3 Great Japanese Leather Goods Stores - Find Stylish Handmade Gifts

High-Quality, Japan-Made Leather Goods

From young to old, many Japanese people love leather products. You might be wondering what exactly is the appeal of these Japan-made leather goods.

The texture and color of leather change and improve with continuous use, making each product a one-of-a-kind item for the consumer. Advanced craftsmanship means light and durable leather goods.

Leather companies in Japan often collaborate with leather bag companies and well-known brands to make practical and stylish items. These collaborations mean shoppers have more unique options in Japan.

In this article, we will introduce three popular leather specialty stores in Japan with a great selection for gifts and souvenirs.

1. mic, Ueno Main Store - Good Design Award-Winning Wallets

The first leather speciality store is mic, which specializes in manufacturing leather wallets. A workshop is located next to their main store in Ueno, where you can find tools and materials on display.

mic discloses their production process, so customers can learn about the features and qualities of their leather products prior to making any purchases.

One of their flagship products is the Hip Pocket. Its round, horseshoe-like shape makes it easy to store the wallet in the back pocket of your jeans.

The wallet's functional and durable design also prevents your cards from bending. These innovative features resulted in this popular product winning the Good Design Award in 2003.

The Multi Wallet is another best-selling product full of style and functionality. Up to 26 cards can be stored in the inner pocket.

The outside zipper opens widely, and the pocket for storing paper bills is deep and spacious. You can save extra receipts, and even store a passport or phone. It has the function of a bag and wallet in a single, compact product.

2. REN, Kuramae Store - Thin, Lightweight, and Breathable Bags

REN specializes in leather bags and small leather items. The brand became known for its light, breathable products made from cost-effective pigskin when it first opened. Today, the store sells leather bags using cow and goat hides as well.

The entire production of each item—from gathering materials to creating design patterns and samples—is solely conducted by the brand's designer, resulting in a consistently high standard of products. Their simple, light, and functional designs defy the common notion of heavy leather products.

REN is also committed to educating customers about leather by holding occasional workshops to make coin cases, fringed sack bags, and other items. If you are interested in participating, contact them via their Instagram page or call the store directly.

*The workshops are in Japanese.
*Phone calls are only in Japanese. Direct messages via Instagram can be written in Japanese or English.

REN Kuramae store

4-13-4 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051

3. PORTER OMOTESANDO - Top Quality Bags Made in Japan

PORTER was started by Yoshida & Co., Ltd., a Japanese bag company founded in 1935. Under their philosophy "Isshin-nyukon" (one stitch, all soul), the company boasts high-quality bags with excellent craftsmanship.

The company's products have even been praised by Japanese royalty and celebrities, including Empress Michiko and world-renowned director Akira Kurosawa.

Yoshida & Co., Ltd. collaborates with global brands and with industries outside of leather to make products appealing and useful for all.

Some examples include British fashion brand FRED PERRY and Maehara Koei Shoten, a well-known umbrella maker.

The collaborations always receive a lot of attention and allow more people to enjoy these fine leather goods.

PORTER OMOTESANDO is the company's flagship store, as well as their first brick-and-mortar shop. The interior resembles a hotel, with a spiral staircase connecting the first and second floors.

Simple in design and made from real cowhide, their luggage tags suit various styles of bags, from suitcases to professional and casual bags.

PORTER Omotesando

5-6-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

High-Quality Leather Products to Love Everyday

Japanese leather goods are crafted by dedicated artisans with the closest attention to detail, resulting in function, durability, and style. Take them to work or on when you travel, or delight someone with a gift.

We have great news for our readers! MATCHA is giving away authentic leather goods. Read below for more details.

Japanese Leather Items Giveaway

Get Novelty Goods

Picture courtesy of ONEO Ltd.
Alphabet Charm
All letters of the alphabet, from A to Z, are available as long as supplies last.

Where to Receive - Two Locations

Picture courtesy of Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd.
1. Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store 1F Ladies Accessories Counter
Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-4-1
Business hours: 10:00 - 19:00
*The Tax Exemption Counter and the first floor of the main store and the new store are open between 10:00 and 19:00.
*The restaurant floors (9F, 10F) of the new store are open between 11:00 and 22:00.

Picture courtesy of JTB Corportation
2. NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 1 TRAVEL CENTER
Address: Chiba, Narita, Narita International Airport Terminal 1, Chuo Building, Main Building 1F, C1210
Business hours: 8:00 - 20:00

Requirements for Pick Up

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store: Show this MATCHA article to an employee at the above-mentioned tax-free counter
Narita International Airport Terminal 1 Travel Center: no special requirements
*All readers are eligible to receive an item.
*The amount of items you receive is equivalent to the number in your party.

Written by Chen
Sponsored by JAPAN LEATHER AND LEATHER GOODS INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION