Build Your Japanese Winter Essentials Shopping List

Planning a winter trip to Japan? With chilly winds just around the corner, there’s one item you’ll definitely want at the top of your Japan trip shopping list: a down jacket! Japan is truly a paradise for winter outerwear thanks to the local population, who demand a wide variety of high-quality down outerwear with a balance of practical features and stylish design. Shop for your new down jacket in Japan, and you can also find limited-edition colors and exclusive Japan-only products in a range of sizes, while enjoying tax-free shopping benefits for an especially good deal on all of your big purchases. Outerwear shopping in Japan can be an unexpected benefit, and even a highlight of a winter trip to Japan!

The Peak of Winter Outerwear: Pyrenex

Among the many outerwear options available in Japan, one local favorite is Pyrenex, a premium down brand with over 160 years of tradition, born at the foot of the French Pyrenees. Founded in 1859, Pyrenex has earned global recognition as a leader in the down industry, well-known for their high-quality hotel bedding and down jackets. What makes Pyrenex unique is its rare manufacturing system – the company directly manages the entire process in-house, from washing and sorting the duck feathers to processing the down. This level of control and attention to detail results in products that are light, warm, durable, and comfortable to wear. Plus, the variety of designs, colors, and sizes makes the Pyrenex lineup especially appealing to anyone looking to add some style to their winter wardrobe. Even the French government has recognized their commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, with an EPV (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) certification, a sign of a true premium brand.

Pyrenex at Marronnier Gate Ginza

In August 2024, Pyrenex opened its first official flagship store in Japan at Marronnier Gate Ginza, and the shop has become a go-to outerwear shopping destination. Not only is there a great selection, but the store is decorated with fixtures inspired by the actual down-sorting machines used in their French factory, replicating the pipes filled with real down. During your visit you can get a good look at the down up close, and really take in the craftsmanship and meticulous production process Pyrenex is known for.

The store also includes plenty of full-length mirrors and fitting rooms where you can try on jackets and take your time with the process, so you can choose the style that suits you best. With its clean and sophisticated design, the space makes you feel like you’re in your own private showroom! To give you a preview of what to expect at the shop, let’s go over a few of the most popular styles at Pyrenex Marronnier Gate Ginza.

Pyrenex Marronnier Gate Ginza (PYRENEX マロニエゲート銀座)
Marronnier Gate Ginza 1-2F, 2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Official Website

Must-Haves for Winter in Japan From Pyrenex

On-Trend Styles: Made to Suit Everyone

Vintage Mythic / Sten

^{(Left: Vintage Mythic, Right: Sten)}

Our first picks are a couple of Pyrenex’s most iconic designs, the Vintage Mythic and the Sten – stylish options made in both men’s and women’s sizes for all to enjoy.

The Vintage Mythic jacket is a modern reinterpretation of a beloved 1970s design, and the French-made fabric has a subtle sheen that looks just like old puffer coats for a real retro vibe. Lightweight yet surprisingly warm, it’s filled with over 90% French duck down, wrapping you in cozy comfort. The vintage logo patch on the left arm adds classic appeal and makes the jacket feel a little like a collector’s item, one you can keep using for many winters to come. Thanks to its clean and simple design, it’s also a great pick if you want to join in a classic Japanese dating tradition: matching couples’ outfits!

If you like the design of the Vintage Mythic line but prefer a hooded down jacket, check out the Sten instead. Based on the same sleek design, the hood gives the whole look more of a casual feeling, perfect for those who like to give off more of a relaxed vibe. The oversized fit and roomy hood were updated last year to make the model even more cozy and stylish, resulting in a jacket ideal for daily wear and great for travel – when you want comfort without sacrificing style.

Limited-Edition Japanese Outerwear Exclusives

Serres

If you’re hoping to buy something truly exclusive to Japan when shopping in Tokyo, take a look at the Serres, a long down coat. Made with an eco-friendly and water-resistant recycled microfiber taffeta fabric, this model offers a feminine look along with a functional design.

The standout feature of the Serres coat is its elegant A-line silhouette, which flatters the figure while adding sophistication, making it a versatile choice for office outfits or whatever your daily look might be. With premium French duck down all the way down to the knees, it offers excellent warmth even in the depths of winter, too!

The slim silhouette avoids bulk, keeping your look sleek, and the two-way front zipper offers freedom for added mobility. Plus, features like the high collar and hood block the wind, while fleece lining inside the side pockets keeps your hands warm – a thoughtful detail that we know members of the cold hands club will appreciate. Though simple on the outside, the design of the Serres coat reflects Pyrenex’s dedication to detail, which is all the more important for the Japanese market. Since it’s a Japan-exclusive item, it’s a great option for your Japanese winter shopping list!

Combe

For those who want all the coziness of a French down jacket, but with a clean, minamilist vibe, there’s the Combe. With generous a generous layer of high-quality down, the jacket offers a relaxed fit that warmly envelopes your upper half, and plenty of room for layering thick sweaters or stylish separates underneath – perfect for anyone who won’t sacrifice style even in the cold.

The high collar keeps winter winds out, while the adjustable hood and hem drawstrings let you tailor the fit however you like. Finished with a double zipper and snaps, it’s a versatile piece, and the combination of a puffy silhouette and relatively short hem makes it easy to show off the bottom half of your outfit. Try the Combe this winter to show off your winter looks while staying warm and cozy.

Items Worth Shelling Out For

Elaura 2

An upgraded version of the popular Elaura 1 jacket, the Elaura 2 uses a matte microfiber taffeta for a soft, luxurious feel against the skin. This design uses slightly less down than the original, making it lighter and more versatile – a jacket you’ll be reaching for from late autumn through early spring. Of course, even with slightly less down the jacket still has a voluminous collar that can be buttoned up to conveniently keep your neck nice and warm – you can leave your scarves at home, and just enjoy the cute look of peeking out over the high collar instead!

Spoutnic Long Soft 2 / Spoutnic 2

^{(Left: Spoutnic Long Soft 2, Right: Spoutnic Soft 2)}

Down jackets aren’t cheap, a good down jacket is an investment, so it makes sense to choose carefully! But if you want a safe bet, consider Pyrenex’s signature Spoutnic line. The jackets are not only made from their high-quality matte microfiber taffeta for a “peach-skin” softness, but they’re also water-repellent, windproof, and breathable.

The Spoutnic Soft 2, the hip-length version of this down jacket, is a bestseller in France thanks to the neat quilting and conveniently detachable hood. The Spoutnic Long Soft 2 is a touch more dramatic and a little warmer, too, thanks to its longer length. Thanks to Pyrenex’s use of double-ended zippers that solve the mobility issues common with long down coats, it’s designed for easy movement even when fully zipped! Choose between the simpler hip-length design or the extra cozy long version for a dependable down option to suit your own everyday style.

Add Extra Elegance With Pyrenex’s Premium Lines

If you want to make the most of your shopping experience in Japan, you can take full advantage of tax-free discount by choosing from Pyrenex’s most high-end options! Produced entirely at the Pyrenex headquarters in Saint-Sever, the Pyrenex Made in France collection undergoes every step of the production process in-house, from down processing to sewing. With only limited numbers available, each piece is a rare example of craftsmanship.

Barry

The centerpiece of the Made in Japan collection is the Barry jacket, packed with their top-class “Legend 1859” duck down to provide ample warmth in temperatures as low as -20°C. Instead of the stitching you see in most puffer jackets, it uses fabric with “tube technology” to keep in the warmth and create a luxurious silhouette at the same time.

Amelia

For those who want warmth without sacrificing all semblance of shape, take a look at the Amelia instead. Like the Barry jacket, it’s filled with premium Legend 1859 down, but it also has a sleek drawstring at the waist and another one around the hood for an adjustable fit. With an impressive fill power of 850*, the down bounces back instantly when pressed, to give you plenty of warmth packed into one unique look.

^{*Fill power is a measure of down’s resilience, and higher numbers lead to better insulation at a lighter weight.}

Extras to Keep You Extra Warm

At the Marronnier Gate Ginza store, you can also find a selection of accessories, like this beanie collection made to pair with Pyrenex down. The iconic logo adds a little flair to the simple design, available in a range of basic neutral tones and a few bold colors. Pair one with your new coat for an extra pop of color, or a polished winter look.

Shopping Tips & Services

The Pyrenex store in Ginza store is full of thoughtful details, especially when you know what to look for. Like not only are there mirrors throughout the store for easy try-ons, but you can also use the private fitting room. They also offer gift wrapping services for a small fee, so your purchase looks picture-perfect upon delivery, whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone special.

Pyrenex also supports a variety of payment options aside from cash or credit cards, like Alipay and WeChat Pay, for easy checkout. Of course, no matter which payment method is being used, foreign shoppers can also take advantage of tax-free prices! If you’ve had your eye on a new jacket from Pyrenex, this is the perfect chance to shop smart during your trip to Japan.

Must-See Ginza Shopping: Make Pyrenex a Part of Your Ginza Shopping Day

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s prime shopping districts, so once you’ve visited Pyrenex Marronnier Gate Ginza and you’re ready to show off your new jacket, you can keep the fun going at these nearby Ginza shopping spots!

Marronnier Gate Ginza 1

While Pyrenex might be priority number one, the shop is also located within a mall full of fashion, beauty, cafes, and restaurants, along with Hands – a popular stop for smaller souvenirs and knick-knacks in Japan, formerly known as Tokyu Hands. Some of the other brands inside the mall include New Era, Diesel, and Nagano Market, which is full of cute characters.

Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 (マロニエゲート銀座1)
2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: fashion/Hands 11:00 – 21:00 | restaurants 11:00 – 23:00
Official Website

Once You’re Shopping in Ginza…

Ginza Six, Loft, Muji, & Don Quijote

Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 is within easy walking distance of many of Ginza’s other shopping hotspots. Ginza Six, a complex with global fashion brands, fine dining, cafes, and even a rooftop garden, is often considered a must. The beloved Loft is another great stop for stationery, home goods and decor, and cosmetics, and plenty of fun Japanese souvenirs. For many, Muji needs no introduction, and the Ginza flagship seamlessly blends Japanese tradition and modern style, including a lineup of Japan-exclusive items you won’t find elsewhere. And finally, no shopping trip in Japan is complete without a visit to Don Quijote, the go-to discount store for travelers.

Ginza Six (GINZA SIX)
6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: shops/cafes 10:30 – 20:30 | restaurants 11:00 – 23:00
Official Website

Ginza Loft (銀座ロフト)
Ginza Velvia-kan 1~5F, 2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: Mon–Sat & Holidays 11:00–21:00 | Sun 11:00–20:00
Official Website

Muji Ginza (無印良品 銀座)
3-3-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Official Website

Don Quijote Ginza Main Store (ドン・キホーテ 銀座本館)
Ginza Nine 3, 8-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
Hours: open 24/7
Official Website

Stay Warm During Your Trip to Tokyo & Enjoy the Winter Weather With Pyrenex

Do your winter outerwear shopping in Japan, and you’ll bring home a coat that not only keeps you warm every winter, but also brings back warm memories of your trip to Tokyo! Browse the selection to find the perfect match for your winter wardrobe at the Pyrenex Marronnier Gate Ginza store, right in the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza! With a cozy new jacket, you’ll be ready to take on your winter trip to Japan – so check out some of our favorite Japanese winter travel recommendations to start planning the trip of your dreams!

▶︎ Winter Travel Recommendations in Japan

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