Are blue denim jeans an essential part of your wardrobe? Do you like to collect stylish and fashionable jeans from different parts of the world? If you answered yes to the above questions, you are in luck because Japan has its own town dedicated to showcasing blue denim jeans fashion! This town is none other than Kojima in Kurashiki City, Okayama. As an active player in the production of textiles for many centuries, Kojima had the right environment (skilled craftsmen, established workshops, etc.) to stimulate the production of made-in-Japan denim jeans in the 1960s. Since then, Kojima has made a name for itself as its manufacturers imbue their jeans with a well-honed sense of Japanese-style aesthetics. So why don't you visit Kojima and check out its main landmarks for yourself?

When you reach JR Kojima Station, don't be in a hurry to leave it because it is replete with lots of interesting touches that will remind you that you have arrived at the birthplace of Japanese denim. From coin lockers and vending machines that have cool pictures of denim jeans imprinted on them to the flap doors of the automated ticket gates encased in jeans covers, the photo opportunities here are aplenty. Be sure to take a ‘wefie’ with the JR train staff who are wearing—you guessed it right—denim jeans as part of their uniform!

This museum, operated by Japan's first manufacturer of ladies’ jeans, Betty Smith, will surely appeal to the trivial buff in you as it takes you on an insightful journey on the history of jeans—not just in Kojima but in the United States as well. Browse around the many vintage exhibits, including a replica of the jeans that became the prototype for the hugely famous Levi's "501XX" series! If you prefer something more hands-on and practical, how about buying a custom-made pair of jeans and attaching your choice of buttons, rivets, and even leather patches yourself using the machines available at the museum workshop? Such an opportunity to customize and personalize your own jeans is hard to come by and will serve as a highlight of your trip!

Kojima Jeans Street Hop on a ‘Kojima Jeans Bus’ that will take you to Kojima Jeans Street, a 400-meter-long haven of denim jeans shops, galleries, and other specialty shops selling a plethora of products inspired by denim jeans such as denim book covers. Marvel at the fascinating sights all around you. Adapted from the age-old tradition of hanging koinobori (carp streamers), many kinds of jeans can be seen flapping in the wind on the electrical lines above you! Also, take note of a road that is paved with the image of red-edged Selvedge denim. All this will definitely make you excited and put you in a conducive mood that will help you hunt for that perfect pair of jeans!

With Momotaro (Peach Boy), Japan’s best-loved folk tale character hailing from Okayama, it’s no wonder that there is a denim shop named after him. This shop is divided into three sections, of which the first section showcases Momotaro Jeans’ trademark product lines, including the Going to Battle series that features two sleek white lines on dark blue indigo jeans. The second and third sections display clothing from indigo label Rampuya, which is a creation of the same company behind Momotaro Jeans. Rampuya offers you the rare chance to buy denim kimono—a marriage of exquisite kimono tailoring and top-notch denim, so don’t miss out on it!

As its collaborations with numerous well-established brands Tate + Yoko and Naked & Famous will attest, Kamikaze Attack has made a name for itself on the global fashion stage. If straight-cut jeans with a funky sense of style sound right up your alley, this shop is not to be missed. Also, if Lady Luck shines on you, you may just be able to see the CEO, Mr. Norihiko Kanazawa, hanging around in his shop and have a cozy time asking him about his brand philosophy and plans for upcoming product designs!