Where to find beautiful, authentic Japanese crafts

Asakusa is one of the most visited areas in Tokyo, with approximately 30 million people passing by Sensoji Temple’s iconic red Kaminarimon lanterns every year. But the area is defined by more than just this legendary temple, or the colorful stalls of the Nakamise-dori shopping street that leads to the area.

Many visitors never venture beyond this central avenue, missing out on the small workshops and alleys that reveal the neighborhood’s deeper character. Asakusa Gate Try to change this. The initiative introduces international visitors to the region’s crafts and cultural heritage, focusing on local artisans, their philosophies and the traditions that go into their work, providing a closer connection to the art that has long defined this corner of Tokyo.

Photo provided by ARKI CO.LTD

life crafts

Long before it became a global tourist destination, Asakusa was a place where craftsmanship and culture were intertwined. Workshops flourished along the Sumida River, where craftsmen honed their skills. The objects they created were more than just decorative – they were tools, costumes and decorations that supported festivals, kabuki theatre, geisha culture and temple life. Today, this tradition of handicraft production continues and remains an integral part of daily life in the region.

Many people passing through Japan admire Japanese crafts, but few stop to think about the people who make them, and the tremendous care and years of training that go into each piece. Although these objects are traditional, they are far from relics of the past, and a stroll through Asakusa can be a striking reminder of this fact. It offers a rare opportunity to gain direct access to the workshops where these goods are made, or to purchase them directly from the artisans.

Asakusa Craftsmen: Selected Authentic Workshops and Shops to Visit

Located on a quiet side street near Sensoji Temple Fujiyaconsidered one of the oldest in Tokyo Tenuji Now run by the third generation owner. Tenugui is a traditional hand-dyed cotton fabric that has many uses: used as placemats, headscarves, gift wrapping, and even framed as art. At Fujiya, each hand towel is handcrafted by expert craftsmen with patterns that cannot be replicated through modern printing, making each hand towel truly unique. Popular designs include the store’s zodiac series and patterns inspired by Asakusa’s scenery and festivals.

After a few minutes, Hakomachi Paulownia wood has been used to make boxes for more than 150 years; Paulownia is prized for its light weight, strength, resistance to moisture and insect damage. Now this store specializes in endless Techniques that include carving grooves into wood and inlaying them into colorful kimono fabrics. Each box is unique, often reflecting the customer’s personal taste or memory, and Hakocho also offers the option to create custom pieces using your own fabrics.

For traditional footwear, Tsujiya Main Store Unparalleled. This store is famous for its classic handmade products able and dawn sandals. These styles of shoes are typically worn during festivals or formal kimonos, but they are stylish and comfortable enough for casual wear. Each pair is carefully crafted and hand-strapped by artisans to fit each individual foot perfectly, providing comfort and personalized postural support.

Sensu Fans are another symbol of Asakusa craftsmanship. Deceptively simple on the outside, each fan requires 88 careful steps to assemble, with the bamboo bones and paper perfectly aligned so the fan makes a crisp, satisfying sound when closed. exist WenxiantangVisitors can browse a wide variety of fans, from traditional Edo period patterns to playful modern designs, and admire the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

Elsewhere nearby, workshops Ten Kanai tatami mats The traditional method of making tatami completely by hand is preserved, retaining the natural fragrance and texture of the straw, and the studio is occasionally open for tours. Sokichi discount This is Cut glass, available in hundreds of designs, with the option of an on-site engraving experience. Its craftsmen produce heirloom-quality pieces that sparkle with history. Nissin Precious Metals Continuing Tokyo’s famous silver craft tradition, 99.9% pure silver is used to create items ranging from decorative hair clips to exquisite tableware.

These craftsmen are just a few of the many craftsmen who preserve Asakusa’s craft traditions today. Each store tells a story, passing on techniques and creativity that have influenced the community for generations. Visiting them isn’t just about picking out a unique piece, it’s an opportunity to see how these crafts fit into everyday life and to connect with the people who made them.

Make this your starting point for exploring Asakusa and go beyond the usual sights to discover the real thing.

Experience The Gate in Asakusa

From February 5 to 9, 2026, Asakusa The Gate will host pop-up events at the following locations: Tokawa Asakusaa shop and café showcasing a selection of local crafts. The event allows visitors to view and purchase products from these traditional studios.

Asakusa Gate helps travelers discover the stories behind the objects and the people who made them, revealing a side of the area that is often missed by those passing through. In a city in constant motion, it’s a reminder that Tokyo’s cultural richness is often hidden in plain sight, waiting for those willing to look closer.

More information

For more information about The Gate Asakusa project and its many featured artists, click here.