Tokyo Weekender - November 2017

[ END-OF-YEAR SPECIAL PROMOTION ]
Despite the rainy weather
last month, we headed
over to Shintora Tabisuru
Market – an ongoing
event just outside
Toranomon Hills that promotes
regions from across Japan – to join
fellow culture and food enthusiasts
for a taste of some of the country’s
best local specialties. Consisting of
several pop-up stalls and a shop,
the autumn edition of the market is
a gathering of tasty snacks, elegant
handmade crafts and beautiful,
practical yakimono pottery
(amongst other goods) sourced
from six different cities in Kagoshima,
Mie and Niigata Prefectures.
In between sampling plum salad
dressing, juicy barbecued yakibuta
(roast pork) and sencha green tea,
all perfect for the gloomy weekend,
we tried on samurai warrior
costumes, had a go at making
traditional Japanese paper balloon
balls, and warmed up with a dip
in the foot bath. Pretty much the
ideal family outing. But don’t worry
if you missed last month's market
lineup – you can still buy some of
the beautifully crafted souvenirs
from this season’s featured regions
at the Tabisuru Store until November
26. Why not set out on a virtual
trip to craft villages around Japan
to find the perfect present?
PERFECTLY
CRAFTED PRESENTS
FOR ORIGINAL, HANDCRAFTED HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM JAPAN, HEAD
STRAIGHT TO THE TABISURU STORE
Words by Lisa Wallin and Naomi Schanen
FOR THE ALE IMBIBER
Niigata is well known for its metalwork,
and it shows in this brilliant handhammered
purple copper tumbler from
Yahiko village. It'll keep your beer frosty
cold and your bar décor on point with
its tasteful and elegant design.
Purple copper tumbler (350ml) ¥18,360
FOR THE AESTHETICS LOVER
Kumiko-style woodwork is a sophisticated
method where pieces of wood are assembled to
make intricate patterns and designs, without the
use of nails. These coasters and pot holders from
Komono are a beautiful addition to any home.
Hot pad for pots ¥3,240, interlaced coaster ¥1,404,
snowflake coaster ¥2,160.
24 | NOVEMBER 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER