Shopping for Bespoke in Tokyo

Famous for its artisan heritage, Tokyo is the tops for specialist independent retail. Here’s a selection of ateliers and studios offering one-of-a-kind shopportunity.

For tip-top toppers by homegrown haberdashers and international talents beeline to CA4LA. Pronounced ka-shi-la, this chic hat store is a fave among the city’s style set who take their pick of of the trend-setting occasion pieces and everyday berets, caps n’ trilbies; the gorgeous two-storey chandeliered is worthy of a visit alone.

Soft Neapolitan style, fine English fabrics and a Japanese eye for detail makes Ciccio Japan’s bespoke suits world class. The Italian trained, Tie Your Tie and Ring Jacket alumni Noriyuki Ueki, has been solo since 2015, crafting debonaire made-to-order suits. Expect a two-three-month turnaround.

The whimsical, nature-inspired jewellery at Atelier Shinji is hand-crafted using the ancient wax method and realised in a range of materials including Britannia Silver 958, 18-carat gold and platinum. Master jeweller Shinji will make and ship your special commissions; should you be inspired, sign up for one of his jewellery making classes, held in Japanese and English.

The demand for a pair of Hajime Sonoda’s vintage-inspired shoes is such that you can expect a six-month wait. But once you slip your footies into one of Sonomitsu’s gorgeous creations, made using the finest of materials, you’ll understand why. Impatient Annie’s can shop from the small selection of ready-to-wear.

Lauded as one of the country’s finest kimono houses, Ginza Motoji is the go-to for ultra-sleek, elegant yukata (summer-weight kimono) in designs both classic and contemporary. Slip into a Platinum Boy robe, made using silk from only male silkworms or a Ginza Willow, coloured with dye from a local tree – you’ll never wear terry towelling again.

CA4LA / 171-0022 Tokyo / Toshima / Minamiikebukuro / 2 Chome−28−1 / 3F Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building / +81 3 3987 6454 / 10am-9pm daily / www.ca4la.com

Ciccio Japan / 107-0062 Tokyo /  Minato / Minami Aoyama / 5 Chome−4−43 / +81 3 6433 5567 / 10am-8pm Mon-Sat / www.ciccio.co.jp

Atelier Shinji / 104-0061 Tokyo / Chūō / Ginza / 5 Chome−13−1-１/ +81 3 5565 9770 / 10.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, until 5pm Sat / ateliershinji.com

Sonomitsu / 110-0001 Tokyo / 2-18-6 Yanaka Taito / +81 3 3823 7178 / 1pm-7pm Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri / 12pm-7pm Sat-Sun / sonomitsu.com

Ginza Motoji / Kochiwa Building 4-8-12 Ginza / Chuo City / +81 3 3535 3888 / 11am-7pm Mon-Sun / www.motoji.co.jp