A Specialty Store for Traditional Japanese footwear—Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes)—Has Reopened in Kyoto! “SOU・SOU Tabi”

Hi there, I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for the Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
Have you heard of “SOU・SOU,” a textile brand from Kyoto? It’s a brand known for its colorful and unique designs that give a modern twist to Japanese traditions.

This time, I checked out the “SOU・SOU Tabi,” which are incredibly popular with foreign visitors. If you’re looking for a souvenir that’s quintessentially Japanese, be sure to check them out.

 

SOU・SOU Tabi(足袋)

Founded in Kyoto in 2003, “SOU・SOU” is a brand that creates textile designs offering a pop take on Japan’s four seasons and traditional charm.
Guided by the concept of “creating a new Japanese culture,” the brand actively incorporates traditional materials and techniques to develop colorful, contemporary designs.

In addition to its signature Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes), the brand offers a diverse range of items, including traditional Japanese clothing, Western-style clothing, bags, Japanese sweets, and furniture.

“SOU・SOU Tabi,” a specialty store for Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes)—one of SOU・SOU’s signature products—reopened on July 16.

It’s located in Kyoto’s bustling Shijo Kawaramachi district. In an alley one block north of Shijo Street, you’ll find a row of SOU・SOU affiliate stores. The new store is located across from SOU・SOU Kei-i. Look for its playful, colorful roof, which features tabis-inspired pieces stacked like roof tiles.

The store is filled with a variety of items to help you express your personal style through footwear, including colorful Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes), tabi socks, slipper-style tabi, zori, and geta.
As the world’s only Japanese-made jikatabi brand, SOU・SOU Tabi offers a range of products—from Tabi shoes made with original textiles to styles designed for everyday wear.

 

“Made in Japan” Craftsmanship

SOU・SOU’s Tabi shoes are primarily produced by Takasago Sangyo Co., Ltd., based in Takasago City, Hyogo Prefecture.
It is one of the few Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes) manufacturers in Japan that has supported SOU・SOU’s Tabi shoes production since the company’s founding.

Tabi Shoes, known in Japanese as “jikatabi,” are traditional Japanese work shoes featuring rubber soles and a split design that separates the big toe from the other toes. Originally created as work shoes for carpenters and scaffolders, they are now widely worn as festival footwear as well.

While tabi shoes traditionally come in simple white or black designs, SOU・SOU’s Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes) are incredibly colorful and unique. Based on the traditional shape but incorporating SOU・SOU’s signature bold textiles, they’re easy to pair with everyday outfits—which is part of their appeal.

Also, “Tabi socks” (Japanese for “tabi sita”), which are worn under tabi socks, are made by Kuwameriyasu Co., Ltd. in Yamato-Takada City, Nara Prefecture. These Japanese-made tabi liners, crafted with the skilled techniques of artisans, add a nice accent to your outfit, so I highly recommend them.

 

Recommended Items from SOU・SOU Tabi

Jikatabi (Tabi Shoes)

The “Split Toe Tabi Shoes” is SOU・SOU’s most popular Jikatabi (tabi shoes). As mentioned earlier, these are exquisite pieces, carefully crafted one pair at a time by the skilled artisans of Takasago Sangyo, a company founded in 1969.
They’re made using “Fuji Kinbai®,” a Japanese-made No. 8 canvas produced entirely in Japan—from spinning to finishing. You can choose your favorite pair from a variety of designs.

“SO-SU-U,” featuring a playful arrangement of hand-drawn numbers, is one of SOU・SOU’s most popular and iconic textile designs.

Also, vibrant designs featuring Japanese flowers—such as “Kiku 2,” “Kenran Hourai,” and “Kenran”—are very popular. They go perfectly with traditional Japanese attire like kimonos and yukatas.

Plus, the “Red Fuji”—a symbol of the Japanese landscape—is really cool! I recommend it to anyone looking for a design that’s quintessentially Japanese.

We also recommend these stylish, high-end leather tabi shoes. In particular, the “Side-Gore Leather Tabi with Iroha Sole / Nurebairo” stands out for its design that makes them easy to slip on and off.

The more you wear them, the more the leather molds to your feet and develops a richer patina, making them a pair you’ll cherish for years to come. They pair well with both traditional Japanese and Western attire.

There are also other variations of jikatabi (tabi shoes), such as the sandal-style “Split Toe Tabi Slip-on” and “Split Toe Tabi Sneakers,” which feel like sneakers. It’s great that you can choose the right pair based on your needs and comfort preferences.

Tabishita (Tabi Socks)

“Tabisita” is a registered trademark of SOU・SOU, and refers to their original tabi socks designed to be worn under jikatabi (tabi shoes). The store features a wide variety of Tabisita designs lined up in rows, making them items you’ll want to pick out to coordinate with your jikatabi.

The most popular design is “SO-SU-U,” which symbolizes SOU・SOU. Next in popularity are “Rekkai,” with its striking geometric patterns, and “Momoka no Iro,” a vibrant design featuring flowers in full bloom. Since simply changing your tabi socks can lift your spirits, we recommend collecting a few pairs.

Also, the “Okuribi” pattern—exclusive to the Kyoto store—is inspired by the traditional Kyoto event known as the “Gozan no Okuribi.” It really captures the essence of Kyoto, making it the perfect souvenir.

We also carry “Round-toe Tabi Socks” without a split toe. They’re versatile enough to wear at home or give as souvenirs, so be sure to check them out, too.

Tabi Slippers

These original tabi-style slippers were created in response to requests for “tabi slippers.” The collection features designs incorporating SOU・SOU’s popular textiles, such as “SO-SU-U” and floral patterns.
Made in Japan and produced in Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture, these slippers make great souvenirs. If you’d like to enjoy the feel of tabi-style footwear indoors, be sure to check them out.

Zori Sandals

I also recommend zori, a traditional Japanese footwear.
The “Asabura” in the product name “Zori Asabura” comes from “Asaura” (hemp sole)—a style once made in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, which is known for its many slopes, where artisans sewed hemp onto the soles of zori to make them easier to work in.
Today, bicycle tires are used instead of hemp, and the zori have evolved into a style that’s easy to walk in and slip-resistant.

SOU・SOU’s “Asabura Sandals” feature an original textile on the Hanao thong. They’re Made in Japan, crafted in Gose City, Nara Prefecture—a major production center for zori sandals.
They’re perfect not only for summer but also for anyone living in warm climates. They’ll add a touch of style to your feet while keeping you cool and comfortable.

 

Let’s get some Tabi shoes as souvenirs!

“SOU・SOU Tabi” is a brand dedicated to “Made in Japan” craftsmanship, offering tabi and other footwear items featuring original textile designs.

The appeal of tabi—a traditional Japanese footwear—lies in the fact that they feel almost like walking barefoot. They allow you to fully utilize your feet’s natural strength and are known for their comfortable fit. Another appealing feature is their innovative designs, which blend tradition and modernity while maintaining functionality. SOU・SOU’s jikatabi are perfect as a treat for yourself or as a souvenir.

The brand also offers tabi-style socks, slipper tabi, and zori sandals, so be sure to visit a store and find your favorite item.

There’s also a street in Kyoto’s Kawaramachi district lined with SOU・SOU stores. In addition to “SOU・SOU Tabi,” they carry a wide variety of items, including tenugui towels, children’s clothing, gift items, and kimonos. Be sure to check them out while you’re exploring Kyoto.
▼Click here for store information
https://www.sousou.co.jp/en/pages/store-info

SOU・SOU Tabi — Store Details

Address: 578-1 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8042 *Across from SOU・SOU Kei-i

Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Online Store: https://www.sousou.co.jp/en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sousoukyoto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOUSOUKYOTO
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOUSOUKYOTO.JP