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SOU-SOU Isemomen

A shop selling a fusion of Ise Momen and Mie handicrafts, dyed in pops of gorgeous color.

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SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.

The SOU-SOU Ise Momen shop is where you’ll find Ise Momen tenugui towels, the traditional cloth of Mie. The tradition of Ise Momen textile dates back over 250 years to the Edo Period, using lightly twisted threads that slow soften like cotton as you wash it, creating its iconic soft texture. To this day, Usui Shokufu is the only textile makers left still making this precious fabric.
The raw textiles sourced from Usui Shokufu are then dyed in Kyoto using the traditional Kyoto “Tenasen” dyeing technique. The final designs are in line with SOU-SOU style, color and design for a final product that’s fit to today’s Japanese lifestyle.

Just steps from the SOU-SOU Ise Moment shop you’ll find a lineup of 10 different brand shops, including the kids jinbei shop SOU-SOU Warabegi, and cloth sakes at SOU-SOU HOTEI. There’s also the Ise Momen bulk seller SOU-SOU Someori for all original items you make yourself.

Highlights

  • The brainchild crossover between a Kyoto-born textile design brand and Mie traditional handicrafts.
  • The one and only brand in Japan that makes Ise Momen (cotton textile).
  • The items are known for their special designs made to fit modern life in Japan.
  • The tenugui and scarves made soft to the skin are especially popular.

Photos

  • The color pop designs of Ise Momen tenugui towels, all in a row.

    The color pop designs of Ise Momen tenugui towels, all in a row.

  • Tenugui can be used for a countless number of things.

    Tenugui can be used for a countless number of things.

  • The wonderfully breathable fabric can even be used in children’s jinbei clothing.

    The wonderfully breathable fabric can even be used in children’s jinbei clothing.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)

A

One of our team members is from Taiwan. Additionally, there is POCKETALK translator serviced at every store location.

Q

Are tax refunds available?

A

Tax refund service not available.

Q

Is gift wrapping available?

A

Yes.

Q

Do you have an overseas-shipping service?

A

International shipping is available.

Q

When we earn points, can we use them immediately?

A

There is a stamp-based point program. You will be awarded 1 point for every 3,000yen spent. After amassing 30 points you will receive a 3,000yen discount at your next purchase at the register.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
SOU・SOU 伊勢木綿
Postal Code
604-8042
Address
Building No. 2, P-91 Building, 1F, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto (East corner of Shinkyogoku Dori Shijo-Ue and Futatsujime)
Telephone
075-212-9324
Closed
Wednesdays
Business hours
11:00am-8:00pm (※During shortened days hours are only Noon-8:00pm)
Directions
From Kyoto-Kawaramachi station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line, walk approx. 1 min. to arrive.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)