Kojima, on Kurashiki’s southern coast, is the birthplace of Japanese denim: the country’s first domestically produced jeans were made here in 1965, building on a long local history of cotton weaving, tabi socks and school uniforms. Today Jeans Street is a short run of shops where small brands sell selvedge denim woven on old shuttle looms and finished by hand — jeans revered by collectors worldwide for their weight, indigo depth and ageing. Pairs of jeans hang overhead across the street, and the town leans into it with denim-blue steamed buns, denim soft-serve and a denim-wrapped bus.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kojima, Okayama |
| Hours | Shops typically ~10:00–18:00 |
| Admission | Free to browse; jeans from ~¥15,000 |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Weekdays; some shops close midweek |
What to Do
- Small brands selling hand-finished selvedge denim.
- Jeans hanging overhead along Jeans Street.
- Workshops using old shuttle looms.
- Denim-blue buns, soft-serve and a denim bus.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Washuzan above the town.
- Pair with Kurashiki’s Bikan quarter inland.
- Read our Okayama overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Kojima Station, then about 10–15 minutes on foot or by bus.
- From Okayama: roughly 45 minutes by train.
Tips
Expect serious prices — this is craft denim woven slowly on narrow looms, and a good pair costs what it costs; but many shops will hem to length while you wait, which is a real advantage. Check opening days carefully, as several small workshops close midweek, and combine the trip with Washuzan’s sunset viewpoint above the town.
