May 27, 2013 - 1 min read

Oriental Bazaar

Get all those souvenirs in one go!

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

The building is said to be modeled after Japanese shrines, although it gives off a Chinese cultural look at first glance.

Upon entering the store through the left entrance, you can see tenugui (Japanese hand towels made of cotton) in varying sizes. More patterns are also available further into the shop, so don't just stop there!

Good stuff to get for postcard-mania friends.

All kinds of tableware on the 1st floor. Perfect for those looking for fine chinaware to give or take home.

More tenugui and useful items made from chirimen (cloth woven by traditional Japanese methods).

Yuzen washi paper (yuzen patterns were used for kimono printings and are usually very elaborate, often using a lot of gold). They are sold sheet by sheet, but tube carriers for papers and paintings are available for purchase too.

Practical and beautiful items made with chirimen that make good gifts.

On the 2nd floor, mannequins are wearing proper kimonos with all the entailed layers and accessories.

Elaborate kimonos that can be worn or displayed as wall hangings. Ask for washing instructions as silk and vintage kimonos need special care.

Cabinets, carvings and antiques are sold on the upper half of the 2nd floor. Not much photography was allowed on this floor.

The basement floor sells the more ‘touristy’ souvenirs, including yukatas, happis, children's clothing and t-shirts. I recommend buying yukatas here if you want larger sizes; they are not commonly found elsewhere.

Decorative items meant for display are also sold on the basement level.

Here's another good item to get for your friends and relatives - a cool fan with a beautiful fan holder (seen on the right side).

The store is closed on Thursdays, so avoid going then. For more information, please visit their website (www.orientalbazaar.co.jp/en/about/index.html‎)

Having a hard time deciding what to get for family and friends? My advice is to go to Oriental Bazaar. They sell a wide range of items with reasonable prices, so you'll be able to get a feel of what gifts are available in Japan. Their staff are very helpful and have a good grasp of English, from what I saw at the second floor kimono section. They are located conveniently on the main Omotesando road, near KiddyLand and Cat Street, where you can get ideas for presents as well.

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Sher Ying Wee

By Sher Ying Wee

Community writer

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Iain Stanley

Iain Stanley 10 years ago

I took my friends there and stayed for hours!!

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Sher Ying Wee

Sher Ying Wee Photographer 10 years ago

Glad you and your friends really enjoyed it! :)

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Sher Ying Wee

Sher Ying Wee Photographer 12 years ago

It really is!

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Lola Smith 12 years ago

Great place to find souvenirs.

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