[Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter ] The Tabi shoes made by Marugo , a long-established company with over 100 years of history, are amazing!

"Sitting too much is the new smoking"—with this phrase gaining global attention, the importance of walking properly on your own two feet in daily life is being re-evaluated. Located in the Kurashiki Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter for its beautiful white walls and willow trees, "MARUGO KURASHIKI " is a Tabi shoes specialty store from Okayama that offers both the comfort of walking and the health of your feet. We introduce their commitment to enriching your life starting from your feet.

• Table of Contents
• "Marugo " is a tabi (traditional Japanese Jika-tabi (traditional split-toe footwear) manufacturer in Okayama that has been in business since the Taisho era.
• What kind of shoes are Tabi shoes? — Their structure and health benefits
• The most popular choice is this! "TabiRela" - a pair of shoes made with Okayama Denim.
• They look like sneakers, but they're actually tabi socks! "TABIN" - Winner of the 2025 Good Design Award.
• "Coppelia coppelia lily" - Stylish ballet shoe-shaped shoes to help your feet grow.
• Kids' Tabi shoes shoes - also support the growth of children's feet.
• "Tabi socks (TABI SOCKS)" that you'll want to use as a set.
• Can I try on tights or stockings? —Things you should know before trying them on
• I actually tried it on!
• A message from store manager Kobayashi
• Summary—While sightseeing in Kurashiki, develop a lifelong habit of walking.

"Marugo " is a tabi (traditional Japanese Jika-tabi (traditional split-toe footwear) manufacturer in Okayama that has been in business since the Taisho era.

Marugo is a long-established manufacturer of Jika-tabi (traditional split-toe footwear) founded in Okayama Prefecture in 1919 (Taisho 8). Jikatabi are work boots shaped like tabi ( Jika-tabi (traditional split-toe footwear)-toe socks), and have long been popular in Japan for outdoor work such as agriculture and construction sites. Marugo utilizes the traditional "sewn-on" technique that it has cultivated over many years in the manufacture of jikatabi to develop casual and stylish Tabi shoes that are suitable for modern everyday life.

A building over 100 years old transformed into a stylish shop—a blend of historical exterior and modern interior.

MARUGO KURASHIKI is located in a corner of Kurashiki SOLA , a multi-purpose commercial complex within the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter . The building, now used as a shop, is a renovated former private clinic from the Meiji era, over 100 years old. Due to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter's landscape preservation regulations, the exterior remains as it was, but the atmosphere changes completely once you step inside. The black exterior walls, which evoke a sense of history, and the interior, incorporating light wood during the renovation, create a stunning contrast, and the space, where old and new are fused, is worth visiting just for that. The store also displays samples of rare genuine leather models, which have a waiting list of 3 to 4 months, and being able to see and try on the actual products is a pleasure that can only be enjoyed at a physical store.

What kind of shoes are Tabi shoes? — Their structure and health benefits

The most distinctive feature of Tabi shoes is their "two-pronged structure," where the toe area is divided into the big toe and the other four toes. This shape allows the toes to spread naturally even while wearing the shoes, giving you a feeling of firmly gripping the ground while walking. The soles of the feet have three arches (curved structures such as the instep), which function as natural cushions to absorb shock while walking. Tabi shoes make it easier to bring out the natural power of these arches and support the natural movement of walking using the entire foot.

How are they different from "shoes with a wide toe box"? — A comparison with Barefoot shoes

In recent years, "Barefoot shoes" (shoes designed to allow you to walk with a barefoot-like feel) have also been gaining attention as foot-friendly footwear. They are characterized by a wide toe box that allows for easy movement of the toes, but since the toes are not separated, you need to consciously spread your toes inside the shoe. On the other hand, Tabi shoes have a structure that is divided into two sections, so you can naturally keep your toes spread without consciously thinking about it. Tabi shoes are especially an easy option for people who are used to having their toes close together inside their shoes.

The most popular choice is this! "TabiRela" - a pair of shoes made with Okayama Denim.

The most popular item at "MARUGO KURASHIKI" is the "TabiRela ," a slip-on type (without laces or zippers, easy to slip on). Particularly noteworthy is the model using fabric from a prestigious Denim manufacturer in Ibara City , Okayama Prefecture . This fabric is known to be supplied to famous luxury brands overseas, making it a very popular souvenir from Okayama. The soft sole makes them comfortable even barefoot, and the cotton material means they can be hand-washed at home, which is another great feature.

They look like sneakers, but they're actually tabi socks! "TABIN" - Winner of the 2025 Good Design Award.

"TABIN" is a revolutionary shoe that looks like a perfectly ordinary, stylish sneaker on the outside, but has a tabi-style construction on the inside. It is made using a last (a mold for shaping shoes) specifically designed for tabi, and has an authentic construction that allows your toes to spread out properly from the moment you put them on. "TABIN" was selected for the "Good Design Award," one of Japan's leading design awards, in 2025. With a design that fits in well not only for everyday use but also in business settings, it has received a great response, achieving 1,700% of its goal in crowdfunding.

Good Design Award (TABIN)

"Coppelia coppelia lily" - Stylish ballet shoe-shaped shoes to help your feet grow.

The "coppelia lily" ballet flats (shoes characterized by flat soles and rounded toes) are particularly popular with women and international travelers. They became explosively popular after being featured on social media by international influencers, and their high quality, thanks to the use of domestically produced fabrics, is also highly praised. These shoes blend seamlessly into everyday outfits while also providing excellent support for foot health.

Kids' Tabi shoes shoes - also support the growth of children's feet.

Growing children's feet are thick and flexible, and it's crucial to develop the ability to push off the ground with their toes. If toes aren't used, their movement will gradually deteriorate, so it's ideal to encourage children to naturally spread their toes when walking from a young age. Kids' Tabi shoes are excellent from this perspective of "developing healthy feet," and we highly recommend them for families with children.

"Tabi socks (TABI SOCKS)" that you'll want to use as a set.

The store also stocks a wide variety of "Tabi- Tabi socks " to match the Tabi shoes . Tabi socks are socks in which only the big toe is separated, making them easier to put on and take off than five-toe socks. They also come in cute designs and are popular as easy souvenirs. They are also used as rental socks for trying on shoes in the store, so even those trying Tabi shoes for the first time can try them on with confidence.

Can I try on tights or stockings? —Things you should know before trying them on

Don't worry if you're wearing tights today! According to store manager Kobayashi, you can try on tights by stretching the fabric and tucking them between your toes. If you're wearing regular socks, there are free rental socks available, so you can quickly change and enjoy the fitting. It's great that they have an environment where you can easily try things on no matter what you're wearing.

I actually tried it on!

I tried on two types this time. The moment I put on the Denim"TabiRela," I felt my toes, which are usually cramped inside shoes, become liberated, and I was genuinely moved by the pleasant feeling of directly feeling the ground. The other one, "SPORTS JOG Ⅲ," has attractive firm cushioning, and while maintaining the freedom of my toes, it felt reliable enough to use for long periods of sightseeing or walking. Whether you prefer a thin-soled type that trains the natural strength of your feet, or a type that prioritizes cushioning for comfortable walking, choose according to your preference and purpose.

A message from store manager Kobayashi

"We have a selection of shoes that are comfortable even for people with foot problems, so please feel free to stop by while you're sightseeing," says store manager Kobayashi. He added that customers should feel free to choose based on their favorite design and feel, regardless of whether the shoes are for sports or everyday use.

Summary—While sightseeing in Kurashiki, develop a lifelong habit of walking.

Marugo's Tabi shoes don't rely on the functionality of the shoe itself, but rather naturally bring out the "power of the feet" that humans inherently possess. "MARUGO KURASHIKI" is the place where you can find such a special pair of shoes that will make you rediscover the joy and comfort of walking. When you visit the Kurashiki Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, be sure to stop by and find your favorite pair.

【MARUGO KURASHIKI 】

Location: Inside Kurashiki SOLA , 1-4-13 Chuo , Kurashiki City , Okayama Prefecture

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Closed only during the New Year holidays.

Parking: Use nearby paid parking lots.

Marugo, Ltd. | Official Website