Five Centuries-Old Traditional Japanese Craft Shops You Must Visit

By MOOK Scenic Spots Shun (Compiled and Reported)

Throughout Japan, many traditional handicraft techniques have been passed down since ancient times, including weaving, papermaking, and sword-making. The perfect execution of these age-old methods and their exceptional quality fully reflect the dedication and focus the Japanese bring to everything they do. The places preserving century-old craftsmanship aren’t limited to historic metropolises like Tokyo or Kyoto — areas near Tokyo such as Saitama also host numerous workshops with over a hundred years of history. This article introduces several long-established craft shops in Saitama that still exist today, offering travelers not only the chance to observe how these traditional crafts are made, but also to purchase unique souvenirs.

Indigo Dye Products – Musashi Shōsen

Washi Paper – Ogawa Washi