Tokyo Uncovered
Enjoy a range of traditional craft experiences in the Japanese capital.
Tokyo, often celebrated for its modernity and bustling urban life, is also home to a wealth of traditional craftsmanship that has been honed over centuries. This blend of historical artistry and contemporary innovation makes the Japanese capital a city where past and present coexist. With 42 distinct traditional crafts officially recognised within the city, Tokyo offers a deep dive into its rich cultural heritage through its artisanal traditions.
Among Tokyo’s treasured crafts are the Edo hand-painted lanterns. In the mid-Edo period (1603-1868), the Asakusa area became a hub for lantern artists, many of whom specialised in painting inscriptions on lanterns. The practice has continued, with artisans today still painting family crests and inscriptions in the traditional Edo style. The Namidabashi Oshimaya lantern shop in Minami-Senju, in the northeastern part of Tokyo, is one of several places offering an experience painting Edo characters on mini lanterns, a hands-on activity that allows them to take home a personalised souvenir.
The Asakusa area is home to many other craft activities, such as candy crafting and Kiriko glass cutting as well as Edo Shikki, a type of lacquerware created with a layering and wiping processes that creates a special texture and a woody flavour that won’t overpower food and drinks. Tokyo Tebori Insho, (hand-carved seals) have been produced since the Edo period, and only a handful of craftsmen in Tokyo are able to carve with the necessary precision for this craft.
For a more relaxed cultural experience away from the bustle of Asakusa, the Shiba Park Hotel is surrounded by greenery overlooking Tokyo Tower in the culturally rich Shiba area, a region steeped in the grandeur of the Edo era. The hotel offers a Sustainable Japanese Traditional Culture Experience, an initiative that highlights the significance of traditional crafts, particularly Kintsugi, a Japanese technique of repairing ceramics with lacquer and gold powder. Kintsugi transforms damaged items into pieces of new beauty by emphasising their history rather than disguising their flaws. At the Shiba Park Hotel, guests can engage in a modern adaptation of Kintsugi using synthetic materials and substitute gold powder, under the guidance of experts. This experience is designed to be accessible, with synthetic lacquer and substitute powders ensuring a safer, modern approach to this age-old art.
Another notable traditional craft is the art of indigo dyeing, known as Ai-zome, practiced at Wanariya, not far from Asakusa. The technique called Shibori involves binding and folding fabric before dyeing it, resulting in unique and unpredictable patterns. Shibori’s charm lies in its spontaneity—the final design is only revealed once the fabric is unfolded. Wanariya offers regular workshops where visitors can try their hand at this dyeing technique, with all necessary protective gear provided. The process is open to people of all ages, making it a family-friendly activity where children can participate alongside their parents. Completed items can be taken home on the same day, and the staff is available to assist with photography, ensuring that families can enjoy the experience together.
Ozu Washi in Nihonbashi is another cultural gem in Tokyo, dedicated to preserving the art of traditional Japanese papermaking. The Ozu Washi centre encompasses a range of facilities, including a history museum, gallery, cultural classes, and a hands-on Washi experience studio. Visitors can observe traditional papermaking techniques and even craft their own Washi paper, which they can take home.
Finally, for those in London this winter, Tokyo’s traditional crafts are making an international appearance. An Edo hand-painted lanterns craftsman will be hosting workshops in London, offering a rare chance to engage with Tokyo’s artisanal heritage outside of Japan. The workshops are scheduled for 3 and 4 December at Japan House London. Please find the event details at Japan House London website in due course. Please register your interest here: forms.office.com/e/Jf726EetGp.
Ozu Washi: ozuwashi.net
Wanariya: wanariya.co.jp
Shiba Park Hotel: shibaparkhotel.com
The Official Tokyo Travel Guide: Go Tokyo gotokyo.org
The Official brand website: Tokyo Tokyo tokyotokyo.jp
The travel guide for luxurious holidays: Timeless Tokyo timelesstokyo.com
