TOKYO ASAKUSA GUIDE

TRADITIONAL CRAFT

	Edo Kimekomi Ningyou After creasing on the doll's body, kimono or whatever outfit that is suitable for the doll is printed on the wood grain.

	Tokyo Ginki The use of silver has a long history in Japan, with pieces found that date back to the year 916. By the middle of the Edo period the use of silversmithery was widely accepted among ordinary people. At present, Tokyo is a major production center for silversmithery, with products crafted from various methods, including plating, carving and inlays.

	Edo Kazarimusubi Thanks to China's rope craftworks, Japan has related masterpiece as well. Prawn, Turtle, Crane are represents of happiness.

	Edo Tsumami Kanzashi Japanese traditional hairpins. Edo tsumami kanzashi has pieces of silk cut into shapes of birds and flowers to make the hairpins look decorative. These women's ornamental hairpins are used for the New Year, coming of the age ceremony, festival for children of ages three, five and seven, and dancing parties.

	Edo Sudare Sudare is blinds made from natural bamboo. The main techniques of production were established around the Edo period, and there were even professional sudare makers. Bamboo's natural savor can be enjoyed in sudare.

	Edo Hagoita Hagoita is similar to a badminton racket, but used only on special occasions, such as the New Year's season. Some of them have beautiful Japanese women or kabuki actors painted, or sometimes embroidered on the boad.

	Tokyo Uchi Hamono and more about Knife The tradition and technique were first developed during the Edo period, and it was passed down to today's artisans. Their work is highly qualified and is valued higly for professional use.

	Edo Hyogu Hyogu is a scroll or long sheet of paper in which calligraphic art is hanged to display. The art and skill of Hyogu arrived from China along with Buddhism.　Up until Edo period, only rich can afford such interior in their own houses.

	Kiri Kimekomi Both Edo style and Kyo style can be found in Asakusa. Life long treasure/jewel box.

	Edo Kiriko Kiriko is a cutting glass work established in the Edo era. Traditional Japanese symbols such as chrysanthemum and lattice are used for kiriko patterns.

	Edo Tegaki Chochin Bamboo ribs or metal wires formed into a spiral shape are used as the frames of Japanese traditional paper chochin-lanterns. Letters are painted in a calligraphic style called Edomoji, which is characterized by uniquely designed brushstrokes that create a balandes, eye-catching structure of each letter.

	Edo Bekko Bekko, or tortoiseshell, has enjoyed great popularity for a long time. A variety of techniques were passed along during the Edo period. Tortoiseshell are used for glass frames as well.

	Wakomono Small Japanese handcrafts made of Boro/Furugi (second hand textile). Used-to-be a great ryokan turned to be a wonderful traditional hand-made craft shop.

	Edo Sashimono Sashimono are custom made furniture and cabinetry that are made without the use of nails. Samurai and merchants mostly used sashimono.

	Take-zaiku Various bamboo knitting could arrange your interior design enriched.

	Edo Furin How to cool your life in Edo period? No air conditioning, no ice cream, but the sound of colorful glass!

	Tabi Order made only to your foot (right foot and left foot). Sumo wrestlers make their own Tabi at this shop. Not far from the Sumo Arena in Ryogoku. Much better than Workman's shoes.

	Edo Mokuhanga (Ukiyoe) Wood carving with different color painting makes this wonderful masterpiece. Hiroshige and Hokusai are the most known.

	Edo Hake These brushes were referred to as Edo Hake in books from the Edo period. Seven different types of brushes were introducted, including those for screen painters and dyeing. These brushes have played an important role in Japanese culture.

	Yubi Ningyou and more dolls The craftman can make your own finger doll if only you could wait for 3 years! Shokichi has wonderful world in Yanaka, north of Ueno.

	Manakineko Right paw for fortune, left one for peace? Or, are you looking for Cat Cafe, Neko Cafe, then this page will do.

	Tougei In pottery class, you can learn basic to advanced skills of Japanese pottery and how to use an electric wheel. Also you can learn new and traditional techniques od coloring and drawing.

	Inshou (Inkan, Hanko) Your own designed Hanko (Japanese stamp for signature) is available.

	Taiko Japanese drum with natural wood. A 100cm diameter can buy Toyota. Taiko Museum is located in the same building. Taito Ryokan and Tokyo Ryokan on the same road towards Kappabashi avenue.