Centuries of Traditional Craftsmanship

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:14 +0000

Toto Norenkai is an association of shops and businesses that have been in operation in Tokyo, formerly know as Edo, for over 100 years and three generations. In Japanese the single word “Toto” captures the essence of both old Edo and modern-day Tokyo, and “noren” refers to the traditional curtain-like sign that is hung over the doorway to announce the name of the shop and that it is open for business, while “kai” means “club” or “association”.

Established in 1951, as a way to preserve the traditions of old Edo while promoting their business to an evolving clientele that was moving away from the ‘old’ towards the ‘new’ after WWII, Toto Norenkai now has 53 members. From restaurants to kimono and fan makers, from traditional confectioners to to makers of fine Japanese Lacquer Ware, many great business are part of Toto Norenkai.

Nakasei Tempura Restaurant is a member, they have been making Edo-style tempura since 1870 featuring nothing but fish and shellfish caught in Tokyo Bay and deep-fried in aromatic sesame oil. (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Kuroeya has been dealing in fine-quality lacquer ware since its founding in 1689. (B11 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Chikusen has been in business since 1842 and specializes in Edo Komon, a formal Kimono, and Yukata. (B3 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Miyamoto Unosuke has been manufacturing taiko drums since 1861 and has an interesting and interactive display in their Askakusa Museum (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Take some time to visit some of the other businesses that are part of Toto Norenkai when you visit Tokyo and help support the preservation of the traditional arts and crafts that are unique to Japan.

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Royal Park Hotel

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:35 +0000

The Royal Park Hotel is located in Ningyocho, one of the city’s oldest and most traditional neighborhoods. The hotel goes out of its way to make sure that guests feel welcome and offers a variety of different ways for guests to explore the history, culture and culinary options that the area has to offer. The guest relations officer will be clad in a traditional kimono on weekdays and will be happy to provide you with a map of the area and sightseeing suggestions.

Discover Old Edo (Tokyo) by Rickshaw or explore some of the area restaurants by utilizing the bilingual menus offered to guests. The hotels restaurants serve Kobe and Matsuzaka beef steaks Teppan-yaki style and Tempura and the Orpheus Sky Lounge offers views of the Tokyo skyline from the Sumida River to Tokyo Tower.

The Royal Park Hotel is located next door to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT), which provides easy access to and from Narita International Airport. Room rates start at Y35,700 (US $357) for double occupancy. (access map)

Image Credit: Flickr, Royal Park Hotel, Tokyo

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

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Centuries of Traditional Craftsmanship

Royal Park Hotel