Hey everyone! Does anyone know where to buy yarn and knitting needles? Preferable larger quantities if possible? I’m looking for either online shops or stores in Okinawa/ Osaka or Sapporo as that is where I’ll be travelling for the next few weeks before heading to Niseko for the winter. If anyone has any ideas, I’d really appreciate it! I love knitting but didn’t have enough space in my suitcase to bring much with me. Thank you for your help!
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I can’t knit (but would love to learn), however I can crochet and I’ve been able to find supplies for both crafts at Yuzawaya (ユザワヤ). The biggest caveat is, I can never seem to find thick or bulky weight yarn available and frankly the selection of yarn in general pales in comparison to the average Michael’s, Joann’s, etc. in the US. In the past, I’ve resorted to ordering as much Lion Brand yarn as I can, shipping it to my parents, and paying for them to send it to Japan. But if you need finer or lighter weight yarns, Yuzawaya should have some at least.
I’ve also ordered some made-in-Japan yarn from Rakuten in the past, but again, despite being designated as 極太 (bulky) it still wasn’t as thick or as soft as the yarn I’m used to and was slightly disappointing in that regard.
Yuzawaya is probably the most common place, but you can also usually find some form of wool and needles in 100 yen stores (Seria is probably the best, but Daiso usually has a fair selection). Yuzawaya and Daiso both have online stores. I can’t help much with Okinawa, Osaka, or Sapporo specifically, but can definitely help with general queries! I’m a crocheter, but it’s all in the same place!
For Okinawa maybe try House of 66 Cents.
Osaka – Umeda:
Hankyu – Umeda station – north part 1st underground you will find Yuzawaya, it is behind hobby station. They often have some 10yarn pack at cheaper price and alongside a decent choice.
Go down one floor on the east side direction south, you end up in the restaurant floor go throught the corridor and go back up one floor, you should found another yarn store.
Continue north, still eastside, you should find a big daiso (umanned cashier), but I am not sure their selection is good.
I do no remember seing a Seria at Umeda.
Osaka – Namba :
You will find a 5 floors Daiso on the way to Nipponbashi and a Seria in the 0101. Did not go there recently no idea how their selection is. There should also be other 100yens shop like CanDo, not sure of the current selection.
Osaka – Shinosaka :
North side – West, there is a Daiso (manned cashier, last time I went) under the Kohnan/Joshin/Sport Depot ; right side of the street. Thought, I would recommend first going to the big 3 floors Daiso (umanned cashier) a good bit more west, left side of the street. They have a decent choice of yarn and co for a 100yen shop as the last time I went there.
Suita – Esaka :
West : you will find a Seria ; not the biggest choice but still decent, they have some Made in Japan and Made in Turkey yarn. They also have some fake fur yarn if you want. And obviously needle and co.
If you are also into sewing there is a big fabric store in the area. I do not think they have yarn.
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After, I know some small store but not sure if they are still there as they were run by old lady so …
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Try to look for Pandora, it is a fabric/yarn shop by Aeon, so you can find it in some big Aoen mall. There was one in Kobe Sannomiya before the pandemic. Not sure which other Aeon mall have it.