Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
&
Japan Traditional
Top 10 Things to Buy
!
Ceramic Ware
Craft Center
The center was set up to
promote an understanding of
traditional Japanese crafts as
well as the work of living artists.
Some of the tools to craft the
kiminos, dolls, lacquerware,
and ceramics are for sale, too.
d
Map C1 • Metropolitan Plaza, 1-2F,
1-11-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
• 5954-6066 • Open 11am-7pm
Some of the big names
to look out for are Mino, Arita,
Raku, Bizen, and Mashiko.
@
Yukata
Yukata
, light cotton
kimonos worn during the
humid summer months, are
comfortable and portable.
£
Woodblock prints
Woodblock prints depict
lovely women of the pleasure
quarters, popular actors, and
famous landscapes.
*
Japan Sword
This unique store has been
in business since the Meiji
period, when the samurai were
superannuated and their martial
equipment became collectable.
Reproductions are also sold
here.
d
Map D6 • 3-8-1 Toranomon,
Minato-ku • 3434-4321 • Open 9:30am-
6pm Mon-Fri, 9:30am-5pm Sat
$
Hagoita
The
Hagoita
(Japanese
shuttlecocks) are painted with
the faces of kabuki actors,
courtesans, and TV celebrities.
%
Bamboo
A very versatile wood,
used to craft everything from
chopsticks to window blinds
and flower baskets.
(
Sagemonoya
The stunning range here
includes Inro, Yatate, and
pipecases, as well as superbly
carved Netsuke - miniature ivory
and wood sculptures.
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Map C3
• Palais Eternal Bldg, 702-703, 4-28-20
Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku • 3352-6286 • Open
1:30-6pm Wed-Sat
^
Dolls
Originally used as
talismans to ward off evil,
dolls are now displayed in
festivals and sold as toys
and souvenirs.
&
Lacquerware
Good lacquerware can be
expensive. Be warned that in
dry air it will eventually crack.
)
Oriental Bazaar
This is a great place to buy
a wide array of gifts, including
yukata
(summer kimono) as well
as original and reproduction
woodblock prints.
d
Map S4 • 5-9-13
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku • 3400-3933
• Open 10am-7pm Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun
*
Antiques
Antiques are found in both
upmarket stores and flea
markets. Kotto-dori in Aoyama
is known as “antique street.”
(
Handmade paper
Thick
washi
paper has
many uses, including calli-
graphy, painting, making
lanterns, umbrellas, and fans.
)
Incense
The finest and the
most expensive incense
comes from smokeless
wood chips of trees that
are naturally scented.
Guardian lions outside Oriental Bazaar
53
Sagemonoya can be visited by appointment only. The staff here
are fluent in English.
