*Note: We went to Asakusa before the discovery of the Omicron coronavirus variant*
Last time, we introduced the local food and drink we enjoyed in Asakusa. Now, we’ll be showing off some of our favorite places for Japanese traditional crafts and art! To find out more about Asakusa’s local businesses, you can check out OMVE, the website we went to to research these shops.
Bunsendo (Japanese fans)
Busendo is well-known among performers of kabuki and rakugo, which make prominent use of fans in their craft. Each one is intricately detailed and handcrafted.
Fujiya (hand towels)
The owner of Fujiya is also the designer behind each hand towel, and according to him, each design has a specific meaning. The designs range from modern (including one of the nearby Tokyo Skytree) to traditional (i.e. ones with the classic scene of sunrise over Mt. Fuji).
Kumihimo Kiryudo (kimono belts, handkerchiefs)
Kumihimo Kiryudo specializes in belts used to tie kimonos, and has been in that business for 130 years. They also sell a wide range of high quality items such as pocket handkerchiefs. I bought a neat black one from the shop and have received several compliments on it.
That’s all for our tour of Asakusa! Be sure to check out The Tokyo Life’s other articles on travel in Japan, including our latest on Kawaguchiko.
Featured Image by by Hoang Dang on Unsplash
