So you bought this amazing new fashion piece but need to take in the sides a bit. Or maybe you scored this stylish pair of pants at a sale but it’s a little too long. You just need to get it hemmed a wee bit. Maybe your watch has stopped working. Where do you go for things like watch repair and clothing alterations?
When you were back home, you knew that Ms Sally from the Alterations place could make it look like it was made for you. You knew exactly to go.
But now you are in Japan. Where can you get things like this done? You need a new Ms Sally!
I think we learn pretty quickly that getting used to a new country means learning things like where to get your watch repair and clothing alterations done. It doesn’t just mean getting used to a new place or learning a new language.
Clothing alterations
There are a lot of nice clothes in Japan, but the truth is, the clothes we commonly see in stores are more suited to the Japanese body type.
If you are taller, heavier, or just have different body proportions, there’s a good chance you will need to get a bigger size, and then get it altered.
But I guess you already know that since you’re here! 😉 I know I certainly have had my fair share of “It will fit my waist, but I can’t get it past my hips!” and “It’s such a cute top, but why do I feel like it’s cutting into my armpits??”
Alteration shops
Many of the Clothing Alteration shops can be found near train stations, so they aren’t really difficult to find. But if there aren’t any near your place or you need to search for more options, these are some of the search terms you can trying using.
Search terms
- Clothing alterations: 洋服直し + area name
- Clothing reform 洋服リフォーム + area name
Sometimes, there are simple repairs that you need help with – not watch repair or clothing alterations. Like say you receive a belt as a present and need to get the length shortened. Or maybe you have a bag that you really like, but the thread near the handle has started coming apart due to normal wear and tear. Do we have any options?
Thankfully, yes. Some of these alteration shops also offer services like the ones listed below.
Additional services
- Fixing the bag handle or strap
- Changing the magnet at the top of the purse
- Fixing the corners of the bag
- Shortening the length of a belt
- Opening a new belt hole
- Shortening curtains
- Making cushion covers
- Making table cloths
Watch repair
The easiest way is to bring it to a watch shop if there is one near your place. But if you don’t remember seeing one anywhere nearby, try searching using these terms.
Search terms
- Watch shop: 時計屋さん + area name
- Battery replacements (near me) : 時計 電池交換 近く
- Watch repair : 時計 修理 + area name
- Watch strap adjustments: 時計 サイズ直し + area name
- New Watch strap: 時計 ベルト交換 + area name
General repairs
Japanese tradesmen have absolutely amazing skills when it comes to their craft. From woodwork, matcha chasen whisks to glass and pottery.
And when it comes to repairs, there are craftsman level fixes like kintsugi!
So if the item you need repaired is not something the watch repair and clothing alterations places can help you with, try searching for “item name + 修理 店“.
Do you know of any other repair services in Japan? Do Share them!
As always stay safe!
Star
Related posts:
How to pay for things in Japan when you live here
How to afford living in Japan