Sumida's Tradition Crafts Sumida's Tradition Crafts

03

The town of "fireworks"

Let's learn about Tradition crafts. First of all, Tradition crafts are crafts that have been created and passed down over many years within the local climate and history, using Tradition techniques and methods .
A variety of colorful Tradition crafts
Delicate Edo Kiriko glasswork, crafted by skilled artisans.
Tradition lanterns on display at a workshop in Sumida Ward
In order for something to be recognized as a Tradition craft of Tokyo, it must meet the following four conditions.
  • The main part of the manufacturing process is done by hand.
  • It must be manufactured using Tradition techniques or methods.
  • It must be manufactured using Tradition used raw materials.
  • A certain number of people in Tokyo are manufacturing it.
Logo for Tradition crafts designated by the Governor of Tokyo
Tradition crafts from Tokyo bear the mark shown on the left. The design incorporates the Tokyo Metropolitan Government emblem and the initial character "伝" (den), meaning "Tradition craft."
Tradition Craft Mark (Den)
Tradition crafts from Tokyo bear the mark shown on the left. The design incorporates the Tokyo Metropolitan Government emblem and the initial character "伝" (den), meaning "Tradition craft."

History and origin

Tradition crafts are said to have been introduced from India and China along with Buddhism. These then evolved into uniquely Japanese crafts during the Nara and Muromachi periods.
During the Edo period, townspeople culture flourished. Tokyo's Tradition crafts developed significantly within this townspeople culture.
And now, with a renewed appreciation for the qualities of handcrafted work, ease of use, and excellent design, Tradition crafts are attracting attention.
There are 42 Tradition craft items in Tokyo (as of April 2026), and we will introduce Tradition craft items located in Sumida Ward.
An old illustration depicting the work scenes of craftsmen in the Edo period.
Tools for making Tradition crafts that have been passed down through generations
An exhibition of Tradition crafts from Sumida that possess historical value.

Tradition crafts of Sumida that you can experience at TOKYO SKYTREE

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate prohibited contact with foreign countries, leading to the production of essential goods throughout Japan. Sumida, in particular, was close to Edo, where many townspeople lived, and thus produced a large number of Tradition crafts for daily life. Here are a few examples.
Tsukada Workshop

Making Kimekomi Balls

A completed sample of a Fukuro Kimekomi doll.
Fukuro Kimekomi Doll
Beautiful patterns of Kimekomi balls
Fukuro Kimekomi Doll
A scene of a craftsman meticulously weaving fabric into wood.
Work scene
Making Kimekomi balls using colorful fabrics
Work scene
Edo Kimekomi dolls are a Tradition craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry .
Kimekomi dolls, which developed in Kyoto, were introduced to Edo, and as Edo developed as a cultural center, the kimekomi dolls also changed to an "Edo style." Small wooden figures carved by Ise Grand Shrine were attached to grooves in scraps of willow wood, and leftover cloth with Ise Grand Shrine's designs was sewn onto them. These dolls were called "kimekomi dolls" and were introduced to Edo. Unlike the Kyoto-made kimekomi dolls, which have "plump and full faces," Edo kimekomi dolls are characterized by being "somewhat slender, with delicate and refined facial features."

Challenge yourself with Suspense!

You will experience the art of "kimekomi" doll making through a small ball-making workshop. You can choose your favorite fabric from approximately 25 different types. The body of the kimekomi doll, which forms the base, is also made from environmentally friendly materials that help reduce resource waste . Try to imagine what materials it is made of as you touch it, and feel free to ask questions during the workshop.

Sign up for the experience

Kataoka Folding Screen Shop

Making a mini folding screen

Exterior view of the mechanical folding screen
Mechanical folding screen
The internal mechanism of the mechanical folding screen
Mechanical folding screen
Tradition mechanical folding screen
Mechanical folding screen
The process of making a folding screen.
Work scene
Folding screens have a long history dating back to the Nara period, and were indispensable for blocking wind and dividing rooms. The name is said to originate from "wind-blocking" (kaze o busegu) . "Karakuri byobu" (mechanical folding screens), where the picture changes when the screen is folded, were very popular due to their mysterious nature. Recently, in order to make folding screens feel more accessible, we are also creating modern styles such as "memorial folding screens" made from cherished items such as kimonos and obi sashes, and "collaboration folding screens" created in collaboration with popular animation and manga artists.

Challenge yourself with Suspense!

You will experience the art of "kimekomi" doll making through a small ball-making workshop. You can choose your favorite fabric from approximately 25 different types. The body of the kimekomi doll, which forms the base, is also made from environmentally friendly materials that help reduce resource waste. Try to imagine what materials it is made of as you touch it, and feel free to ask questions during the workshop.

Sign up for the experience

[ 1 ] History of Sumida
  • Location in Sumida Ward
  • The origin of the name of Sumida Ward
  • History of Sumida
  • A town of manufacturing
  • "Industry" town
  • A town of rivers
  • The town of sumo
  • The town of "fireworks"
  • The town of "TOKYO SKYTREE"
[ 1 ] A region where manufacturing continues to this day
  • Ready-mix concrete
  • Matches
  • soap
  • Textile industry
  • Beer
  • clock
  • Tobacco
  • Old Kokugikan
  • Other Information
[ 1 ] Sumida's Tradition Crafts TOP
  • Introduction
[ 2 ] The history of the development of Tradition crafts
  • History and origin
[ 3 ] Tradition crafts of Sumida Ward
  • Tradition crafts of Sumida that you can experience at TOKYO SKYTREE