Just came back from Japan for a holiday very recently. It was our first time, a long overdue holiday.
I wouldn't call myself a 'denim enthusiast', but I do have interests in denim, and as I never have a pair of Japanese denim which people say have very good quality, I was both intrigued and excited to get myself a pair. Before the trip I made sure I did quite a bit of research where to get them. Went mainly through Reddit, and a few store names came up. One them is Hinoya in Ueno. I decided to go there as it's close to where I stayed in Asakusa. There are two shops in the area, and I went to the one in the corner.
I was glad I decided to come to this store. My first experience was nothing short of exciting even though my first impression was quite the opposite. The store isn't like what I expected. It doesn't seem to offer much. Quite small from the outside and looks 'old', but I was surprised when I came into the store. Not only are there lots of different brands: Momotaro, Pure Blue Japan, Oni, Samurai, Big John (I was quite overwhelmed, I have to admit) but the staff was also knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I was assisted by this young man Ryo, who not only patiently helped find the ones I really wanted, but also give some knowledge about denim, especially Japanese denim. I tried on several brands: Momotaro, Oni, Iron Heart, Levi's 501 Selvage which I've never seen (I know, the last two aren't actualy 'Japanese'), and I finally decided to go with a pair of Pure Blue Japan which I am really happy about.
The shop also offers free hemming service, which takes more or less an hour, depending on how busy they are. So my wife and I decided to walk around the area to find something to eat, which have plenty of options. There are so many street vendors we couldn't even decide which one.
Less than an hour we back to the store, and the jeans were ready. Honestly I was a bit worried and apprehensive about the result. I am quite pedantic. I don't normally hem up my jeans as I don't feel like they're 'original', and not to mention that the result can be quite disappointing if not done properly. But I was really surprised. I really couldn't tell that they had been hemmed up! It was really neat!
We had such a great time in Japan (we plan to go there again in a few years time), and shopping at Hinoya was definitely one of the highlights. I'll definitely make the effort to go there the next time we go. It's really...
Read moreI stopped by Hinoya in Ueno, and from the moment I walked in, I was greeted with excellent service. The staff here really knows their stuff and goes above and beyond to make sure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
I treated myself to a stunning, reversible souvenir jacket—very pricey, but the high-quality materials and craftsmanship make it worth every yen. The attention to detail is impeccable, and I already know this jacket is going to be a favorite for years to come.
But my shopping spree isn’t over yet. I’ll be returning soon to pick up a pair of selvedge jeans for one of my newest clients in the reggaeton world. Keep an eye out—you just might see a famous Latin artist rocking Hinoya’s premium denim on stage!
Whether you’re a denim enthusiast or just looking for something unique and stylish, Hinoya is a must-visit. Their selection is top-tier, and the vibe of Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street adds to the whole experience....
Read moreBig fan of selvedge and many of the brands that HINOYA carries. Unfortunately on a recent trip I was not allowed to try on any of the clothing pieces and upon recommendation purchased a few t shirts and long sleeves that were too big for me. I measured them against a few articles of clothing immediately and returned the next day to exchange them. Unfortunately, even though the receipt itself as well as policies posted online included provisions for returns and exchanges, my items, even though never worn and original tags attached and never removed, were denied a return as well as a exchange. Really negative experience and it was clear that being a non Japanese speaking foreigner made me ineligible for fair and...
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