Made in Japan: world-famous Imabari towels

Imabari towels are high-quality towels that are truly representative of Japan. They are made in Imabari-shi, Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku), the biggest towel production area in Japan. These towels are produced using techniques cultivated over many years in Imabari, and each towel quickly absorbs perspiration and liquid. They are well-known for being soft to the touch without sticking to your body – whether used to dry off after a bath, or after a session at the gym.

Just because a towel is made by a company in Imabari-shi, doesn’t mean it will end up as an Imabari certified product. Only towels that pass quality testing by an independent and strict quality control inspection (including water absorbency testing and durability) earn the right to be sold under the Japanese Imabari brand.

Isetan Shinjuku carries a range of Japanese brand towels on the fifth floor of the main building, including a wide range of certified Imabari towels.

Yuiwata towels are made of a gauze material and are characterised by their silky soft feel. Their layered structures are woven from supple and soft San Joaquin cotton. Yuiwata towels are so named because their threads are woven in a manner resembling the hairstyle that unmarried women wore during the Edo period. They are softer to the touch than towels made from standard gauze.

Hacoon towels are made from 100% cotton in order to deliver the ultimate soft feel. Touch a Hacoon towel, with its soft and fluffy texture, and you’ll feel the difference right away. These towels are manufactured with minimal chemicals to preserve the gentle softness of the raw cotton.

You can also find original products produced in collaboration with Isetan Mitsukoshi and Imabari, available exclusively in-store. Be sure to take a look, as these designs are regularly updated.

Imbari-certified handkerchiefs and face towels are also perfect souvenirs. Purchasing a Japanese product as a souvenir for a friend or family member? How about adding an Imabari towel? A sales clerk will be happy to gift-wrap everything together.

We all have our preferences, so it’s important to select a towel that you feel comfortable with. Come to the Isetan Shinjuku store to check out the wide range of towels in person. You’re sure to find an Imabari towel with just the right feeling of softness.