MOONSTAR Factory Ginza: Fashionable Casual Shoes From Japan
MOONSTAR Factory Ginza is a flagship store of MOONSTAR, a Japanese shoe brand with a 150-year history. Discover their shoes inspired by traditional Japanese footwear in Ginza, Tokyo.
Written by
I am currently working as the Taiwan version editor for MATCHA. I am from Changhua County and during my time in Taiwan, I worked as a domestic Japanese tour guide and in interview PR for a Japanese television station. I am skilled at arranging travel itineraries, particularly for food and hot spring-related attractions. My interests include photography, especially food and portrait photography. Due to my age and my fondness for places like bars and izakayas, I call myself 'Matcha Uncle'.
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
*August 2025 Update: Moonstar Factory Ginza has closed. Their products can be purchased online from https://www.moonstar.co.jp/.
MOONSTAR: Japanese Footwear Brand Established 150 Years Ago
Leading the trend in Japan's footwear industry for a century, MOONSTAR opened its first physical flagship store, MOONSTAR Factory Ginza, in 2018.
For a long time, Ginza has been an area deeply influenced by foreign cultures, and at the same time, it is also a shopping district known for "Japan's best quality." This is why MOONSTAR chose to establish its flagship store in Ginza, believing it could promote Japan's high-quality functional shoes to travelers from around the world.
Amid the high-end brands lining Ginza, MOONSTAR Factory Ginza defies expectations by offering extremely affordable prices and the highest quality shoes, successfully winning over many local Japanese customers' favor.
Footwear Industry Originating in Kurume, Fukuoka
Picture courtesy of Moonstar Co., Ltd.
MOONSTAR originated in Kurume, a major transportation industry hub in the Kyushu region. Kurume has historically been a rubber production area, and even the world-famous tire brand Bridgestone originated from here.
Picture courtesy of Moonstar Co., Ltd.
Starting as a handmade shoe brand, MOONSTAR was among the first to produce traditional tabi shoes, which have gained popularity in Japan in recent years.
Originally, tabi are foot coverings worn with traditional kimono and other garments. Later, they evolved into underground tabi used by loggers, construction workers, and other outdoor workers.
Picture courtesy of Moonstar Co., Ltd.
Nowadays, the Japanese no longer wear kimono daily, leading to a significant decline in demand for tabi. To adapt to these changes, MOONSTAR utilized its tabi-making skills to shift into producing various functional shoes.
Minimalist Industrial Style and Thoughtful Service
MOONSTAR Factory Ginza is a four-story building, with the main sales areas located on the 1st and 2nd floors. The interior features a minimalist industrial style, allowing customers to focus more on the products displayed in the showcases.
The first-floor product area also displays many traditional tools used for shoe production, giving visitors a glimpse into the considerable effort required to craft a pair of handmade shoes.
When selecting shoe styles, staff use skeleton models to explain various considerations when choosing shoes, ensuring that each customer can find the most suitable pair for their foot shape.
Currently, to accommodate travelers from around the world, the store has thoughtfully provided size conversion charts for different countries, making it easier and more reassuring for tourists to shop.
On the second floor, there is a barcode scanner that visitors can operate themselves to check whether the items are still in stock.
Note: The items on the 2nd floor are for try-on only; purchases must be made online. Currently, no international shipping service is available.
Footwear for All Ages: Stylish and Functional
MOONSTAR Factory Ginza offers a wide range of functional shoes, including casual shoes, sports shoes, high heels, leather shoes, and children's shoes. Of course, as a heritage product, tabi shoes are also available here.
Below, we'll introduce some of the popular models highly recommended by our editor.
1. The Ever-Popular Classic Casual Shoes
The LOW BASKET casual series shoes are considered MOONSTAR's most classic and iconic models. Its simple design that matches various outfits is beloved by many local Japanese people. (LOW BASKET: including tax, 8,532 yen)
The limited-edition flagship store shoes, LOW BASKET FG, are made from a substantial, thick leather, making them a dreamy pair that you can only get here. (LOW BASKET FG: including tax, 19,440 yen)
The laceless, easy-to-put-on/take-off KACKS work shoes are beloved by many workers. Their nostalgic, minimalist style has also successfully attracted the middle-aged demographic.(KACKS: including tax, 4,860 yen)
2. Sports Shoes Suitable for Outdoor Activities
JG SPORTS are sports shoes made with "tear-resistant material" and "synthetic leather." Reinforcements are added on the sides of the shoes, making them perfect for various intense outdoor activities and sports. (JG SPORTS: including tax, 18,360 yen)
3. Tabi Shoes That Are Absolutely Unlikely to Clash
The JIKATABI (underground tabi), a century-old method of production, is a tabi shoe style loved deeply by foreign tourists. It’s a great souvenir for travel in Japan, and you won’t have to worry about mismatched sizes when buying. (JIKATABI: including tax, 8,532 yen)
Note: Since only a limited number of JIKATABI items are currently available, it may not be possible to purchase the perfect size. Thank you for your understanding.
4. Business Functional Shoes Filled with Fun
Top right: Picture courtesy of Moonstar Co., Ltd.
In addition to the above sports and casual shoes, MOONSTAR also offers leather shoes and high heels suitable for business professionals. Featuring eye-catching colors and streamlined designs, these shoes are not only stylish but also comfortable and easy to wear.
Note: Leather shoes, high heels, and similar products are currently only available for try-on; purchases must be made online. Currently, no international shipping service is available.
5. Extremely Cute Cartoon Children's Shoes Series
Picture courtesy of Moonstar Co., Ltd.
The children's shoes designed with these four key features—box-shaped heel counter, curved sole, wide toe box, and removable insoles—can effectively prevent foot overturning and hallux valgus, promoting healthy growth of children's feet.
Although the Ginza flagship store also sells many children's shoes, if you're specifically looking for cartoon-themed children's shoes, it is recommended to check out MOONSTAR's dedicated kids' brand store, Genki-kids.
Find Japanese Shoes at Moonstar Factory Ginza
The remarkable extension of the traditional tabi production technique into a variety of modern shoes is a testament to MOONSTAR's dedication to quality assurance in Japan's shoe industry.
If you have the chance to visit Tokyo, why not stop by MOONSTAR Factory Ginza and pick out the perfect shoes for your trip?
Moonstar Factory Ginza
3-4-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Hotels near Moonstar Factory Ginza
Read also
In cooperation with MOONSTAR
I am currently working as the Taiwan version editor for MATCHA. I am from Changhua County and during my time in Taiwan, I worked as a domestic Japanese tour guide and in interview PR for a Japanese television station. I am skilled at arranging travel itineraries, particularly for food and hot spring-related attractions. My interests include photography, especially food and portrait photography. Due to my age and my fondness for places like bars and izakayas, I call myself 'Matcha Uncle'.
Special Features
More
