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Experience braiding using real tools and materials in Kagurazaka
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Table of Contents
- A shop where the techniques of craftsmen remain! Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo and its history
- Experience braiding in the city! 4 braiding shops in Kagurazaka
- Recommended gourmet spots around Kagurazaka
- Recommended sightseeing spots around Kagurazaka
- Experience the profound depths of Kumihimo in Kagurazaka!
A shop where the techniques of craftsmen remain! Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo and its history
What is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo is one of the traditional crafts that has existed in Japan since ancient times.
Its history dates back to the Jomon period, when traces of what appear to be braided cords can be found on pottery.
The technology was introduced from China in the 6th century and developed, and it was used as decoration for aristocrats during the Heian period. After the Kamakura period, it was used for a wide range of purposes, including as part of military equipment.
Kumihimo can produce a variety of patterns and textures depending on the type and color of thread and the braiding method, and even today a wide variety of kumihimo products, such as accessories and straps, are made.
History of Kumihimo
Traces of braided cords from the Jomon period remain on pottery, proving that people were using string-like objects.
As mentioned above, the uses of Kumihimo have increased over time. In the Edo period, Kumihimo was used for various purposes even among common people. From the Meiji period onwards, it became widely used as an essential item for wearing kimono, such as obi-jime (belt fastening) and haori-himo (Japanese coat cord).
Furthermore, braiding techniques have become more diverse, allowing braids with more complex and beautiful patterns to be made.
Present-day succession
Since the Meiji period, mechanical production of braided cords has become widespread, but even in these times, Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo is a long-established store that continues to make braided cords using traditional handcraftsmanship and inherits the techniques of hand-dyeing and hand-braiding to the present day.
Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo is a long-established store that continues to popularize this type of braiding in modern times.
Founded in Ikenohata, Ueno, Tokyo in 1652. Domyo’s braids reflect Japan’s traditional techniques and coloring in the making of modern braids, by studying ancient braids from all over Japan, including the Shosoin Treasures in Nara.
The braids are made using colorful silk threads, and are carefully dyed one by one by skilled craftsmen.
Domyo’s intricately assembled braided cord products range from kimono accessories such as obi-jime (belt fasteners) and haori-himo (Japanese coat cords) to neckties and straps.
In addition to traditional patterns, the brand is also proactively developing new designs, making it popular with a wide range of generations.
Experience braiding in the city! 4 braiding shops in Kagurazaka
As mentioned above, Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo offers modern items.
Currently, the main store is located in Ikenohata, Ueno, and the company also has a store in Kagurazaka to make Domyo’s braided cord products known to more people.
Here we will introduce shops where you can purchase Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo products, as well as places where you can experience making traditional kumihimo.
Why Kagurazaka?
Kagurazaka’s black walls evoke a sense of history dating back to the Edo period, and reflect the chic aesthetic sense of Edo townspeople.
Not only is the atmosphere of this town wonderful, but there are also many other Japanese lessons available here, making it the perfect place to open a Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo store.
There are many classes such as tea ceremony, koto, dancing and singing, and it is common to see people wearing kimonos.
Kagurazaka is the place where you can really feel the history and culture.
Kumihimo Experience by DOMYO
Kumihimo Experience by DOMYO holds workshops to help people discover the appeal of kumihimo.
You can experience a full-scale course using tools used in actual braiding and 100% silk materials. Inside the store, you can braid braids using a tool called a Marudai while feeling the 1,400-year history of Japanese braiding.
The assembled strings can be made into bracelets or smartphone straps, and you can enjoy some matcha green tea while you wait.
*This facility can also be rented for private use or for group use, so please contact us. Address: 6-75 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Closed: Every Wednesday
Business hours: 10:30-18:30
Phone: 03-3528-9874 (shop/experience)
DOMYO Kagurazaka Shop
The Western clothing section "DOMYO" was launched in 2015 to let people all over the world know the charm of Kumihimo.
DOMYO offers a wide variety of products, including ties, which have been a best-selling item for over 30 years, as well as belts and accessories.
Despite the fact that braided cords have not been used much outside of traditional Japanese clothing up until now, we continue to produce innovative braided cord items that have never been seen before.
Address: 6-75 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Closed: Every Wednesday
Business hours: 10:30-18:30
Phone: 03-3528-9874 (shop/experience)
Domyo Braid School Kagurazaka Class
The Domyo Kumihimo School Kagurazaka classroom has been holding classes to teach the techniques of kumihimo for nearly 50 years.
Currently, there are about 10 classrooms across the country, with as many as 500 people learning how to make braids.
We offer two classes every day, Tuesday through Saturday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. On Sundays and Mondays, we also have a separate class where you can braid your own braids on any day of your choice.
Address: 6-75 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Phone number: 03-3528-9875
Reception hours: 10:30-18:00
Recommended gourmet spots around Kagurazaka
Lugdunum Bouchonnet Lyon
A Lyonnaise restaurant in Kagurazaka.
Lyon cuisine originates from the gastronomic city of Lyon, and is characterized by traditional cooking methods that bring out the best flavors of the ingredients. Famous dishes include pork and innards, and quenelles (fish paste balls).
Kagurazaka has long been known as a town with a large French population, and is dotted with many French restaurants. At Lugdunum, you can enjoy authentic Lyonnaise cuisine prepared by Lyon-born owner and chef Christophe Poco.
Shimankin
This is a long-established eel restaurant located near the intersection under Kagurazaka.
The restaurant has been serving traditional cuisine for over 150 years, and is also famous for its banquet cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. There is a teahouse in the basement where tea ceremonies and Tsukigama tea ceremonies are held.
There are private rooms and banquet seating available, making it a great place for private gatherings.
Le Bretagne
This is the first shop in Japan to introduce buckwheat crepe galettes.
The crepes served with ham and cheese are fragrant and are also recommended to be enjoyed with apple cider.
There is also a shop next door that sells specialties from Brittany, so if you are looking for souvenirs or gifts, be sure to stop by.
Recommended sightseeing spots around Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka has many cobblestone alleys. If you take a peek into the winding backstreets, you might make some unexpected discoveries.
Kagurazaka also has a Michelin-starred restaurant and many casual restaurants, with a wide variety of cuisines, from Western to Chinese and Japanese.
Akagi Shrine
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Akagi Shrine was recently renovated.
The modern shrine building was designed by architect Kengo Kuma, and in recent years the area behind the shrine has come to be known as Oku Kagurazaka.
In addition, an annual festival is held on September 19th, so we recommend going to check out the festival.
Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple
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Zenkokuji Temple is located along the main street of Kagurazaka, so it’s easy to drop by.
A festival is also held on the 1st and 15th of each month, so if you’re strolling around Kagurazaka, it’s a good idea to start your tour of Kagurazaka by visiting the shrine.
Experience the profound depths of Kumihimo in Kagurazaka!
What did you think?
Yusoku Kumihimo Domyo is a long-established store with over 370 years of history that has been passed down to the present day. Another great thing about the store is that it has a wide selection of accessories, straps, and more.
Be sure to experience the charm of braided cords in Kagurazaka, where the Edo scenery remains.
February 20, 2025 at 04:09AM
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domyo@kdomyo.com