Japanese Knitting Tools Haul from Yuzawaya Kamata

After sharing my first and second Tokyo stationery hauls, I’m back with something different—but just as fun: my Japanese knitting tools haul from Yuzawaya Kamata. If you’re into knitting or crochet, this post might give you some ideas on what to check out on your next trip to Tokyo. Spoiler: Yuzawaya is huge, and I didn’t even get through everything. It was a great chance to explore a wide variety of Japanese knitting tools in person.

Visiting Yuzawaya Kamata

Yuzawaya near Kamata Station is a dream destination for crafters, spread across three main buildings, each packed with different types of supplies. I ended up spending my entire visit in Building No. 6, where you’ll find fabric, sewing notions, yarn, and knitting tools. With only a couple of hours available—which I quickly realized wasn’t nearly enough—I had to prioritize just one area. The other buildings, which offer beads, embroidery supplies, stationery, and more, looked just as exciting. I’m already planning a return trip to explore those sections properly.

This Kamata location is actually Yuzawaya’s flagship store and has been around since 1955. It’s just a short walk from JR Kamata Station and offers an impressively broad selection across its multi-floor setup. Each building is organized by craft type:

• Building 5: Fabrics, threads, and materials for costumes and clothing
• Building 6: Yarns, knitting tools, fabrics, and sewing supplies (where I spent my time)
• Building 7: Beads, jewelry-making materials, and stationery

Each floor is generously stocked and could easily keep you browsing for hours. If you’re serious about exploring the full range, plan for at least half a day. Yuzawaya Kamata is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to do a knitting or crochet supply haul in Tokyo.

Top Japanese Knitting and Crochet Brands to Shop

Yuzawaya carries a wide range of local brands, many of which are well-known among Japanese crafters and increasingly appreciated by makers worldwide. Here are some popular Japanese knitting tools and accessory brands you’re likely to spot during your visit:

• Clover（クロバー）
  One of the most iconic Japanese brands, Clover offers everything from knitting needles and crochet hooks to row counters, stitch holders, cable needles, and sewing tools. Their pastel-colored accessories and ergonomic design are loved by knitters and crocheters of all levels.
• Tulip（チューリップ）
  Tulip is best known for their high-quality crochet hooks—especially the Etimo series—and beautifully packaged accessories like stitch markers and needle stoppers. They also produce knitting needles and are recognized for their attention to detail and quality.
• Hamanaka（ハマナカ）
  A popular brand for both yarn and accessories. Hamanaka often offers beginner-friendly kits and has a long history in the Japanese crafting community.
• Pierrot / Gosyo（ごしょう産業）
  While more commonly found online, Pierrot’s yarns are beloved for their modern color palettes and excellent texture. You might spot select items in stores like Yuzawaya.
• Daruma（ダルマ糸）
  Known for their minimalist branding and high-quality yarns, Daruma combines tradition with modern design sensibility. They also offer well-designed patterns and accessories.
• Seeknit（近畿編針）
  Seeknit specializes in bamboo knitting needles, offering a smooth knitting experience. Their products are appreciated for their quality and the natural feel they provide.​
• Cohana（コハナ）
  Cohana produces premium sewing and knitting tools that combine traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary design. Their products are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

These brands are mostly Japan-based, so Yuzawaya is a perfect place to see their full product lines in person—often with exclusive colors or product types not widely available overseas.

Knitting and Crochet Tools from Yuzawaya: My Favorite Picks

Yuzawaya’s Building No. 6 had an incredible selection of yarns, tools, and sewing items, and I was glad I set aside time to browse thoroughly—even if it wasn’t enough. I didn’t go overboard, but I picked up a thoughtful mix of tools and materials that I knew I’d use. While most of the items I bought are from well-known Japanese brands like Clover and Tulip, seeing their full product ranges in person was worth the visit. I also grabbed a few fabrics and a simple sewing pattern, hoping to make my own drawstring project bag soon. Here’s a closer look at everything I brought home.

Row Counter (Clover)

I’ve tried a few different types of row counters in the past—including digital apps and other mechanical versions—but this one from Clover continues to work best for me. It’s small, reliable, and easy to click. I already own one, but decided to get a spare so I’m never without it.

Sewing Pins (Clover)

These pins are mainly for my sewing projects, not crochet or knitting. Clover’s pins are always smooth and sharp, and I like having extras around when I’m planning to sew up pouches or finish fabric-based accessories.

Stitch Holders and Cable Needles (Clover)

I picked these up because I’ve been getting more into knitting clothes lately. I’ve started exploring different patterns that call for shaping and construction techniques, and I’m excited to try these tools out as I level up my skills. The cable needles are easy to grip, and the stitch holders feel secure without being clunky.

Stitch Markers and Needle Stoppers (Tulip)

I already had a set of Tulip’s needle stoppers, but I love them so much I bought a second pair as a backup. They’re cute, practical, and they stay put on the needles without sliding off. The stitch markers were a pleasant surprise—their thin and flexible design makes them really easy to work with, especially on finer yarns.

Snoopy Ruler

A cute impulse buy I have zero regrets about. It’s compact and functional, and having something a little whimsical in my toolkit always makes crafting more fun.

Fabric Patches

Whenever I visit Yuzawaya, I pick up fabric patches. In Japan, patches are popular for decorating bags, hats, and jackets—and their designs are always so adorable. I couldn’t resist grabbing a few new ones to add to my collection.

Fabrics for Future Projects

Yuzawaya’s fabric selection is expansive and well-organized. I picked up a few pieces with the intention of making small accessories and project bags. They had a wide range of textures and prints, and I appreciated how easy it was to browse by category.

Sewing Pattern (Drawstring Bag)

Near the fabric section, they display finished samples alongside patterns, which is super helpful for visualizing the final product. One of the samples—a simple drawstring bag—caught my attention because it looked like the perfect size for holding knitting projects. I took a numbered ticket to the counter, and they handed me an A4 printout of the pattern. It’s not very detailed, but the construction seems straightforward, so I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

First Impressions: Japanese Tools That Stand Out

Both Clover and Tulip are already easy to find in the United States, but I still found it worth grabbing them directly from Japan. The quality is consistently high, and sometimes you see colors or versions that aren’t always available abroad.

Clover’s soft pastel colors gave me a feeling of spring—fresh, light, and well-designed. Their stitch holders and cable needles feel sturdy and reliable.

Tulip’s stitch markers were a standout. I’ve used plenty of markers in the past, but these were so thin and pliable that they barely left any tension in my stitches. If you’re someone who dislikes bulky stitch markers, you’ll probably enjoy these.

Japanese Knitting Supplies I Wish I Bought

Even though I brought home a good mix of tools and fabrics, there were definitely a few things I wish I had picked up—or at least had more time to explore.

Yarn Temptations I Had to Skip

The yarn floor alone was overwhelming in the best way. I had every intention of buying a skein or two, but since I was tight on luggage space, I had to skip it this time. It was tough to walk away from shelves full of beautifully arranged yarns in every color and texture imaginable.

Beads and Buttons I Couldn’t Decide On

I also wanted to check out beads to decorate future knitting or project bags, but I didn’t get the chance to browse that section at all. Yuzawaya has an entire building dedicated to crafts like beading and jewelry making, and I’m definitely going to carve out time for that on my next visit.

Another thing I spent some time hovering over was the button section. They had a huge variety, and I wanted to grab some for upcoming knitwear or accessories. But since I wasn’t sure exactly what my next projects would be, it was hard to decide on the sizes, materials, or colors—so I left empty-handed. Still thinking about some of those wooden and enamel ones though!

Curious About the Tulip Etimo Murasaki Set

I was also curious to see the Tulip Etimo Murasaki crochet hook set, which was recently released. I didn’t plan on buying it—mostly because I already own a few Tulip Etimo Red hooks, which I really enjoy using. I prefer buying crochet hooks individually as I need them rather than investing in full sets. Still, I was hoping to see the Murasaki set in person, but I didn’t come across it during my visit.

Why Visit Yuzawaya for Knitting Tools from Japan

If you’re looking for knitting tools from Japan, Yuzawaya Kamata should definitely be on your list. The store carries supplies for just about every type of project—knitting, crochet, sewing, and even mixed media crafts. It’s especially well-stocked with products from Japanese brands like Clover and Tulip, including tools that are hard to find overseas.

Even if your toolkit at home feels complete, browsing the full range in person offers a different kind of excitement. You might discover items you didn’t know existed or spot updated versions of familiar tools—all laid out in one place. Yuzawaya is the kind of store that rewards slow wandering and a little curiosity.

Yuzawaya Kamata: A Must-Visit for Craft Lovers?

Looking back, this Japanese knitting tools haul turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. While I couldn’t bring everything back with me (still thinking about those yarns), I’m thrilled with what I did get. Everything was compact, practical, and unique enough to make the trip to Yuzawaya worth it.

Next time, I plan to explore the other buildings and maybe bring an extra suitcase just for yarn. If you’re a crafter planning a trip to Tokyo, make sure you set aside time for Kamata—it’s not as crowded as the city center, and it’s packed with treasures.