Experience Edo Kiriko Glassmaking in east Tokyo including a Gyoza lunch
Create Edo Kiriko Glassware and Enjoy a Tasty Gyoza Lunch in east Tokyo!
Overview
Edo Kiriko is the Tokyo style of cut glass, an Edo-period craft of geometric patterns etched into coloured crystal by hand. The day starts in Hirai, Edogawa Ward, on the quieter east side of the Sumida River, at Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen. Founder Yusuke Kojima trained at a major Kiriko workshop before opening his own atelier in January 2021. He introduces you to the tools and the traditional patterns, Asanoha (hemp leaf), Shippo (seven treasures), Kiku Tsunagi (chrysanthemum link), Hakkaku Kome, Yarai and Ichimatsu among them, then you pick a piece (sake glass, tumbler or small bowl) and etch your own design at the rotary wheel.
From Hirai a short train ride takes you one stop to Kameido for lunch at Kameido Gyoza, a small locals' favourite that brings hand-wrapped dumplings to the table in waves until you say stop. If Kameido Gyoza is closed on Tuesdays or already full, the lunch shifts to Samurai Coffee Dojo, a Japanese-style café south of Kameido Station with a toast menu and vegetarian options.
Hotel pick-up at 09:00, drop-off by 13:00, an English-speaking guide the whole way, and the Edo Kiriko piece you cut at the bench comes home with you.
Details
Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen (凛然) : Edo Kiriko Experience
Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen operates under the theme "Established 0 years ago. No history, only quality." The founder, Yusuke Kojima, was captivated by the beauty of Kiriko and, after training at a major Kiriko manufacturer, founded Rinzen in January 2021. Kiriko is the Japanese name for cut glass, with Edo Kiriko (Tokyo) and Satsuma Kiriko (Kagoshima) being the most well-known, although it once flourished throughout Japan.
Kiriko features various traditional patterns, such as Kiku Tsunagi / 菊つなぎ (Chrysanthemum Link), Hakkaku Kome / 八角籠目 (Octagonal Basket Weave), Asanoha / 麻の葉 (Hemp Leaf), Yarai / 矢来 (Arrow Fence), Shippo / 七宝 (Seven Treasures), and Ichimatsu / 市松 (Checkered). These intricate cuts in glass are highly artistic and remain beloved by many even today.
The studio aims to create a unique brand, Rinzen Kiriko, by blending classical (traditional patterns) and modern designs.
❖ Hotel Pick-up
09:00
Your English-speaking guide meets you in your hotel lobby and escorts you east, across the Sumida River to Hirai in Edogawa Ward, the quieter side of Tokyo where Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen has its atelier.
❖ Workshop Session at Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen
10:00 - 11:00 (1:00 h)
Begin your day at Tokyo Glass Studio Rinzen in Edogawa. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Kojima, a skilled Kiriko artisan, you will learn about the history and techniques of Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese glass cutting method dating back to the Edo period.
Mr. Kojima will provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations, ensuring that you feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. You then carefully etch your chosen design into the glass at the rotary wheel, with Mr. Kojima correcting as you go. The workshop lasts around two hours.
Choose from a selection of glass pieces, such as sake glasses, tumblers, and small bowls, and complete your piece during the session. The finished Edo Kiriko piece you cut at the bench is yours to take home, a unique souvenir from your visit to Tokyo.
❖ Transfer to Kameido
11:00 - 11:30 (30 min)
After completing your glassware, a short train transfer carries you from Hirai one stop east to Kameido, a relaxed Tokyo neighbourhood with a strong local-eatery culture, ready for lunch.
❖ Gyoza Lunch at Kameido Gyoza
11:30 - 12:15 (45 min)
Lunch is at Kameido Gyoza, a small locals' favourite known for its mouthwatering dumplings. The menu features a variety of gyoza flavours, each prepared to perfection, and the efficient staff bring fresh plates to your table in waves and keep them coming until you stop. The combination of tasty dumplings and lively service makes it a memorable lunch.
❖ Alternative Lunch at Samurai Coffee Dojo
11:30 - 12:15 (45 min)
If Kameido Gyoza is closed on Tuesdays or already full, your guide pivots a few minutes south of Kameido Station to Samurai Coffee Dojo, a charming Japanese-style café with a varied toast menu, freshly brewed coffee, and vegetarian-friendly options. The cosy room and quiet pace make it an equally enjoyable midday stop.
❖ Hotel Drop-off
13:00
Back to your hotel by 13:00, with the Edo Kiriko piece you cut wrapped and in hand.
OPTIONS
Notes
Tours do not run on Mondays.
If Kameido Gyoza is closed on Tuesdays or already full, the tour pivots to Samurai Coffee Dojo south of Kameido Station. Both venues are included; the choice is made on the day by your guide.
Advance booking is recommended to secure your spot in the Kiriko workshop.
Meeting Point
Pick-up at your hotel lobby at 09:00. Hotel pick-up and drop-off available within the 23 wards of Tokyo.
What's included:
English-speaking guide throughout the day
Edo Kiriko workshop with master artisan, including all tools and glass blank
The Edo Kiriko piece you create, to take home
Lunch at Kameido Gyoza (or Samurai Coffee Dojo alternative)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the 23 wards of Tokyo
Train ticket between Hirai and Kameido
Photos of tour participants
Local tax
What's not included:
Free cancellation up to 8 days before the experience starts (local time)
Private experience
1
-
5
Participants
Tokyo
From ¥25.000 /person
4 hours
Traveler Photos
From ¥25.000 /person
4 hours
Tokyo