People in Edo were hopeless trend followers. The cultural items from the Edo era, such as Kimono, Tenugui, Chiyogami are excellent in design and they are being rediscovered more and more, internationally, and even in Japan. Actually traditional Japanese designed T-shirts are becoming popular for young people.
The trendsetters at that time were Kabuki. Kabuki actors were like the idols of today, so automatically there were women who follow up the actors. Poeple paid attention to not only the actor's stage costumes, but even the colors, patterns of the clothes and accessories worn off-stage. The people of Edo were cutting edge, fashionable, and perhaps hopeless trend followers.
Let's get Edo!
Well, this second issue of Edo will be about the things from the Edo era that you can enjoy in Tokyo. I have personally selected these stores for you. You can visit each store, but it would be easy to go department store. You can find the same kind of stuff.
Kamawanu (JP):English info | Tenugui (Japanese Towels)
There are a lot of fans in this shop. I like this shop very much too. Look at Kamawanu's logo. A falx is "Kama", Ring is "Wa" in Japanese. Yes, it is a sort of word play. Edo and Edokko love mplict references as wit and humore ="IKI". Kamawanu has such cool designs(JP).
Ibasen | Edo Sensu (Japanese fan)
Tis is a traditional shop in Nihonbashi. Never too glitzy: taut, chic and cool is the exact style of Edo.
Isetatsu(JP) : English info | Edo Chiyogami (stationary)
Established in 1864, this shop features Edo stationary and paper craft. If you are interested in Edo stationary, I recommend this book.
Tsumami-Kanzashi | Edo Kanzashi (hair clip)
Beautiful handicrafts. Yatsume is Kanzashi shop in Sasakusa.
Matsutsuna | Edo Komon (Kimono)
From a distance, it looks solid in color, but when you come close to it, the clothing has a detailed pattern. Here it is again, never too direct, gorgeous at first glance: taut, chic and cool is the exact style of Edo.
Hanasho | Edo Kiriko - Cut Glass
Delicate, and so sharp, nice to drink Sake from this style of glass.
Let's eat Edo
Kaiseki, Sushi, Tempura, Sukiyaki all representitive of tradtional Japanese food have their roots in food stands found in the streets of Edo. There are many restaurants which were establised in the Edo era still operating, so I will recommend a few of them; if you have a chance, please enjoy a traditional taste of Japan.
Ooedo(JP) | An Eel Restaurant. Establsihed in 1800.
Chinya | A Sukiyaki Restaurant Establsihed in 1880.
Sansada(JP) : English info | A Tempura Restaurant. Establised in 1837.
Komagata Dojo(JP) : English info | A restaurant establised in 1801.
Asada(JP) | A Soba restaurant established in 1855.
Sushi!
Well, well, well, it is hard to pick one place. So I will write a Sushi article later. Any ways, real good Sushi place is very expensive and scary, the owners of the shops will not tell you the price, because the price of raw fish depends on the market price of the day. Anybody, like to be my sponcer?! I will make full reports, I promise!! :-p >But I can tell this place is very reasonable to enjoy very nice sushi. Sushisei
[links to enjoy Edo]
Edo Ukiyoe Museum
Origami Kaikan
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