Japan is home to numerous famous tourist destinations, including Asakusa and Shibuya in Tokyo, and Arashiyama in Kyoto.
With its long-standing history, Japan also boasts highly traditional leather manufacturing techniques passed down through the ages.
In this article, we will introduce five Japanese leather bag stores crafted using traditional techniques by skilled artisans with years of experience, all made with Japanese leather.
Be sure to read through to the end!
「HushTug」デザイナー中島
- レザーブランドHushTugで製品企画を担当するデザイナー
- 2秒に1個売れるほどのヒット商品をデザイン・企画した経験アリ。
- レザー関する豊富な知識を活かし、Topicsにおいてレザーブランドや製品に関する記事を執筆。
１．HushTug
HushTug is a Japanese leather brand that offers both in-store sales at its shop in Ikebukuro and online sales (international shipping is not available).
The brand is highly appealing for its minimalistic design, which makes the bags easy to use in a variety of situations, as well as its excellent cost-performance ratio, with both the leather material and manufacturing being proudly made in Japan.
Located near Ikebukuro Station, the shop provides a convenient stop during your Tokyo sightseeing. Step into a serene space away from the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s largest cities, and take your time to appreciate Japan’s traditional, high-quality leather products.
At the store, you can interact with staff and carefully examine the products in person, allowing you to make a well-considered purchase decision.
Please note that reservations are required for weekday visits (Monday through Friday), which ensures a more relaxed shopping experience.
If you show the coupon below to a staff member at HushTug Ikebukuro Main Store, you can get an additional 5% off new and outlet items. (If the 5% discount is applied to an outlet item, the item will be discounted by 10%.)
HushTug does not usually offer discounts on outlet items, but the discount can be applied to new items as well.
(*Please note that the 5% discount coupon may be terminated without notice.
Additionally, the HushTug Ikebukuro store offers outlet items at a discounted price of 5-20% off—making it a fantastic deal!
Although it takes about 12 minutes on foot from JR Yamanote Line Ikebukuro Station, the shop offers many unique features that set it apart from other brands. Be sure to check it out!
| Address & Map | 3 Chome-11-12 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021 |
| Access | About a 12-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line Ikebukuro Station (West Exit) |
| Business Hours | PM1:00 -PM6:00 Weekday visits require a reservation. For details, please check the official HushTug website about weekday reservations.) |
| Budget | ¥ 10,000 – 50,000 |
I am Nakashima, the designer of HushTug and the manager of our Ikebukuro store.
We strive to provide attentive service tailored to our customers’ needs. If you have any questions or concerns, no matter how small, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
２．TSUCHIYA KABAN（土屋鞄）- Shibuya Store
This brand is renowned for manufacturing “randoseru,” the school bags used by Japanese elementary school students.
All products are consistently made in-house, incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship throughout.
The store is located on the 11th floor of Scramble Square, near the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
While the store isn’t very spacious, TSUCHIYA KABAN products are elegantly displayed in a stylish atmosphere. The lighting along the walls enhances the space, allowing you to closely examine the condition of the leather.
Please note that randoseru school bags are not sold at this location, so keep that in mind.
総合評価：
4.6 / 5.0 点
(2024/10時点)
Many of the brand’s products feature designs that exude luxury and sophistication, utilizing cowhide leather while also offering excellent functionality such as being lightweight, water-resistant, and stain-resistant.
Additionally, the understated design, with a discreet brand logo, allows you to fully enjoy the aging process of the leather over time.
| Address & Map | 11F Shibuya Scramble Square 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6101 |
| Access | JR Yamanote Line, Shibuya Station East Exit (Directly Connected to the Station) |
| Business Hours | AM10:00-PM9:00 |
| TEL | 03-6452-6307 |
| Budget | ¥ 15,000 – ¥150,000 |
The prices are not exactly cheap, but these high-quality leather products made in Japan are highly recommended for those who want something durable and long-lasting.
Tsuchiya Kaban, which started by manufacturing randoseru school bags for Japanese elementary students, has applied this expertise extensively to men’s leather bags. Their design and durability are truly remarkable. The understated designs reflect a distinct Japanese aesthetic, adding to their unique appeal.
３．KURA CHIKA by PORTER UENO（PARCO_ya 2F）
PORTER is the in-house brand of Yoshida Kaban, a long-established and historic Japanese company.
While PORTER offers many nylon products, its leather goods stand out as the most traditional, having been crafted since the company’s founding.
The store is located on the 2nd floor of Ueno Parco-ya, showcasing a wide variety of products, including leather and nylon, with a focus on black-colored items.
One notable feature is that three staff members are always present, even on weekdays, making it easy to ask questions about anything, no matter how small.
Even if you don’t have plans to make a purchase, it’s worth a visit as the store offers plenty to see and enjoy.
Of course, all products are made in Japan and manufactured entirely in-house, yet they are reasonably priced.
The durability and practical design characteristic of Japanese craftsmanship have earned the brand steadfast support across a wide range of generations in Japan over the years.
| Address & Map | 2F Parcoya Ueno, 3-24-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005 |
| Access | JR Yamanote Line, Ueno Station Shinobazu Exit (10-minute walk) |
| Business Hours | AM10: 00-PM8: 00 |
| TEL | 03-6240-1551 |
| Budget | ¥ 15,000 – 120,000 |
PORTER is a highly popular brand, and it’s not uncommon for modern Japanese men to receive its products as birthday gifts. It would be wonderful to bring a piece of Japan’s iconic leather bags back to your country!
４．Bag Itagaki (鞄いたがき) Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku
Bag Itagaki is a leather brand originating from Hokkaido, located in northern Japan. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality is nothing short of extraordinary.
One of its most distinctive features is the use of vegetable-tanned cowhide. Leather crafted using this method boasts exceptional durability and develops a richer, deeper color over time as it ages.
This Shinjuku store is the only directly managed shop in Tokyo, offering a wide selection of high-quality leather bags.
If you’re passing through Shinjuku, a major transportation hub in Tokyo, be sure to stop by.
The staff are very courteous and provide attentive service, making your visit a pleasant and reassuring experience.
総合評価：
4.7 / 5.0 点
(2024/07時点)
| Address ＆ MAP | 2-2-1, NISHISHINJUKU KEIOPURAZAHOTERUSHINJUKUMINAMIKANROBI1F SHINJUKU-KU, TOKYO, 160-0023 Japan |
| Access | A 5-minute walk from “JR Shinjuku Station” West Exit A 1-minute walk from “Tocho-mae Station” on the Toei Oedo Line |
| Business Hours | AM10:00～PM7:00(Open all-year-round) |
| TEL | 03-5325-2663 |
| Budget | ¥120,000 – ¥330,000 |
This is a luxury leather brand originating from a workshop in Hokkaido, Japan. It showcases the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship, fully utilizing the nation’s exceptional techniques. While its popularity is not widespread, it’s perfect for those seeking something unique and refined, beyond overly mainstream products.
５．HERZ Flagship Store
HERZ is a long-established Japanese leather brand with the concept of creating “durable” bags.
The flagship store, located near Shibuya and Omotesando, features an on-site workshop.
This unique setup allows visitors to watch the artisans crafting products up close, offering a rare and entertaining experience.
Located in a calm area away from the constant bustle of Shibuya, the store provides a relaxing atmosphere.
The walls are lined with samples of leather bags in various colors, making it a visually engaging experience.
A large mirror is also available, allowing customers to try on bags and carefully consider whether they suit them before making a purchase—a key highlight of the shopping experience.
The variety of products is extensive, and custom-made options are available, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind item that you won’t find in your home country.
Why not stop by while visiting Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s iconic tourist spots, or Omotesando, known as one of the city’s trendiest areas?
| Address ＆ MAP | B1F, 5-46-16 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 〒150-0001 |
| Access | JR Yamanote Line, Shibuya Station Miyamasuzaka Exit (15-minute walk) |
| Business Hours | noon – PM7:00 (Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays) |
| TEL | 03-3406-1471 |
| Budget | ¥ 10,000 – 130,000 |
At HERZ, all manufacturing processes, except for leather cutting, are carried out by a single artisan. This ensures that each bag is crafted with a high level of Japanese craftsmanship, making it highly recommended for those seeking exceptional quality!
Conclusion—How About a Japanese-Made Bag as a Souvenir from Your Trip to Tokyo, Japan?
How was it?
As you may know, Tokyo, Japan’s capital and one of the largest cities in the world, is home to countless tourist attractions.
However, Japanese leather bags offer exceptional quality that far exceeds their international recognition. So why not explore men’s bags from the five Japanese leather brands introduced above?
HushTug(ハッシュタグ)というレザーブランドでデザイナーをしている中島と申します。
主にメンズ向けのレザーバッグや財布などをデザインしており、東京都池袋駅にあるHushTug池袋本店の店長も兼任しています。
普段のデザイナー業で色々なブランドのバッグやお店を見る機会があるので、その知識を活かしておすすめのバッグ店・革製品店・革やバッグの知識などをご紹介できればと思います。
