Kyoto Hiking Gear Spotlight:Workman
Best Budget Gear at Workman in AEON Mall
If you love hiking but don’t love spending a lot of money, then let me introduce you to a secret weapon many Japanese hikers are already using: Workman.
The store I often visit is actually called *Workman Joshi*—*joshi* means “ladies,” but don't worry, they also carry a good range of men’s and kids’ items too.
Workman started as a workwear brand for construction and factory workers. Their clothes were built to last, even in the harshest environments. But in recent years, they began making outdoor and sports gear too, at very affordable prices. For budget-conscious hikers in Japan, this is a game-changer.
I often visit the Workman store inside AEON Mall Kyoto, which is just a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Most Workman stores are located on the outskirts of cities and are only accessible by car, but this one is easily reachable on foot, making it perfect for travelers. It’s on the 3rd floor of the Sakura Building, and you can visit Montbell in the same mall to compare quality and price.
💼 Top 5 Workman Products Under JPY 5,000 (approx. USD 36)
1. 2.5-Layer Rain Jacket
- Price: Around JPY 3,900 (approx. USD 28)
- Features: Waterproof, windproof, breathable. Packs down small.
- My take: Some sets include both jacket and pants for around JPY 5,000. Even when the item says “rain jacket,” be sure to check if the zippers are waterproof. Some use only water-repellent fabric without sealed zippers—important if you plan to hike in heavy rain.
2. Merino Wool Socks
- Price: Around JPY 1,000 (approx. USD 7)
- Features: Natural odor control, warmth, and moisture-wicking.
- My take: These socks stay warm even when damp. I’ve also spotted Merino wool base layers at Workman occasionally—worth checking if you're there in winter!
3. Stretch Hiking Pants
- Price: Around JPY 4,000 (approx. USD 29)
- Features: Quick-drying, stretchable, zippered pockets.
- My take: These are my go-to pants for summer hikes. They are light, breathable, and offer good freedom of movement. Impressive for the price.
4. UV Protection Hat
- Price: Around JPY 2,000 (approx. USD 14)
- Features: Wide brim, mesh panels, chin strap.
- My take: It stayed on even in strong wind and offered solid sun protection during my August hike up Mt. Atago.
5. Thermal Long Sleeve Base Layer
- Price: Around JPY 1,200 (approx. USD 9)
- Features: Heat-retaining, moisture-wicking, soft fabric.
- My take: They even sell fleece layers that mimic high-end fabrics like Polartec Alpha Direct. While they’re not quite as warm, they’re a great value for the price.
Bonus: Workman also sells functional sneakers and sandals at great prices. Just one note—sizes tend to run small, so be sure to try them on before buying.
🧵 Sizing Tip: Popular sizes (especially S or M for Men’s) often sell out quickly. Workman buys in bulk and doesn’t restock as often, so if you find the right size, grab it while you can!
⛰️ Workman vs Montbell: Pros and Cons
💸 Price
• Workman: ⭐ Excellent (most items < JPY 5,000 / USD 36)
• Montbell: ⭐⭐⭐ Medium to High
(Fewer stars = more budget-friendly feel.)
🔧 Durability
• Workman: ⭐⭐ Some reviews mention durability issues, but considering the price, it’s hard to complain.
• Montbell: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Professional-grade gear built to last.
🌍 Variety
• Workman: ⭐⭐⭐ Focused on daily-use basics.
• Montbell: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Offers a wide selection, including gear for activities beyond hiking (like kayaking, cycling, and snow sports).
👕 Style
• Workman: ⭐⭐ Simple and clean, but honestly not always the most stylish. It may not appeal to everyone.
• Montbell: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ More outdoor-fashion focused. Not flashy, but solid, timeless designs.
🤝 Brand Prestige
• Workman: ⭐ A practical and affordable alternative—not a specialist outdoor brand.
• Montbell: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A well-respected and trusted name in Japan’s outdoor gear scene.
🌎 Final Thoughts
If you are just getting started with hiking in Japan or simply want to save money on your gear, Workman is worth a visit. While it might not match Montbell in terms of technical features or cutting-edge design, the price-to-performance ratio is amazing.
And honestly, it feels good to wear gear that works well but doesn’t break the bank. After all, hiking is about enjoying nature, not showing off brands, right?
Happy trails!
Yamato
