Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
map pp.108-109. Stocks one of Tokyo's best ranges of folk
crafts ( mingei ). They also stage craft exhibitions at which you
may get to meet the artist. Daily except Thurs 10am-7pm.
Ì Blue & White ϒϧʔˍϫΠͱ 2-9-2 Azabu-Jūban,
Minato-ku T 03 3451 0537; Azabu-Jūban station; map
pp.90-91. Small store that sells exclusively blue-and-
white-coloured products made in Japan; though the
concept may sound contrived, the goods have been
selected with care, and include yukata , furoshiki (textile
wrapping cloths), quilts, pottery and traditional decora-
tions. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm.
Bunsendō จઔಊ 1-30-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku T 03 3841
0088; Asakusa station; map p.70. Shops selling paper
fans are ten-a-penny in Asakusa, but this is one of the
higher-grade offerings. They have two stores here, almost
side by side. Daily 10.30am-6pm.
Fujiya ;͡԰ 2-2-15 Asakusa, Taitō-ku T 03 3841
2283; Asakusa station; map p.70. Hand-printed cotton
towels ( tenugui ) designed by the Kawakami family; some
end up becoming collectors' items, so choose carefully.
Daily except Thurs 10am-6pm.
Ì Ginza Natsuno Ն໺ 6-7-4 Ginza, Chūō-ku T 03
3569 0952; Ginza station; map p.48; 4-2-17 Jingūmae,
Shibuya-ku, T 03 3403 6033; Omotesandō station; map
p.113. Stuffed to the rafters with an incredible collection of
over 1000 types of chopstick, plus chopstick rests and rice
bowls. Prices range from ¥200 up to ¥35,000 or more for a pair
made from ivory. Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
Haibara ͸͍͹Β 2-8-11 Nihombashi, Chūō-ku T 03
3272 3801; Nihombashi station; map p.48. This shop has
been selling traditional washi paper - and everything made
from it - since 1806. Unfortunately, they upped sticks from
their gorgeous original location in 2012, moving down the
road to this less appealing one, but their products are just as
great. Mon-Fri 10am-6.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm.
Ì Itō-ya ҏ౦԰ 2-7-15 Ginza, Chūō-ku T 03 3561
8311; Shibuya station; map p.48. This fabulous stationery
store comprising 11 floors and two annexes (Itō-ya 2 & 3), is
a treasure trove full of packable souvenirs such as traditional
washi paper, calligraphy brushes, inks and so on. There are
several other branches around the city, including one in Ginza
station. Mon-Sat 10.30am-8pm, Sun until 7pm.
Japan Traditional Craft Centre ఻౷޻ܳ੨ࢁεΫΤΞ
1F Akasaka Ouji Building, 8-1-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku
T 03 5785 1001, W kougeihin.jp; Aoyama-Itchōme
station; map pp.108-109. This centre showcases the
works of craft associations across the nation - everything
from finely crafted chopsticks to elegant lacquerware and
metalwork. Daily 10am-7pm.
Jūsan-ya ेࡾ΍ 2-12-21 Ueno, Taitō-ku T 03 3831
3238; Ueno-Hirokōji station; map p.61. Tiny shop across the
road from Shinobazu Pond, where a craftsman sits making
beautiful boxwood combs - just as successive generations
have done since 1736. Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm.
Kanesō ͔Ͷ૜ 1-18-12 Asakusa, Taitō-ku T 03 3844
1379; Asakusa station; map p.70. A mind-boggling array
of knives, scissors, shears and files, crafted by the Hirano
family over five generations. Daily 11am-7pm.
Kurodaya ࠇా԰ 1-2-5 Asakusa, Taitō-ku T 03 3844
7511; Asakusa station; map p.70. Kurodaya has been
selling woodblock prints and items made of traditional
washi paper since 1856. Tues-Sun 11am-7pm.
Ì Kyūkyodō ോډಊ 5-7-4 Ginza, Chūō-ku T 03 3571
4429; Ginza station; map p.48. Filled with the dusty
smell of sumi-e ink, this venerable shop has been selling
traditional paper, calligraphy brushes and inkstones since
1800. During Edo times, they provided incense to the
emperor but the shop's history actually goes back even
longer - it was first founded in Kyoto in 1663 and,
amazingly, the same family still runs it. Daily 10am-7pm.
Musubi Ή͢ඒ 2-31-8 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku T 03
5414 5678; Meiji-jingūmae station; map pp.108-109.
Pick up the beautifully printed fabric furoshiki here to use
instead of wrapping paper - they're also great gifts in
themselves. Their origami design prints are particularly
unusual. Note that there's no obvious sign on the shop -
look for the dangling handbags on the ground level of a
silver building. Daily except Wed 11am-7pm.
Ì Oriental Bazaar ΦϦΤϯλϧόβʔ 5-9-13
Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku T 03 3400 3933, W oriental
bazaar.co.jp; Meiji-jingūmae station; map p.113.
Although it may seem like a tourist trap, this very popular,
one-stop souvenir emporium, selling everything from
secondhand kimono to origami paper and top-class
antiques, offers great deals and an almost unbeatable
selection. Daily except Thurs 10am-7pm.
Ì Origami Kaikan ͓Γ͕Έձؗ 1-7-14 Yushima,
Bunkyō-ku T 03 3811 4025, W origamikaikan.co.jp;
Ochanomizu station; map p.56. This outpost for the
production and dyeing of washi (Japanese paper) was
founded in 1859, and to this day they continue to sell it on
the premises - there's also an exhibition hall on the second
floor. It's possible to take lessons (some free) in the art of
paper folding here. Mon-Sat 9.30am-6pm.
Rin ΓΜ 3-6-26 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku T 03 6418
7020; Omotesandō station; map p.113. Squeezed into a
small alley off the main road, this shop stocks an appealing
range of craft products that mix old techniques with a
modern style. There's gourmet food and liquor here too,
as well as stationery and tableware. Daily 11am-7pm.
S Watanabe ౉ᬑ໦൛ඒज़ըฮ 8-6-19 Ginza,
Chūō-ku T 03 3571 4684; Shimbashi station; map p.48.
Small shop specializing in woodblock prints at a range of
prices, with designs both modern and traditional in nature.
You'll spy original ukiyo-e as well as reproductions of works
by famous artists. Mon-Sat 9.30am-8pm.
Sukeroku ॿ࿡ 2-30-1 Asakusa, Taitō-ku T 03 3844
0577; Asakusa station; map p.70. Pint-sized shop famous
18
 
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