Map your craft tour
Picture this: you’re weaving through Asakusa’s lantern-lit lanes, eyes peeled for handcrafted treasures. When it comes to traditional crafts shopping in Tokyo, you can uncover a treasure trove of handmade textiles, glassware, and paper art. In this guide you’ll get the inside scoop on where to go, what to buy, and how to make the most of your adventure.
What to expect in this guide
- A neighborhood breakdown of craft hotspots
- Must-visit shops for fabric, yarn, glass, metal, and paper
- Hands-on workshop picks and prices
- Tips on craft labels and tax-free shopping
Explore fabric districts
Nippori Fabric Town
Nippori, nicknamed Fabric Town, is a textile lover’s paradise. You’ll find over 100 stores lining a single street, from Tomato’s chic linens to Humongous’s vibrant block prints (Of Cotton and Wool). Stop by Tomato for premium wools, then pop into Humongous for bold patterns you won’t see back home.
Quick tips:
- Shop early on weekdays to avoid crowds
- Bring measuring tape and note your project needs
- Haggle politely on bulk buys
Jiyugaoka’s Liberty fabrics
If you love Liberty prints with a feminine twist, head to Hobbyra Hobbyre in Jiyugaoka. They stock exclusive Liberty designs plus cross-stitch kits for a clean, elegant look. It’s perfect for making gifts or one-of-a-kind accessories.
Department store treasures
Tokyo’s department stores dedicate entire floors to textile crafts. Drop by Tokyu Hands in Shinjuku or Shibuya for an all-in-one craft and DIY experience. You can also check out fabric sections in Ginza’s upscale stores – see our guide to designer shopping tokyo for details.
Hunt yarn and kits
Itoricot leftover yarns
At Itoricot you’ll find cones of factory-leftover yarns sold by weight. Mix and match colors, then have staff ply your pair into custom skeins – a seriously fun, hands-on find (Of Cotton and Wool).
Daruma and Amimono SPIN
Shibuya’s Daruma shop is legendary for its kits and patterns. Just down the street, cozy Amimono SPIN doubles as a café, where you can knit alongside local expats. Grab a kit and settle in for a cuppa and community vibes.
WALNUT Tokyo and The Knitting Loft
WALNUT Tokyo stocks a wide range of house-brand yarns and souvenir kits. Around the corner, The Knitting Loft offers workshops, making it easy for beginners to pick up needles and patterns in one visit.
Browse metal and glass
Edo kiriko cut glass
Edo kiriko, meaning cut glass, dates back to early 1600s Edo. You can buy delicate cut-glass wares in Asakusa’s Sokichi workshop and even carve your own piece in a one-hour session for JPY 3300 (Japan Travel).
Tokyo silverware and metal crafts
Taito and Bunkyo wards host Tokyo ginki silversmiths who handcraft spoons, trays, and home décor. Seek out small studios in Yanaka to see artisans at work and score unique metal pieces.
Edo Furin glass windchimes
At Shinohara Furin Honpo in Edogawa you can blow and decorate your own windchime. Choose motifs like goldfish or morning glories, then let the tinkling bell become your personal keepsake (Japan Travel).
Try hands-on workshops
Want to dive deeper? Here are top workshops that let you craft your own souvenirs.
| Craft type | Location | Duration | Price (JPY) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kintsugi pottery repair | Tsugu Tsugu, Tokyo | 2 hours | 6500 | Go Tokyo |
| Washi paper making | Ozu Washi, Tokyo | 1.5 hours | 5000 | Go Tokyo |
| Bonsai pruning and suiseki | Shunkaen Bonsai Museum | 3 hours | 8000 | Go Tokyo |
| Edo Kiriko cutting | Sokichi, Asakusa | 1 hour | 3300 | Japan Travel |
| Tsumami kanzashi flower pins | ICHIRINDO, Asakusabashi | 2 hours | 5400 | Japan Travel |
Pick unique souvenirs
Ganso Shokuhin sample kits
Create wax sushi, tempura, or cabbage replicas at Ganso Shokuhin Sample-ya in Kappabashi. Kits range JPY 1600–2800 and let you make realistic food art to display at home (Japan Travel).
Tsumami kanzashi hairpins
These folded-fabric flower pins date back to the Jomon Period. Beginners can craft wall hangings or hair ornaments at ICHIRINDO for a delicate, classic Tokyo souvenir.
Bonsai miniatures and suiseki stones
Pick up a desktop bonsai or naturally shaped suiseki stone from the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum shop. They make thoughtful gifts and last a lifetime.
Ginza custom accessories
On the 5th floor of Kirarito Ginza you’ll find Tre Quente’s sapphire and diamond inner-stone trinkets symbolizing unity. It’s a luxe twist on handcrafted lore (Kirarito Ginza).
Learn craft designations
Since 1974 the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has recognized 243 traditional crafts (KOGEI STANDARD). Look for these labels when shopping:
- Arita ware (porcelain from Saga Prefecture)
- Wajima lacquerware (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Nishijin textiles (Kyoto’s woven silks)
- Edo karakami (decorated paper from Taito)
- Murayama oshima tsumugi (silk textile near Musashi-Murayama)
Spotting the designation mark means you’re investing in an item with a centuries-old lineage.
Shop smart in Tokyo
- Carry your passport for tax-free purchases at major craft stores and department shops—see our tax free shopping tokyo stations guide.
- Learn basic politeness: greet with a bow, handle items gently, and say arigatō when you pay. Check tokyo shopping etiquette for more.
- Many workshops and stores accept credit cards, but carry cash for smaller stalls.
- If you’re hunting bargains, explore small dealers in Ueno or Nippori rather than upscale Ginza.
FAQs
1. Which Tokyo neighborhood has the widest craft selection?
Asakusa and Nippori top the list. Asakusa mixes glass, paper, and pottery shops near Sensō-ji, while Nippori Fabric Town packs streets with textiles and notions.
2. Can I ship large craft purchases home?
Yes, most department stores and workshops offer shipping. Ask for packing services and customs forms at checkout.
3. Is there a best season for craft shopping?
Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and cooler weather. Weekdays are ideal if you want shops practically to yourself.
4. How do I get a tax refund on craft goods?
Spend at least JPY 5000 before tax in one store. Present your passport at the register and collect forms to show at airport customs.
5. Are craft workshops suitable for kids?
Many studios welcome kids aged 6 and up, especially for simple crafts like food sample kits and basic kintsugi. Always check minimum age rules before booking.
