Tokyo · Asakusa and Sumida
Sokichi Kiriko Workshop
Kiriko is the cutting of patterns in glass with a grinding machine, and Edo kiriko was born in Tokyo at the end of the Edo period, in patterns taken from fabrics and Japanese interior design. At Sokichi, near Asakusa Station, downstairs is a shop with almost 1,000 glass models, and on floor 2 are three workshop rooms, up to 12 people per room.
You choose a glass from more than ten models, six of which are included in the base price. First you practice a star pattern on a practice glass, then you choose from dozens of patterns for the side and the base, mark the glass with a stencil, and cut according to the instructions. The blade is safe to touch, and the patterns suit beginners.
You take the glass the same day in a cardboard box and a bag, and a gift box costs extra. During the session you can engrave initials in straight lines. A name in a more complex form is done in advance by sandblasting, to order.
Good to know
- The instruction is in Japanese, English or Chinese, and at least one person in the group must speak the language of the session. There is no extra time for translation. Age: 9 to 85.
- If you want two glasses, book two sessions in a row or the 120 minutes. One companion who does not take part can sit in the room.
- The workshop is on floor 2 with no elevator, and a wheelchair stays downstairs.
- Shipping the glass is possible, from ¥1,430, depending on the destination. If your hair is long, bring a hair tie.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Sokichi Kiriko Workshop.
- HereSokichi Kiriko Workshop
- ~2 min
Asakusa Mugitoro Honten Food
A tororo restaurant, grated mountain yam over rice, near the riverbank. With a reservation, a minimum of ¥3,300 per person. Not kosher.
- ~2 min
Kamiya Bar Food
An old bar from 1880 near the bridge, with denki-bran, the house cocktail, and a Western restaurant on floor 2. You buy a ticket at the entrance on floor 1. Not kosher.
- ~2 min
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center More to see
A free terrace on floor 8 across from Kaminarimon Gate, with a view of the temple and of Skytree.
- ~5 min
Komagata Dozeu Honten Food
A dojo house from 1801 with an Edo-style facade. Dojo is a small river fish. Closed several days each month, and the list is on the website. Not kosher.
- ~6 min
Asakusa Menchi Food
A fried meat patty of wagyu and pork, about ¥400, eaten standing next to the stall. Cash only. Not kosher.
- ~6 min
Kamawanu Asakusa Shopping
Tenugui, the Japanese cloth towel, and household goods from Japan and abroad. On floor 2, a gallery with irregular events.
- ~6 min
Fujiya tenugui Shopping
Tenugui that is dyed by hand and not printed, in the designs of a family that has worked here for three generations.