IWAMIGINZAN GUNGENDO

Japanese Quality from a Traditional Japanese Atmosphere
[published January 2023]

With roots in the mountains of Shimane prefecture, time spent at Gungendo feels like a miniature escape from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. The shop, located just two minutes from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station’s south exit, opened in 2011 in a renovated Japanese house that is nearly 100 years old. It was again renovated in September of 2022 from primarily a café space “Re:gendo” to the current “Iwamiginzan Gungendo”, a shop selling traditional Japanese items, more closely related to the concept of the original project in Shimane. It’s a space to enjoy, experience, and pass on the beauty of traditional Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Their main products are clothing and fabrics. All of Gungendo’s items are made in Japan and their clothing line is their original Gungendo brand. They have continued the same manufacturing process for over 30 years using natural fibers from cotton, wool, and linen. These qualities are rare these days with many items nowadays being made cheaply overseas using unnatural materials, so you can count on the quality and comfort you’re getting from Gungendo, not to mention a unique style that melds together traditional Japanese aesthetic with modern taste. You’ll find clothing and fabric items ranging from those using Japan’s traditional indigo-dyeing methods to those that are inspired by traditional kimono and so on.

Another original brand you’ll find here is MeDu, with a selection of nail and hand lotion, facial wash, soaps and more. MeDu also uses natural ingredients, particularly plum flowers, for its gentle creams with pleasant aromas.

The atmosphere of the old Japanese house-turned-shop is filled with other trinkets great for souvenirs such as Japanese washi papers, tenugui and other traditional Japanese fabrics, as well as bonsai and ceramics. Gungendo’s natural clothing and products feel great when wearing them or when just looking at them, so stop by Gungendo in Nishi-Ogikubo for some good natural and cultural vibes.

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