Ever since I inherited a "old" bridal kimono (it's about 40yrs old so I think that makes it not truly 'antique'), I've been in love with them and traditional japanese fabric patterns. I am planning my first trip as an adult to Japan and would like to visit a few shops where antique kimono or traditional fabric could be purchased. Do you have any suggestions where to go? Since my trip is not yet fully planned, I am not yet stuck to particular cities/villages.

I have notes from 1999 that there used to be an antique market near Togo Shrine on Meiji Dori in Harajuku that sold used kimono. It was held on the 1st and 4th Sundays of each month.

Does anyone know if this still exists?

I buy our used kimono at Fujiya's on the Nakamise Dori fronting the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. See here for directions:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html

Fujiya's is located halfway down Nakamise dori on the right hand side as you face the temple. You can't miss them they have an English sign. Great deals on beautiful new and used kimono. Lots of selections as they have a room with more styles upstairs, just ask. I have bought two from them already and hand carried them home. One of them hangs in my living room right now.

Aloha!

I bought a few "antique" kimonos from a shop near Hiiragiya (and Tawaraya) Ryokan in Kyoto. It's a few minutes' walk away and from memory is on the same street. They had heaps at very reasonable prices. The Handicraft Centre in Kyoto also sells them, can't recall which level.

I have a Komono which looks to authentic which I bought at an estate sale.

can you help me in regards to confirming wether or not it is or not?

Someone offered me $500 for it and I wanna sell it but get what its worth.

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Thanks

You can buy kimono at temple flea markets in Japan for about 1000 yen (US$10 +/-) and up. Heavily embroidered silk bridal kimono in nice condition can be bought for as little as $50.

In new kimono shops you will pay way, way more than that, but because Japanese people don't like them used, the resale prices are very low.

If someone offered me $500 for one of mine, I'd take it!

I bought used kimonos years ago from a shop near the weekend fleamarket in Kyoto.

The belt for kimono make great table runners.

They are absoluely beautiful.

Enjoy!!!!

The big temple market in Kyoto is at Toji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple with the largest pagoda in Japan, southwest of Kyoto Station. With 1250 stalls, it's held on the 21st of each month. Lots of antique kimono there--price and quality variable.

I was in Japan last year, and finding antique (or older) kimonos wasn't hard. I would just check with your hotel. I don't remember the names of the shops, because that wasn't what I was looking for - but I saw alot of them (all of them were gorgeous.....). Good shopping!