Kuramae, Traditional artisan district in Taitō-ku, Japan
Kuramae is an artisan district in Taitō-ku that combines modern design studios, traditional craft workshops, and small independent shops selling handmade products and local goods. The streets display a blend of old and new elements throughout the neighborhood.
During the Edo period, the area functioned as a storage district for rice granaries where merchants conducted transactions using rice as currency. This commercial history laid the foundation for the later craftsmanship tradition that defines the place today.
The neighborhood hosts working studios where artisans produce traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, textiles, and handmade paper in full view of passersby. These spaces shape the district's character and demonstrate how skills pass from one generation to the next through daily practice.
The area connects to central Tokyo through Kuramae Station, offering direct access to major districts while maintaining lower rental costs than surrounding neighborhoods. This accessibility makes it easy for visitors to explore traditional workshops and shops without traveling far.
A specialized fireworks shop called Matsuki Shoten near the station has been supplying materials for the Sumida River Fireworks Festival since 1733. Visiting this historic shop reveals one of the city's longest-running business traditions.
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