A 3-minute walk from the No. 4 North Exit of Aoyama-itchome subway station. Along Aoyama-dori Avenue, which stretches from Shibuya to Akasaka, there is a special place that brings together traditional crafts from all over Japan. Located in Akasaka 8-chome, Minato Ward, "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" is a gallery and shop that exhibits and sells traditional crafts, with free admission. Stepping inside, you'll find a space filled with the "beauty of Japan." We had the store manager, Kazuhiko Asakawa, guide us through this facility, which feels like a museum encapsulating the passion and history of artisans.

Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square is operated by The Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries. Its predecessor, the "National Traditional Craft Center," was established in 1979 to promote the appeal of outstanding traditional crafts from across the country. It relocated to its current location in Aoyama in 2012. Aoyama is an area that, despite being in the heart of the city, has a calm atmosphere. Mr. Asakawa, who is also an executive director of the association, reveals the reasoning behind the move: "I believe there was a judgment that Aoyama, with its many cultural facilities, would be a good location for conveying Japan's traditional crafts."

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the store also hosts special exhibitions and an "Artisan's Corner." You can experience various traditional crafts. Incidentally, a "traditional craft" is a craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The definition is stipulated in the "Act on the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries," and items must meet the following requirements: "primarily used in daily life," "the main process is handmade," "made with techniques or methods that have continued for over 100 years," "made with raw materials that have been used for over 100 years," and "the production area maintains a certain scale." Mr. Asakawa explains, "The important thing is that there are multiple makers, and it is established as an industry. Therefore, many of the items displayed here are not art pieces that will gain value in the future, but rather daily necessities for regular use."

There are 243 items designated as traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry nationwide (as of October 2024), and "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" handles about 130 of these categories, totaling around 4,000 items.

At the "Artisan's Corner," you can watch masterful skills right before your eyes. At the time of our visit (early September 2025), a knife sharpening demonstration was being held by Mr. Hideki Ino, a sharpener of Sakai forged cutlery. He sharpens the knives by switching between whetstones, from a coarse stone to a medium stone, and finally to a finishing stone.

Once sharpened, he test-cuts a newspaper to make it easy for customers to see. The important thing, he says, is to run the paper along the entire blade from heel to tip to confirm that every part is sharpened. A sharp edge affects the taste of the food.

Furthermore, there was also a demonstration of underglaze painting on unglazed porcelain by Mr. Shingo Yamazaki, a ceramic artist of Imari-Arita ware. You will be moved by the delicate artisan skill. Among craftsmen, specialists with experience, technique, and knowledge are awarded the title of "Traditional Craftsperson." Currently, about 3,400 Traditional Craftspersons are active throughout Japan (as of February 2024). "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" also functions as a place for customers and artisans to interact. "We hold about 70 production demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and workshops throughout the year, so please check our official website," says Mr. Asakawa.

In front of the permanent exhibition, limited-time seasonal events are held nine times a year. At the time of our visit, Edo wind chimes, Toyooka wickerwork baskets, and Izumi glass chopstick rests were on display. Of course, all items can be purchased.

In the permanent exhibition, traditional crafts are displayed and sold by category. Miyagi traditional kokeshi dolls are made in various parts of Miyagi Prefecture, including Sendai City, Osaki City (Naruko), and Matsushima Town.

Edo kimekomi dolls, made by tucking fabric into grooves on a wood-carved doll, are varied and fun to look at. The maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is popular with overseas customers. Due to the influence of inbound tourism, 40% of the customers at "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" are from overseas. "Many of them visit after being recommended by review sites in their own countries or by hotel concierges. Since we are a facility that exhibits traditional crafts designated by the Minister, I think they can visit with peace of mind in that sense," says Mr. Asakawa.

Edo Kiriko cut glass, which involves cutting patterns onto the glass surface using metal discs and whetstones, is another item frequently purchased by overseas customers. The store is fully equipped to serve international visitors, with English product information and English instruction manuals for purchased items. "If requested, we also offer traditional Japanese services to our overseas customers, such as gift wrapping and applying noshi (ceremonial paper)," says Mr. Asakawa.

Nambu ironware teapots have become particularly popular with customers from China in recent years. This craft began in the early 17th century when the Nanbu clan invited kettle makers from Kyoto. It is currently produced in Morioka and Oshu cities in Iwate Prefecture.

Standing out in the store was an Inami wood carving of a dinosaur displayed next to the cash register. It is an "oni-ita" (demon board) used for decorating festival floats, measuring about 130 cm in width. This would surely delight children. "Our Japanese customers are mainly seniors and families. It seems that schools have classes on traditional crafts and related questions appear on exams, so we're seeing more families visit as part of their children's education. During the summer vacation, we held various workshops like painting and dyeing, and it was very lively with children," says Mr. Asakawa.

Kamo paulownia chests account for 70% of all paulownia chests in Japan. Made from the same domestic paulownia wood and special techniques, this eco-speaker for smartphones requires no batteries or power. You can actually test it with your phone. By creating new products like this, the culture of traditional crafts is passed on to future generations.

With its sophisticated designs, Echizen lacquerware is not only used for its original purposes, such as tea utensils and sake cups, but is also often purchased by overseas customers as interior decor for their rooms.

Wajima lacquerware bowls and chopsticks are perfect for everyday use. Mr. Asakawa says, "I think some people might feel intimidated by the term 'traditional crafts,' but for example, I hope they'll casually look at the bowls as if they were the same ones they use for miso soup every day. Of course, some items are expensive, but they can be repaired and used for a lifetime. The materials are natural, lightweight, and fit well in the hand. I believe if you actually hold one, you'll understand its value."

Awa shoai shijira-ori is a textile from Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. It is a traditional craft that was developed in the Meiji era by improving a cotton striped fabric called "tatae-ori," which was woven in the Awa region. The surface has a fine texture, which prevents kimonos and other garments from sticking to the skin, providing a light and comfortable feel.

There is also a full range of small items perfect for gifts, such as drawstring pouches, coin purses, seal cases, and washi paper for postcards.

Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square not only exhibits and sells traditional crafts but also regularly holds demonstrations by artisans and workshops. A major appeal of this store is that you can see, touch, feel, and directly appreciate traditional skills. As we walked through the store listening to Mr. Asakawa, we learned about the history of crafts and the thoughts of the makers that we had not known before. "We are a rare specialty store in Japan that handles traditional crafts from all over the country. We hold events 365 days a year, so please feel free to stop by. And if you find something you like, please use it in your daily life," says Mr. Asakawa. Why not visit "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square," where you might find a treasured item you can love for a long time?

<<Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square>>
Address: 1F, 8-1-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Holidays: Open year-round (except for New Year holidays)
*For other details, please check the official website below.