Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square

Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square showcases Japan's rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship in the heart of Tokyo's fashionable Aoyama district. Established by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this cultural facility opened in 1977 to preserve and promote authentic Japanese crafts recognized under the Traditional Crafts Industry Promotion Law.

The square serves as both a museum and marketplace, representing craft traditions from all 47 prefectures of Japan. Traditional crafts on display include textiles, ceramics, lacquerware, metalwork, woodwork, and paper goods, each certified as authentic traditional crafts with production techniques passed down through generations. These items must meet strict criteria including the use of traditional materials, predominantly handmade production methods, and historical continuity of at least 100 years.

Visitors can browse and purchase authentic traditional crafts in the ground-floor gallery shop, which rotates its selection to feature different regional specialties throughout the year. The second floor houses exhibition spaces that regularly change their displays to highlight specific crafts, artisans, or regional traditions. Many items available include Kyoto silk textiles, Arita porcelain, Wajima lacquerware, and Bizen pottery. Demonstrations and workshops by master craftspeople are occasionally held, allowing visitors to observe traditional techniques firsthand or try their hand at simple craft-making activities.

The facility is located in Akasaka, approximately 5 minutes on foot from Aoyama-itchome Station, accessible via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and Toei Oedo Line. From Nogizaka Station on the Chiyoda Line, the walk takes about 7 minutes. Admission to the exhibition areas is free, though prices for craft items in the shop vary widely depending on the piece, ranging from affordable small souvenirs to high-end artisan works worth hundreds of thousands of yen.