Ougiya Silk Restoration Studio – Tokyo, Japan
For over 100 years, Ougiya has specialized in caring for delicate silk.
Our award-winning artisans in Tokyo restore luxury silk scarves and accessories – including Hermès, Chanel, and other designer pieces – with meticulous stain removal, color correction, and finishing techniques.
Silk has a beautiful luster and an elegant, fluid drape, but it is also a very sensitive fiber. Ordinary cleaning methods can easily damage it. At Ougiya, we carefully examine each piece and choose the most appropriate, gentle process to bring back its original beauty – one item at a time.
By restoring and continuing to wear a treasured scarf instead of throwing it away, you are also making a sustainable choice – reducing waste and extending the life of high-quality textiles for many years to come.
About Our Studio
Ougiya is a traditional kimono restoration workshop in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, with more than a century of history. Our craftsmen are officially certified by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and we have received top national awards, including two first-place prizes in Japan in the “Stain Removal / Cleaning” category at national competitions.
Drawing on techniques developed for fine Japanese kimono, we apply the same level of care to modern silk items such as:
- Hermès scarves and twilly
- Chanel and other designer silk scarves
- Fine silk stoles and shawls
- Other silk accessories and garments
Silk is very different from cotton or synthetic fibers. The solvents, detergents, and treatment steps must be chosen with great care, or the fabric and dyes can be damaged. Our role is to diagnose the condition precisely and design a custom treatment plan for each item.
Restoring your scarf means:
- Avoiding the need to buy a replacement when you already love the one you own
- Preserving a gift, memory, or heirloom
- Supporting sustainable, long-lasting use of your favorite fashion pieces
How to Request Our Services
1.Bring-in or Domestic Shipping (Japan)
If you are in Japan, you can use either of the following options:
- In-person visit – by appointment at our studio in Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Domestic shipping – sending your item to us by courier or postal service within Japan
For a more detailed explanation of our general process and access information, please see:
2. Overseas Clients
We also welcome requests from clients living outside Japan.
- Photo consultation
First, please send us clear, in-focus photos of- the stains or damaged areas,
- the overall view of the scarf, and
- any labels or care tags (if possible),
along with a short message via WhatsApp.
- Initial assessment and estimate
Our artisans will carefully review your photos and let you know- whether restoration appears possible,
- an approximate price range, and
- the expected level of restoration.
- Shipping to Japan
If you are happy with our explanation and estimate, you can ship the scarf to Japan using a tracked international service. - Restoration and return
After we complete the work, we will carefully pack your scarf and send it back to you. We will update you via WhatsApp throughout the process.
For step-by-step instructions on how to pack your scarf, which shipping methods to use, and how to fill out the customs declaration form, please see the section below:
“Overseas Shipping & Customs Guide.”
Contact (WhatsApp Photo Consultation)
We primarily use WhatsApp for messages and photo consultation.
Please note that we do not accept voice calls or video calls via WhatsApp.
Photo Consultation (Recommended)
Before sending your scarf, we strongly recommend a photo consultation.
Please send us:
- Close-up photos of the stained or damaged areas
- One or two photos of the entire scarf
- Photos of any brand labels or care labels, if available
Along with:
- Your name
- Your country and city
- A brief description of how and when the stains occurred (if known)
Based on your photos, our artisans will:
- Check whether restoration is likely to be possible
- Provide an approximate price range
- Explain what level of restoration you can expect (for example, how much the stains may be reduced)
We will then guide you on the next steps, including shipping and payment.
This initial photo-based assessment is free of charge and without obligation, so please feel relaxed about contacting us.
Overseas Shipping & Customs Guide
Thank you for considering Ougiya Silk Restoration Studio in Tokyo, Japan.
To help your scarf arrive safely and pass smoothly through customs, please follow the guidelines below when shipping from overseas.
1. Recommended shipping methods
- Please use a tracked international service, such as EMS (Express Mail Service) or an equivalent courier in your country.
- These services provide tracking and are generally reliable for valuable items.
- If your scarf is especially valuable, we recommend choosing a service that offers insurance or an option to purchase additional coverage.
2. Shipping address
Please write our address as follows:
Ougiya Silk Restoration Studio
3F, 3-4-5 Minato, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0043, Japan
TEL: +81-3-6280-4788
3. How to pack your item
To protect delicate silk during international shipping:
- Place the scarf in a clean plastic bag or zip bag to protect it from moisture and dust.
- Put the bag into a sturdy outer box or thick envelope with padding (bubble wrap, tissue paper, etc.).
- Avoid folding the scarf too tightly. Gentle, loose folding is best for silk textiles.
- If you are sending more than one scarf, please place each one in a separate inner bag so that they do not rub against each other.
4. Customs declaration (for EMS and similar services)
On the customs declaration form (CN22 / CN23 or your country’s equivalent), please write, for example:
- Item:
Silk textile for restoration (no commercial value) - Purpose:
Repair / return after repair - Declared value:
USD 10 (for customs declaration only)
This wording shows that the scarf is being sent temporarily to Japan for repair and will be returned to you after restoration.
It can help the customs process proceed more smoothly in both your country and Japan.
Note: The declared value is for customs paperwork only and does not represent the brand or sentimental value of the item itself.
5. Insurance and tracking
- EMS and many courier services include basic insurance in their standard fee. For very high-value items, please consider purchasing additional insurance if available.
- Please keep your tracking number until the scarf has safely arrived back at your address.
- Once your item reaches our studio, we will send you a message via WhatsApp to confirm safe receipt and explain the next steps.
6. If you are unsure about anything
If you are not sure how to fill in a field on the customs form, which shipping option to choose, or how to pack your scarf,
please feel free to send us a message and photos on WhatsApp before shipping.
We will guide you step by step so that you can send your item with confidence.
Before & After – Sample Restoration Cases
Below are examples of actual restoration work carried out at our studio. The “restoration rate” and prices are for reference; the final result will vary depending on the fabric, dye, and age of the stain.
Old stain on a silk scarf (non-brand)
– Restoration rate: approx. 80%
– Reference price: ¥8,000
Hermès silk scarf – local stain removal
– Restoration rate: approx. 100%
– Reference price: ¥4,000
Salvatore Ferragamo silk scarf – many old stains, overall treatment
– Restoration rate: approx. 90%
– Reference price: ¥20,000 (overall stain removal)
Hermès silk scarf – multiple spot stains
– Restoration rate: approx. 100%
– Reference price: ¥7,000
Hermès silk scarf – multiple spot stains
– Restoration rate: approx. 100%
– Reference price: ¥5,000
Hermès silk scarf – multiple spot stains
– Restoration rate: approx. 100%
– Reference price: ¥5,000
Hermès scarf that was washed at home in water
– Re-washing, reshaping, and finishing
– Restoration rate: approx. 90%
– Reference price: ¥10,000
Hermès scarf that was washed at home in water
– Re-washing, reshaping, and finishing
– Restoration rate: approx. 90%
– Reference price: ¥6,000
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
A. Yes. We regularly restore luxury brand silk scarves such as Hermès and Chanel. We use methods that protect the delicate silk fibers while treating stains, discoloration, and color transfer as much as possible.
A. Please take photos of the areas of concern and send them via WhatsApp along with a brief message. We will provide an estimate based on the photos, then inspect the actual item at our shop before presenting a final quote.
A. Voice and video calls are not available on WhatsApp. Please send photos and messages instead. It may take a little time, but rest assured we will always reply with care.
A. As a general guide:
Light, small stains: approx. ¥4,000–¥9,000
Larger, older, or widespread stains / overall treatment: approx. ¥10,000–¥20,000
The actual cost and restoration rate depend on the fabric, dyes, and how long the stain has been present. Please see the examples above for reference.
A. The usual turnaround time is about 1–2 weeks. This may be shorter or longer depending on the condition of the item and how busy we are. If you have a specific date by which you need the item (for example, a wedding or special event), please let us know – we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
A. In many cases, yes. Silk is very sensitive, so the choice of chemicals and process is critical. Even if an ordinary cleaner could not remove the stain, our specialized, individually tailored methods may still improve it. However, there are limits, and we will always explain realistically what level of restoration seems possible.
A. High-temperature ironing or home washing can sometimes fix stains permanently or cause them to spread or change color. Please do not continue trying to treat it yourself; instead, send it to us in its current state. We will carefully assess the damage and explain what can be done.
A. Yes. By restoring a high-quality silk item instead of throwing it away, you reduce textile waste and keep a well-made piece in use for many more years. Many of our clients choose restoration not only because they love their scarf, but also because they value sustainable, mindful fashion.
A. Yes. Within Japan, you can send your items to us by courier or post. For overseas clients, we first check the condition by photos, then accept shipments from abroad using tracked services such as EMS. For step-by-step instructions on how to pack your scarf, which shipping methods to use, and how to fill out the customs declaration form, please see the “Overseas Shipping & Customs Guide” above.