Betty Smith was the first company in Japan to produce women's jeans in 1962.
The museum is housed in a renovated factory building that retains original architectural elements from the 1960s.
Kojima is often referred to as 'Jeans Street' due to the high concentration of denim manufacturers in the district.
Visitors can participate in a 'Jeans Making Experience' using authentic riveting tools identical to those used in commercial production.
The site keeps a collection of rare, antique sewing machines from the early 20th century, some imported from the United States during the development of Japan's denim industry.
Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village is Japan's first specialized museum dedicated to the history of denim and jeans production. Located in Kojima, an area internationally recognized as the birthplace of domestic Japanese denim, the site functions as both a historical archive and a manufacturing facility. Visitors can view vintage sewing machines, denim history exhibits, and Betty Smith’s personal collection of archival clothing. The village includes a factory where the brand's signature jeans are still produced, allowing guests to observe the garment assembly process. A dedicated workshop area permits visitors to assemble their own custom jeans, including selecting buttons, rivets, and leather patches. The site also features a petting zoo area with domestic animals and a retail outlet selling exclusive denim goods. The museum preserves the heritage of Kurashiki's textile industry, which pivoted from school uniform production to high-end denim manufacturing in the mid-20th century.
The entrance display featuring large, iconic denim-themed installations and the historic sewing machine gallery.
Book your custom jeans workshop session in advance online to ensure machine availability.
Bring a pen to sign the guestbook, which is a common tradition among denim enthusiasts visiting the facility.
Explore the surrounding Kojima district after your visit to see smaller independent denim boutiques.
Don't attempt to walk from JR Kojima Station unless you are prepared for a long hike; use a local taxi or car rental.
Closed during the New Year holiday period.
Refrain from touching historical artifacts on display and follow instructions from factory staff while near machinery.
