Kojima — The Birthplace of Japanese Denim

**Shopping strategy:** Jeans Street concentrates premium brands in a compact area — Betty Smith (custom jeans fitting and factory tours), Momotaro Jeans (vintage reproduction models, ¥20,000–40,000), and Kapital (avant-garde denim fashion). For selvedge raw denim enthusiasts, prioritize Studio D'Artisan and Japan Blue flagship stores — these specialize in unwashed, untreated jeans designed to develop personalized fade patterns through wear (premium models ¥25,000–50,000). Most shops offer English-speaking staff or translation apps, and international shipping is available. **Factory tours:** Betty Smith Jeans Museum offers hands-on jeans-making experiences (¥3,500–7,000 depending on customization level) — participants select fabric, pocket design, button type, and rivets, then watch as staff assemble jeans using vintage machines. Completed jeans are shipped domestically or internationally (additional fee). Reserve 1 week ahead via their English website. Tours run 10:00–16:00, requiring 60–90 minutes. This is the most authentic way to understand Kojima's craftsmanship ethos. **Denim food culture:** Embrace Kojima's denim obsession through themed cafes — Resto Kapital serves 'denim burgers' (blue buns dyed with butterfly pea flower), denim-colored soft serve ice cream, and coffee in denim-wrapped cups. It's gimmicky but Instagram-worthy and surprisingly tasty. For serious dining, Jeans Factory Kojima has a rooftop cafe with Seto Inland Sea views, serving local Setouchi seafood and craft beer.