Touring Kagawa, Japan's top glove-producing region: the history and innovation of gloves
Facing the mild Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa is known as the “Udon Prefecture.” In fact, this area produces more gloves than anywhere else in Japan. Its delicate, precise craftsmanship gives rise to a wide variety of leather goods beyond gloves, and in recent years gallery-like shops have opened as well. Join us on a road trip to discover the history of gloves, artisans hailed as masters, and outstanding items.
VINTAGE REVIVAL PRODUCTIONS factory & limited store
SHOP INFO
VINTAGE REVIVAL PRODUCTIONS factory & limited store
vrp-jp.com ↗- Address
- 9-155 Dokicho-higashi, Marugame-shi, Kagawa
- Business hours
- 10:00–19:00
- Closed
- Thu (plus irregular holidays)
15 min by car
Take a breather gazing at the Seto Ohashi Bridge, a chain of some of the world's largest bridges
Cutting across the graceful island-studded sea that became one of Japan's first designated national parks, the Seto Ohashi Bridge is the collective name for six bridges spanning the Seto Inland Sea. This chain of suspension, cable-stayed, and truss bridges, among the largest in the world, is a spectacular sight, and on clear days it makes a great photo subject.
40 min by car
An atelier and shop lined with fine, beautifully composed leather goods
An atelier and shop run directly by the leather brand “RAGTIME.” The shop displays many signature items, takes orders for made-to-order pieces and repairs, and hosts small-group leather classes. It aims to be a place where people can encounter high-quality leather goods.
round.
SHOP INFO
round.
round-web.net ↗- Address
- 366-1 Tamuracho, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa
- Business hours
- 11:00–19:00
- Closed
- Wed, Thu, and the 3rd Sun of the month
40 min by car
A glove museum with remarkable archives and masterpieces
Kagawa Glove Museum (Kagawa no Tebukuro Shiryokan)
SHOP INFO
Kagawa Glove Museum (Kagawa no Tebukuro Shiryokan)
tebukurokumiai.jp ↗- Address
- 1810-1 Minato, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
- Business hours
- 10:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Closed
- Nov 23 and the year-end/New Year holidays
5 min by car
Order bespoke gloves of the highest caliber from a master
Hirata Shoten
SHOP INFO
Hirata Shoten
hirata-glove.com ↗- Address
- 516 Minato, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
- Business hours
- 9:00–17:00
- Closed
- Sat, Sun, and national holidays
8 min by car
New leather goods with the feel of design products
Since its founding, Ruboa has continued to make delicate yet durable leather goods using the advanced sewing skills cultivated through leather glove manufacturing. It develops original brands that combine design and ease of use, and factory tours are also available.
Ruboa Design Shop
SHOP INFO
Ruboa Design Shop
ruboa.com ↗- Address
- 1097-3 Matsubara, Higashikagawa-shi, Kagawa
- Business hours
- 9:00–17:00
- Closed
- Sun
