A Bit of Japan in Montreal
Collection du Japon is a Japanese store downtown that contains books, tea sets, kimono, home decoration, and other Japanese paraphernalia. One of the few stores that has authentic Japanese household items that aren't knock offs you would find in Chinatown.
The store itself is quite cluttered with items, all the better to take your time in looking through an array of beautifully colored doll sets, ikebana pots, and other little knick knacks. The kimonos are the real deal, not the mock bathrobe kind, eventhough they are a smidge on the old/vintage (especially obi sash). They are well kept though and Mrs. Uchiyama (the owner) will gladly help you pick out what you need.
Collection du Japon is actually more than a store, Mrs. Uchiyama also gives various lessons of Japanese artforms such as green tea ceremony, Japanese language, kimono wearing workshops and ikebana. There's always a sale going on, so you should check her website and pamphlets often to see what's going on.
Its location is pretty hidden and not obvious to find eventhough it is in Downtown Montreal. It's in a building next to FutureShop on St-Catherine. Enter the building and take the elevators to the 4th floor and it's the first door on your left. Call or email the store for more detailed directions.
Accessible metro: McGill
460, rue Ste-Catherine Ouest, suite 423
