I'm Actually Extremely Clumsy, but the Edo Kiriko Experience at Sokichi in Asakusa Was Perfect for Beginners
When visiting Asakusa, don't you want to try something a little special?
Recently, I joined an Edo Kiriko glass-cutting experience with my friend who came to Tokyo from Osaka. It was the first time for both of us.
Some of you may be wondering:
"What exactly is Edo Kiriko?"
"Can complete beginners really do it well?"
"Is there English support available?"
To be honest, I had the same concerns. Even though I had already made a reservation, I kept thinking, "Can someone as clumsy as me really handle such delicate work?"
However, once I started, all those worries disappeared.
Watching the patterns gradually appear on the glass was incredibly satisfying, and before I knew it, I had completely fallen in love with the world of Edo Kiriko.
In this article, I'll share my experience at Sokichi in Asakusa, including what the workshop was like and why it's perfect for beginners.
If you've ever been curious about trying Edo Kiriko yourself, I hope this article will give you the confidence to give it a try!
1. What Is Edo Kiriko?
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese glass-cutting craft that originated in Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the late Edo period. The craft involves cutting intricate patterns into the surface of glass, creating beautiful designs that have been admired for generations.
One of the most appealing features of Edo Kiriko is the way it catches and reflects light. Depending on the angle, the glass sparkles differently, showcasing the craftsmanship behind each piece. Today, Edo Kiriko is used to create a variety of items, including drinking glasses, sake cups, bowls, and decorative pieces.
What makes Edo Kiriko special is the attention to detail. Skilled artisans carefully carve patterns into the glass by hand, often using traditional designs such as hemp leaves, bamboo fences, and chrysanthemum motifs. Many of these patterns have symbolic meanings and have been passed down through the years.
When people hear the term "traditional craft," they often imagine something that only highly trained artisans can do. However, many workshops now offer hands-on experiences that allow visitors and complete beginners to create their own Edo Kiriko piece.
Before trying it myself, I assumed it would be difficult and only suitable for people who were good at arts and crafts. But after experiencing it firsthand, I realized that Edo Kiriko is surprisingly beginner-friendly and a wonderful way to connect with Japanese culture.
Asakusa is known for its rich history and traditional atmosphere, but experiencing Edo Kiriko allows you to do more than just sightsee. By creating something with your own hands, you can take home a unique souvenir and a memorable experience at the same time.
2. Can Complete Beginners Really Do It Well?
The short answer is yes. Even complete beginners can enjoy the experience with confidence.
It was the first Edo Kiriko experience for both my friend and me, but thanks to the staff's guidance and support from start to finish, we were able to enjoy it without feeling nervous.
The first step is choosing the glass you would like to decorate. There are various shapes available, and the prices vary depending on the type of glass, so you can choose one that fits your budget and preferences.
After selecting your glass, the instructor demonstrates how to use the cutting wheel and explains the basic techniques for carving the glass. Watching the demonstration in person made the process much easier to understand and quickly answered my question: "How does this actually work?"
Next, you'll have the chance to practice on a sample glass. Rather than jumping straight into your final piece, you can first get a feel for the machine and learn how much pressure to apply. This practice session helped me feel much more comfortable before starting the real thing.
Once you've finished practicing, it's time to choose your design. There are many attractive patterns to choose from, including fireworks, butterflies, and roses. I decided to try the fireworks design, and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I finished was incredibly rewarding.
Another thing I appreciated was the flexibility in choosing a pattern that matches your skill level. If you discover during practice that carving diagonal lines feels challenging, you can simply choose a design that mainly uses vertical lines instead. Being able to select a pattern based on your comfort level makes the experience much more enjoyable and approachable.
The staff regularly check on your progress throughout the workshop, so it's easy to ask questions whenever you need help. Even if you're worried that you're too clumsy to do well, I found the environment very welcoming and beginner-friendly.
3. Is there English support available?
One of the biggest concerns for international visitors is the language barrier.
At Sokichi, support is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, making the Edo Kiriko experience accessible to a wide range of visitors.
However, staff members who can assist in English or Chinese may not always be available, so it's a good idea to contact the workshop in advance when making your reservation if you would like language support.
According to the staff, many international visitors participate in the workshop every year. This popularity reflects the growing interest in hands-on Japanese cultural experiences among travelers from around the world.
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese craft, and being able to create your own piece makes it a unique cultural experience. Since you can take your finished work home with you, it also serves as a memorable souvenir from your trip to Japan.
Rather than simply sightseeing, participating in a hands-on cultural activity allows you to connect with Japanese culture in a much deeper way. The availability of language support makes the experience even more welcoming for visitors from overseas.
If a friend from abroad were visiting Tokyo, this is definitely one of the experiences I would confidently recommend.
My Experience
There are two workshop options available: a 90-minute course and a 2-hour course. I chose the 90-minute course (¥3,630 for adults and ¥2,860 for those under 18). The content of both courses is the same; the only difference is that the 2-hour course gives you an additional 30 minutes of working time.
If you prefer to take your time and work at a relaxed pace, the 2-hour course may be a better fit. However, as a complete beginner, I found that the 90-minute course was more than enough. For a relatively simple design, I never felt rushed.
The first step is choosing your glass. Six types of clear glasses are included in the basic fee, while colored glasses are available for an additional charge. If you have a specific glass in mind, it's a good idea to check the prices beforehand.
I chose a clear glass because it felt versatile and easy to use for any occasion. I also decided to make it as a Father's Day gift.
Next, it's time to draw your design on the glass using a marker. I chose a fireworks pattern because it seemed beginner-friendly while still looking beautiful. Templates are provided, so you simply trace the design onto the glass. Even if you're not confident in your drawing skills, there's no need to worry.
That said, I found it surprisingly difficult to draw long vertical lines neatly. Fortunately, the instructor was happy to help with the parts I wasn't confident about. Having support whenever needed made the experience much less intimidating.
Then came the most exciting part—cutting the glass.
Although I had already practiced, I still felt nervous when it was time to work on my actual glass. There were moments when I couldn't cut the lines exactly as I wanted and had to ask the instructor for help.
Thankfully, the instructor offered helpful advice throughout the process, such as starting with the thicker lines first and using a lighter touch for the thinner ones. With their guidance, I was able to stay focused and gradually bring my design to life.
When I looked at the finished piece, I noticed a few slightly uneven lines here and there. But rather than seeing them as mistakes, I felt they added character to the glass. After all, that's part of the charm of creating something by hand.
Once the carving is complete, you can take photos of your finished work at a dedicated photo spot. It's a wonderful way to capture a memory of your one-of-a-kind creation.
So, what did I think of the experience?
At first, creating my own Edo Kiriko glass seemed difficult and a little intimidating. But once I got started, I found myself completely absorbed in the process. By the end, I was already thinking about trying a more advanced design next time.
If you're looking for a unique memory of your time in Asakusa, I highly recommend giving this experience a try. You might be surprised by how much fun it is!
Basic information
🏠 Sokichi（創吉）
📍 2-1-14 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
🚶 30 seconds on foot from Exit 4 of Asakusa Station (Ginza Line)
🚶 3 minutes on foot from Exit A3 of Asakusa Station (Asakusa Line)
💴 Cash, Credit Cards, PayPay, and other cashless payment options
If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!
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