Japanese towels excel when it comes to absorbance, but they are often rather small. It is thought that their size is based on “tenugui” (Japanese hand towels), used since ancient times. If you are looking to buy a made-in-Japan towel, towels that are sold as “bath towels” are likely the best when it comes to size. Also, tenugui are different from towels, as they are not very absorbent but dry extremely quickly. We have scored towels and tenugui that you can buy online based on price, quality, and ease of use to aid you in your shopping journey.
1. Yagisei Made in Japan Komon Tenugui Towel 3 Type Set (Flax Leaf, Sakura, Rabbit)
Score: ★★★★★
Getting three made-in-Japan tenugui for this price is quite a steal. However, as mentioned before, tenugui are not meant to be used as a replacement for towels. As they dry very quickly, it is common to use them to wipe up water, wring them out, and then use them to wipe a second time. They can be used as a slightly fashionable accessory or even a handkerchief, while towels cannot.
Size: 13” x 35.43” (33 cm × 90 cm)
Color: Red / Blue
Material: Cotton
Brand: Yagisei
2. Log Squeeze Blur Dyed Towel (Ginkgo) (With Cosmetic Box) | Kyoto Kanoko Shibori
Score: ★★★★★
Skilled craftsmen purposefully dyed this tenugui unevenly, creating a beautiful gradation effect. It is perfect as a handkerchief or, given its gorgeous artistic quality, as an interior decoration such as a wall hanging or couch throw. There are several colors available, so you can choose the one that fits your tastes.
Size: 14.17" * 35.43" (36.0 cm * 90.0 cm)
Color: Ginkgo / Sakura / Deep Sea / Snow
Material: 100% cotton from Japan
Brand: Kyoto Kanoko Shibori (Yoake)
3. hiorie Japan Towel Natural Water Washing Fast Drying - 2 Pieces Bath Towel Sets Rose Pink
Score: ★★★★★
Two Japanese towels at this price is a great deal. Senshu towels are not very well known, but they come from one of the three largest towel producers in Japan. The difference that separates them from the famous Imabari towels is whether they are dyed before or after being woven. Since Senshu towels are dyed afterwards, most of them have simple designs, but they also do not shrink easily. These towels are highly recommended, as they are also quite absorbent.
Size: 23.6” x 51.1” (60 cm x 130 cm)
Color: Rose Pink / 16 other colors available
Material: 100% cotton
Brand: Hiorie
Related article: ▶ 7 Not-So-Dry Facts About Japanese Towels
4. CYBERL Imabari Towel Bath Towel Stripe; Set of 2, Blue and Gray
Score: ★★★★☆
Only towels that have passed strict criteria can be branded with the Imabari towel logo and be called Imabari towels. These criteria are mainly based on absorbency, so these towels are extremely absorbent. It is very much worth getting a set of two bath towels for this price, but do keep in mind that as they are rather delicate, they can lose their softness if used too roughly.
Size: W25.6” x L49.2” (W65.0 cm x L124.9 cm)
Color: Grey
Material: 100% cotton
Brand: CYBERL (Imabari Towel)
5. Gift Set With 1 Organic Cotton Bath Towel | Imabari Towels
Score: ★★★★★
Although part of the Imabari towel family introduced above, this is an especially high-quality bath towel meant to be given as a gift. The absorbency goes without saying, but allowing it to touch your skin even once will justify its reputation. It can be used in various scenarios - given as a gift, held as a spare towel, given to guests, or used as a special towel.
Size: 29.52" * 59.05" (75 cm * 150 cm)
Color: White
Material: 100% cotton
Brand: Foo Tokyo (Imabari Towel)
Related articles:
▶ Traditional Japanese Crafts: The Amazing Properties of Imabari Towels
▶ 10 Popular Japanese Slippers for Your Ultimate Comfort
▶ The Complete Guide to Traditional Japanese Crafts
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*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer's website for more information.
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.