Longer Itineraries
A Journey of Traditional Japanese Crafts
Becoming familiar with traditional crafts that are rooted in people's lifestyle and the climate in Japan will lead to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. From Tokyo to Hokuriku, explore the cities where traditional crafts were born and thereby discover parts of Japan's culture and charm that you did not know about.
In Tokyo this route will take you to spots related to bonsai trees and Hokusai's ukiyo-e pictures, while in Hokuriku it will take you to spots related to glass crafts and famous Kutani-ware ceramics. This is a route recommended for people who are interested in traditional Japanese crafts.
In Tokyo this route will take you to spots related to bonsai trees and Hokusai's ukiyo-e pictures, while in Hokuriku it will take you to spots related to glass crafts and famous Kutani-ware ceramics. This is a route recommended for people who are interested in traditional Japanese crafts.
*The times represent the approximate time needed to travel between major spots.
Days 1 to 5
Japan's Traditional Beauty, as well as Kintsugi and Bonsai
During the Edo era, craftspeople from all over Japan gathered in Tokyo to develop outstanding traditional craft techniques. That is why, in Tokyo there are many places where you can experience traditional crafts from every region of the country.
Your journey will begin in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, the center of Edo culture. You will first visit the Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center, which has collected a variety of traditional Japanese crafts and where you can learn about numerous kinds of crafts through exhibitions and events.
After touring traditional crafts from Japan's various regions, you will make you way to the Taku Nakano Ceramic Arts pottery workshop in the Omotesando area, where you can experience kintsugi pottery repair, which is becoming popular overseas. Ceramic art is also available to experience.
You will also make a stop at Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, where you can purchase certified "Made in Japan" crafts.This place is very much recommended if you want to find crafts from all over Japan.
In addition, if you visit the Shunkaen BONSAI Museum to see world-famous bonsai and the Sumida Hokusai Museum ukiyo-e picture museum, then you will know Japan's charms from two angles, crafts and art.
Your journey will begin in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, the center of Edo culture. You will first visit the Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center, which has collected a variety of traditional Japanese crafts and where you can learn about numerous kinds of crafts through exhibitions and events.
After touring traditional crafts from Japan's various regions, you will make you way to the Taku Nakano Ceramic Arts pottery workshop in the Omotesando area, where you can experience kintsugi pottery repair, which is becoming popular overseas. Ceramic art is also available to experience.
You will also make a stop at Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, where you can purchase certified "Made in Japan" crafts.This place is very much recommended if you want to find crafts from all over Japan.
In addition, if you visit the Shunkaen BONSAI Museum to see world-famous bonsai and the Sumida Hokusai Museum ukiyo-e picture museum, then you will know Japan's charms from two angles, crafts and art.
1
Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center
The Asakusa area prospered as the center of Edo ("Edo" is the former name of Tokyo) and to this day still has many craftspeople who have inherited traditional techniques. The Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center in Asakusa is a facility that permanently exhibits 250 pieces from approximately 50 types of traditional crafts, such as furniture and accessories, and on the weekend also holds production demonstration events by craftspeople.
Detailed explanations of the exhibits are provided on large displays in the hall and via smartphones, and are available in five languages (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean). Also, make sure you do not miss the space where you can actually purchase traditional crafts.
Detailed explanations of the exhibits are provided on large displays in the hall and via smartphones, and are available in five languages (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean). Also, make sure you do not miss the space where you can actually purchase traditional crafts.
30 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
2
Taku Nakano CeramicArts☆
Taku Nakano CeramicArts☆ has Kintsugi classes where you can experience repair pottery. You can enjoy Kintsugi in an attractive classroom about a 5-minute walk from the nearest station. There are English-speaking courses and you can rent protective clothing to allow you to feel at ease while enjoying the full experience.
1 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
3
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square is a gallery and store where you can encounter traditional crafts from all over Japan. Inside the store, there are displays centered around traditional craft goods that have been recognized by Japan, such as sensu folding fans, calligraphy brushes, and dyed objects, and visitors can look at them up close, touch them, and purchase them. Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square also holds exhibitions that focus on traditional crafts and craftspeople from all over Japan, production demonstrations by craftspeople, and crafting experience events, so there is plenty to see and do. There is also a library space with a collection of books on crafts, and this place is recommended for individuals who want to take a deep dive into traditional Japanese crafts.
30 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
10 minutes by bus
4
Shunkaen BONSAI Museum
Bonsai is a work of art that creates magnificent natural scenery in a hachi (small pot). Shunkaen BONSAI Museum in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo was created in 2002 from the desire of Kunio Kobayashi, a bonsai artist and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award, one of the three grand prizes of Japan, and the Higashi-Kuninomiya Culture Award, to deeply spread bonsai to the world. Over 1,000 bonsai line a garden with a pond where carp gracefully swim and a majestic Japanese house. Each hachi (pot) has different style, all of which are beautiful and have a dignified appearance. The museum also offers classes (for a fee and available in English and Chinese) where you can experience the charm of bonsai. Classes can be booked three days in advance. All you have to bring is yourself as tools and training bonsai are provided. Since you may take completed bonsai home with you for an additional fee, drop by and experience the beauty of bonsai.
25 minutes by bus
15 minutes by train (non-JR lines)
5
The Sumida Hokusai Museum
Katsushika Hokusai, praised as a world-class artist, was born near Hokusai Dori in what is now known as Sumida Ward, and spent most of his 90-year life in the ward, leaving behind many excellent works.
In addition to showcasing Hokusai’s works, the museum conducts exhibitions and educational outreach projects with diverse themes that convey the relationship between Hokusai and Sumida in an easy-to-understand manner.
In addition to showcasing Hokusai’s works, the museum conducts exhibitions and educational outreach projects with diverse themes that convey the relationship between Hokusai and Sumida in an easy-to-understand manner.
10 minutes by train (JR)
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen
50 minutes by train (JR)
Days 6 - 9
To Hokuriku and Monozukuri Cities
In the prefectures in Hokuriku there are many traditional crafts that proudly represent Japan on the world stage. Because you visit Hokuriku during your journey, make sure to learn about the history and culture of the cities where these traditional crafts were born, and take a closer look at their exquisite craftsmanship.
You will begin with a tour of handmade Japanese washi paper at the Echizen Washi Village in Fukui Prefecture. Washi paper is used as a material for various crafts. At this facility, you can learn about the characteristics of Echizen Japanese paper while enjoying the experience of making your own Japanese paper.
Next, in Ishikawa Prefecture, you will visit the site of the historic kiln that had been used for Kutani-ware production for more than 100 years. Do not miss this opportunity to learn more about vibrant and colorful Kutani-ware!
Glass crafts are popular in Toyama Prefecture, so make sure to stop by the Toyama Glass Art Museum and appreciate these glass crafts as beautiful and elegant works of art.
Due to their beauty, metalworking products in the Tsubame-Sanjo area in Niigata Prefecture have become popular worldwide. Taking a tour of their factory is highly recommended, and you can enjoy walking through the facilities while seeing the craftspeople's techniques up close.
As this journey draws to a close, you might feel that "I want to know more about traditional Japanese crafts!" Therefore, the next time you come to Japan, we recommend spending even more time in the cities of your favorite crafts!
You will begin with a tour of handmade Japanese washi paper at the Echizen Washi Village in Fukui Prefecture. Washi paper is used as a material for various crafts. At this facility, you can learn about the characteristics of Echizen Japanese paper while enjoying the experience of making your own Japanese paper.
Next, in Ishikawa Prefecture, you will visit the site of the historic kiln that had been used for Kutani-ware production for more than 100 years. Do not miss this opportunity to learn more about vibrant and colorful Kutani-ware!
Glass crafts are popular in Toyama Prefecture, so make sure to stop by the Toyama Glass Art Museum and appreciate these glass crafts as beautiful and elegant works of art.
Due to their beauty, metalworking products in the Tsubame-Sanjo area in Niigata Prefecture have become popular worldwide. Taking a tour of their factory is highly recommended, and you can enjoy walking through the facilities while seeing the craftspeople's techniques up close.
As this journey draws to a close, you might feel that "I want to know more about traditional Japanese crafts!" Therefore, the next time you come to Japan, we recommend spending even more time in the cities of your favorite crafts!
6
Making Echizen Japanese Washi Paper
The Goka area in which the Echizen Washi Village is located, has an approx. 1,500-year history as one of the few washi paper-producing regions in Japan, and boasts the highest quality and technology for producing Echizen washi.
The facilities at Echizen Washi Village related to Echizen paper are concentrated along an approx. 200m street , and you can observe craftsmen and try making paper yourself along beautiful streets the combine tradition with nature.
The facilities at Echizen Washi Village related to Echizen paper are concentrated along an approx. 200m street , and you can observe craftsmen and try making paper yourself along beautiful streets the combine tradition with nature.
40 minutes by bus
60 minutes by train (JR)
7
Kaga Traditional Crafts and the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum
Kutani-yaki (Kutani porcelain) is characterized by its colorful and splendid artistry, called "Kutani Gosai" (featuring green, yellow, purple, dark blue and red). Known as Japan Kutani in the 19th century, it gained popularity around the world. At the Kutani-yaki Kiln Exhibition Hall, you can observe the craftsmanship, try a workshops of using the potter's wheel and painting, under the guidance of an artisan.
15 minutes by bus
50 minutes by train (JR)
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
5 minutes by bus（Toyama Glass Art Museum）/ 20 minutes by bus（Toyama Glass Workshop）
8
Glass Crafts in Toyama: Toyama Glass Workshop and Toyama Glass Art Museum
While traveling around Hokuriku, the glass crafts of Toyama Prefecture are a must-see attraction. The pharmaceutical industry has flourished in Toyama Prefecture for more than 300 years, which has given rise to many manufacturers of the glass bottles that are used for chemical containers. Nowadays, both glass crafts and practical glass products are popular, and Toyama City is known as one of the world's leading glass towns. At Toyama Glass Studio you can view the areas where glass works are being made and at the shop's gallery you can purchase original works made by glass artisans from both inside and outside Toyama Prefecture. There are also hands-on lessons where you can have fun trying glass blowing and making paperweights, etc. The Toyama Glass Art Museum exhibits a large number of glass art works that are produced both domestically and overseas by world-famous glass engravers, and you are sure to be fascinated by the charms of this mysterious and dazzling glass art.
10 minutes by bus
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen
65 minutes by train (JR)
JR Joetsu Shinkansen
9
Tsubame-Sanjo Metalworking Products
The Tsubame-Sanjo has long been known as a “Metalworking Area” town, and a variety of metalworking products, such as knives and cutlery, have been actively manufactured here since the production of “Wakugi” (Japanese nails) 400 years ago. There are many companies and craftspeople here that are connected to the metalworking industry, and their outstanding skills and beautiful products are known throughout the world. Their traditional techniques are not just used in practical products, but also in crafts.Through the "As it is" cutlery brand, you can encounter beautifully designed cutlery that is made via advanced metal processing techniques so as not to damage the texture of the stainless steel.
This journey introduced a trip to encounter the traditional crafts of Tokyo and Hokuriku across 11 days and 10 nights. We invite you to come and immerse yourself in Japan's history and traditions.
Example transportation have been provided for reference, but walking around and exploring in the areas near the spots introduced in this journey as the mood takes you is also recommended.
*The information provided here is as of March 2022.
*Transportation information does not include the number of transfers or transfer time.
*Admission fees may be charged depending on the spot/facility. For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
Example transportation have been provided for reference, but walking around and exploring in the areas near the spots introduced in this journey as the mood takes you is also recommended.
*The information provided here is as of March 2022.
*Transportation information does not include the number of transfers or transfer time.
*Admission fees may be charged depending on the spot/facility. For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.