Your Key To The Artisanal Pride of Edo in Nihonbashi, Tokyo

In the historical mercantile district of Nihonbashi, you can still find the spirit of old Edo in the various shops and businesses where some of the oldest merchants here can trace their history back hundreds of years. They represent the artisanal traditions that are proudly reflected in the goods they produce. Products such as handmade papers and embroidered kimonos can be found almost anywhere in Japan - even at convenience stores; however, once you see the goods made by a true artisan from Nihonbashi, you are spoilt for life and will not accept anything less. With these beautiful handmade products, you are witnessing the artisanal skills and knowledge that has lived hundreds of years - traditions handed down from one generation to the next.

The following are some of my favourite shops specializing in traditional artisanal goods:

Kiya – Cutlery and Kitchen Accessories
Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Kiya has been creating high-quality cutlery for more than 200 years. This specialty shop showcases products made from new materials such as cosmic steel and titanium alloy while still retaining the old world elegance. Kiya is the ideal place to find that well-crafted cutlery, kitchen tools and related products.

Nihonbashi Saruya – Toothpicks
During the Edo period, wooden toothpicks were hand-whittled and sold at specialty notions stores and toothpick shops. Today toothpicks are mostly manufactured by machine from white birch . Since its founding in 1704, Saruya continues to make toothpicks by hand from wood of the kuromoji tree (a member of the laurel family). With their refreshing fragrance, flexibility and smooth feel against the teeth, kuromoji toothpicks are in a class of its own and apart from the mass-produced variety.

Chikusen – Kimono and Fabrics
Established in 1842, Chikusen continues to specialize in two very different types of kimonos: Edo Komon and Yukata. Edo Komon are formal wear made from silk dyed fabric in a single, subdued colour scheme and printed with traditional patterns such as morning glories, foxes, bamboo, waves, and cherry and plum blossoms. Edo Komon can be recognized easily because of their intricate designs often made by very fine dots, some the size of a pinhead. Yukata, on the other hand, are light-weight, casual kimonos made of cotton or linen, and are usually worn during the summer festivals.

Ibasen – Fans
The 400 year old Ibasen had started its business in trading washi and bamboo products to service the Edo Shogunate. Towards the end of the Edo Period, they began dealing in fans with ukiyo-e or woodblock prints depicting scenes of daily life, while also managing the production end for Hiroshige and other well-known ukiyo-e artists. Today, Ibasen prints can be found in fine art museums around the world and its shop in Nihonbashi carries a beautiful selection of traditional paper fans – an ideal place to learn about this revered art form. Last but not least, Ibasen had created the iconic fan design as Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s signature logo.

Ozu Washi – Washi (Japanese Paper)
Established in 1653, Ozu Washi is renowned for its colourful handmade paper. They also have a gallery where a beautiful selection of antique washi is on display. In addition, guests can watch the entire papermaking process in the studio and with a reservation for a small fee, personally experience the joy of making their own handmade washi.

Edokiriko Shop Hanasho – Edo Kiriko
In a serene white gallery space, this store showcases Edo kiriko, a traditional glass engraving technique. Displayed on the shelves are colorful glassware with intricate geometric engravings. At the on-site private workshop, visitors are welcome to have a go at engraving their own guinomi (sake cup) as a souvenir to take home.