be stacked inside each other. They are easy to carry with you and also don't take up space. They're also perfect for enjoying sake together with friends!
Must Visit! Popular Snow Peak Locations in Japan
TOKYO: Snow Peak Omotesando
Snow Peak Omotesando sits near the Jingumae intersection and is the main store for Sun Peak's clothing lines.
In the middle of the shop, the LOCAL WEAR clothing line takes center stage. In addition to highly functional clothes suitable for the outdoors, they also offer a big selection of comfortable wear for everyday use.
They also sell the various items that were mentioned previously in this article.
Snow Peak Omotesando
Location: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 6-2-6
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Official Homepage: Snow Peak Omotesando (Japanese)
TOKYO: Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO
Picture courtesy of Snow Peak
Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO is located inside KITTE, Tokyo's popular commercial complex. The shop is lined with a variety of goods including camping gear and LOCAL WEAR clothing.
There's also an adjoining cafe. Here you can try the Outdoor Curry Rice made with Hokkaido beef, and the Japanese Black Tea (wakocha) made from Japanese tea leaves that's been gaining attention recently.
At this Snow Peak location you'll also find store-exclusive products such as the Stacking Mug H300 TOKYO. This mug is decorated with Edo Murasaki (*7).
*7 Edo Murasaki: A purple color with a tinge of blue.
Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO
Location: Tokyo, Chiyoda, Marunouchi 2-7-2, JP TOWER KITTE 4F
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Official Homepage: Snow Peak LAND STATION TOKYO (Japanese)
KYOTO: Snow Peak LAND STATION KYOTO ARASHIYAMA
Picture courtesy of Snow Peak
Snow Peak LAND STATION KYOTO ARASHIYAMA is located in Kyoto's Arashiyama.
In addition to camping gear and accessories, they also feature collaborations with traditional Kyoto crafts including wagasa Japanese umbrellas and satsu (*8).
At the adjoining cafe, you can savor matcha green tea beverages with flavors like yuzu and apple, and a dessert made together with Malebranche, a western confectionery brand that's popular in Kyoto.
In addition, they also serve local craft beer and Japanese sake such as Kubota Seppou and Sojou Kubota Seppou, sake that was developed jointly with the Asahi-Shuzo Sake Brewing Company.
In Snow Peak LAND STATION KYOTO ARASHIYAMA's garden you'll see JYUBAKO.
These are two mobile guest houses that were jointly produced by Snow Peak and world famous architect, Kengo Kuma. The guest houses were designed with a lot of attention to detail, including windows that allow for a great view of the outside surroundings.
JYUBAKO offers accommodation plans, so guests can enjoy their own blissful moments in this special and unique space!
*8 Satsu: A tea caddy (canister) that's used during the tea ceremony.
Snow Peak LAND STATION KYOTO ARASHIYAMA
Location: Kyoto, Ukyo, Sagatenryuji, Imahoricho 7
Business Hours: 10:00-19:00
Official Homepage: Snow Peak LAND STATION KYOTO ARASHIYAMA (Japanese)
Find Snow Peak Stores in Taiwan, America, and England!
Snow Peak started out with shop locations throughout Japan, then went on to open stores in Asia (Taiwan, China, and Korea), America, and England.
Of course you can also purchase high-quality outdoor products at their international locations. You'll be able to enjoy a Snow Peak shopping experience that also incorporates local culture and customs.
But be sure to stop in at a Japanese store location as well. Please pick up some items that are exclusive to Japan and experience the Snow Peak brand in person!
Sponsered by Snow Peak
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