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Legacy of Tradition: Discover 5 of Nihonbashi's Oldest Shops with Over 100 Years of History

Legacy of Tradition: Discover 5 of Nihonbashi's Oldest Shops with Over 100 Years of History

Last updated: 22 May 2020

During the Edo period, Nihonbashi was established as a significant transportation hub. While the streets are now lined with commercial businesses and office buildings, the area still boasts numerous long-standing shops that have preserved the grand Edo culture, creating a unique blend of old and new. If you're in search of Japanese souvenirs, we suggest taking a stroll through this neighborhood to experience the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.

Shirokiya Dembee: Selling traditional brooms that fit modern lifestyle

Shirokiya Dembee: Selling traditional brooms that fit modern lifestyle

Established in 1830 in Ginza, Shirokiya Denbe is now a specialty store for "Edohouki" (Edo-style brooms) located in Kyobashi. They continue to produce handmade goods using domestically-produced "Houki Morokoshi" just as they have since their establishment. These brooms are soft yet firm, making sweeping effortless without requiring much force. It is recommended to start using it in the living room, then as it wears down, transition it to the washroom, toilet, and even the entrance of your home. These brooms are perfect for those seeking a natural and eco-friendly lifestyle.

  • Shirokiya Dembee
    白木屋傳兵衛
    • Address Siroden Bld.1F, 3-9-8, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0031, Japan

Ubukeya: Traditional shop selling knives forged in a similar way as Japanese swords

Ubukeya: Traditional shop selling knives forged in a similar way as Japanese swords

Ubukeya is a store specializing in "Uchi Hamono" (traditional Japanese knives) that was founded in Osaka in 1783 and has since expanded to Edo during the Bakumatsu period and continues to operate today. The store's name came from the praises that their products "can cut and remove your ubuke (soft hair)." They offer a variety of products such as tweezers, Japanese knives, scissors, western knives, and more. These high-quality items are said to last for generations with proper maintenance. In addition to their excellent products, the store's charming wooden architecture is also worth seeing.

  • Ubukeya
    • Address 3-9-2, Nihonbashiningyocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0013
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    • Nearest Station Ningyocho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Asakusa Line)
    • Phone Number 03-3661-4851

Ibasen: Retailer of traditional folding fans since 1590

Ibasen: Retailer of traditional folding fans since 1590

Ibasen is a store that specializes in folding fans and uchiwas, which was founded in 1590. They offer an array of fans with diverse uses, such as "Edo folding fans" made of yukata cloth, "mai-ogi" for traditional Japanese dances, and "kazari (decorative) fans" for ornamental purposes. Additionally, they have uchiwas with prints of kabuki actors and famous Japanese landmarks, which are inspired by the works of ukiyo-e masters like Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

  • Ibasen
    • Address The first floor of ijosen building, 4-1, Nihonbashikobunacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0024
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    • Nearest Station Shin-Nihombashi Station (JR Sobu Main Line (Rapid))
      7 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3664-9261

Haibara: Buy world-famous Japanese paper here!

Haibara: Buy world-famous Japanese paper here!

Haibara is a traditional paper shop located in Nihonbashi, which has been in business for over two centuries. They offer a wide range of washi products including letter sets, decorative fans, and other paper goods. The shop is known for collaborating with Takehisa Yumeji, a renowned artist who was famous for his portraits of beautiful women during the Taisho period (1912-1926). Yumeji designed patterns for the shop's letter sets, envelopes, and uchiwas. Among their many offerings, the "Jabara letter writing set" is their most popular item. It features dotted lines at every folding point, and users can tear off only the necessary parts.

  • Haibara
    • Address Tokyo Nihonbashi Tower, 2-7-1, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
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    • Nearest Station Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Tozai Line / Toei Asakusa Line)
    • Phone Number 03-3272-3801

Kuroeya: Famous lacquerware shop where you can feel the beauty of Japanese tradition

Kuroeya: Famous lacquerware shop where you can feel the beauty of Japanese tradition

Elegant black and vermillion lacquerware is a timeless Japanese traditional craft. Kuroeya, established in Nihonbashi in 1689, is a renowned shop for its lacquerware. The shop exhibits a vast collection of lacquerware from all regions of Japan, including their own original designs. In addition to conventional bowls and chopsticks, they offer spoons, forks, and wine glasses that are perfect for a western table setting. The shop also features hand mirrors and accessories that make excellent gifts for yourself or your loved ones.

  • Kuroeya
    • Address The second floor of Kuroeya Kokubu Building, 1-2-6, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0027
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    • Nearest Station Nihombashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Tozai Line / Toei Asakusa Line)
      2 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3272-0948
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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