In Asakusa, Engawa Asakusa brings together some of the most beautiful things made in Japan today — the kind of design that feels timeless, tactile and quietly extraordinary. Curated in collaboration with Tokyo Weekender, the shop features over 400 products from across the country, from small-batch sweets and sake-infused skincare to hand-forged knives, Arita porcelain and Kyoto textiles. Every item here has a sense of intention — something you’ll want to touch, use and live with.
Here are some of the award-winning Japanese items you’ll find in-store.
Japanese Food and Confections
Sakura Houten: Traditional Japanese spring confections
Founded in 1955, the confectionery Maruei Seika is one of Japan’s last remaining specialists in houten — a traditional confection that few makers still produce. Their Sakura Houten captures the spirit of spring in a single bite: crisp on the outside, featherlight within, and delicately flavored with cherry blossom.
Its soft pink color is as charming as the taste, which is refined and gently sweet. It pairs equally well with matcha, sencha or coffee, and makes a beautiful, seasonally evocative souvenir.
Tenobe Hannama Naga Soumen: Hand-stretched somen noodles from Aichi
Rooted in a tradition said to date back to the Edo-period Tenmei Famine, these hand-stretched somen noodles from Anjo city’s Tatsumimenten are a testament to the art of slow craft. Each strand is repeatedly rested and stretched to extraordinary lengths — over 200 meters before cutting — creating a complex gluten structure that machines simply cannot replicate.
The result is a noodle with exceptional firmness, elasticity and a silky, smooth surface that seems to dance in the mouth. Awarded a three-star rating by Europe’s most prestigious international taste institute, they make a beautifully packaged, genuinely extraordinary souvenir.
Kakitsubata: Stone-ground Kyoto matcha
Grown in Kyoto, Kakitsubata is Kosame’s signature matcha — vivid green, richly aromatic and balanced in umami with a clean finish. The brand was born from a simple idea: that matcha shouldn’t be reserved for ceremony, but woven into the rhythms of everyday life. A bowl in the morning, a quiet moment in the afternoon.
Equally suited to casual daily use or formal hospitality, it’s a beautifully considered gift for anyone who appreciates Japanese tea culture.
Hare no hi no Shoyu: Celebration Day soy sauce from Shizuoka
Hachimaru Co. was founded in 1828, but stopped brewing its own soy sauce in 1975, focusing instead on blending. Forty-five years later, it decided to revive the craft — and when a tornado struck the brewery shortly after trial batches began, a jar of 45-year-old yeast was miraculously found in the rubble. That same heritage yeast now ferments every bottle of Hare no hi no Shoyu.
Brewed in wooden vats for over a year, this soy sauce uses Tanba black soybeans from Hyogo, high-protein wheat from Hokkaido, sea salt from Okinawa and spring water from the foot of Mt. Fuji. The flavour is soft, mellow and deeply complex — a world away from supermarket soy sauce, and a genuinely extraordinary thing to bring home.
°Ondo 000 Vintage Sake: Sub-zero aged Junmai Daiginjo
Most sake is drunk fresh or aged at room temperature. °Ondo 000 does something different: it matures at between -2°C and -5°C, hovering just below freezing — cold enough to halt oxidation, but where the sake itself doesn’t freeze, and umami quietly deepens instead. The result is a premium sake made from the finest rice, milled down to just 40% of its original grain, producing something crystal clear, sharply aromatic and profound, with a finish that vanishes as cleanly as snowmelt.
Its creators describe it as “sake for wine lovers,” and it’s easy to see why. Awarded a star at the Taberu JAPAN Umi Award 2026, this is a bottle that genuinely surprises.
Chayudo: Matcha sweets
Rooted in Uji, Kyoto, Chayudo crafts confections that capture the refined essence of Japanese tea culture. Using carefully selected Uji matcha ground on traditional stone mills, the brand balances the tea’s earthy bitterness with subtle sweetness in cookies, cakes, and other sweets. Each creation offers a modern interpretation of classic Japanese flavors, making the ritual of enjoying matcha a delightfully contemporary experience.
Kikkoman Food Products Co.: Artisanal soy sauce
Kikkoman Honten continues Japan’s legacy of soy sauce craftsmanship. Using carefully selected domestic ingredients and aging their sauces in traditional cedar barrels, the company preserves techniques handed down for generations. The result is a soy sauce rich in depth and complexity, capable of elevating even the simplest dish while reflecting the history and care embedded in every drop. These products are usually only available online, so Engawa Asakusa offers visitors the rare chance to try them in person.
Gluten-free Japanese fermented butter cookies
These gluten-free butter cookies are made with domestic okara and brown rice flour, giving them a delicate texture that’s both crisp and crumbly. Fermented butter adds richness, while organic cacao nibs bring a slightly bitter crunch that keeps the sweetness balanced. Packed in a small, jewel-box-like tin, they’re the kind of treat that works equally well as an afternoon pick-me-up, a small but thoughtful gift or something to slowly snack on with tea or coffee.
Developed by Totonoe Gashi as part of its “wellness through sweets” approach, the cookies are meant to be satisfying without feeling heavy. Instead of wheat flour, refined sugar or additives, the recipe relies on ingredients chosen for both flavor and nutritional value.
Tanba no Kurotaro: Lightly candied Tanba black beans with a delicate sweetness and soft texture
Tanba no Kurotaro’s signature black bean sweets are made with carefully selected Tanba black beans from Hyogo Prefecture. The beans are soaked twice in sugar syrup, then dried to create a texture that’s soft and slightly crisp rather than sticky or heavily coated in sugar. The sweetness is light and clean, allowing the naturally rich flavor of the beans to come through. They’re easy to snack on and pair especially well with tea.
The company was founded to introduce Tanba black beans beyond their traditional role in osechi ryori (New Year’s cuisine) and special occasions. Rather than turning them into something overly modern or elaborate, the focus is on simple sweets that highlight the ingredient itself and make it easy to enjoy every day.
Beauty and Wellness
Shisa Silk Soap: Okinawa-inspired sustainable silk soap
Shaped in the form of Okinawa’s beloved shisa guardian lion-dog and etched with the traditional Seigaiha wave pattern, this is a soap that doubles as a cultural artifact. It’s made using silk cocoons upcycled from pharmaceutical silkworm research — a sustainable twist developed under the supervision of biochemistry and immunology experts.
The cold-process method preserves the natural moisturizing properties of silk and Okinawan ingredients, resulting in a gentle, hydrating cleanse free from preservatives and petroleum-based surfactants.
Kinkuma Perfume, Japan Collection 01 Fuji: Ukiyo-e inspired fragrance
Ukiyo-e woodblock prints capture the beauty of a single, fleeting moment — and Kinkuma Perfume translates that same idea into scent. This fragrance, the first in a Japan-inspired collection, is devoted to Mount Fuji: sacred, blue-silhouetted and worshipped since ancient times as the Mountain of Rebirth.
Crafted at a small factory in Yamanashi, surrounded by the Yatsugatake Mountains, each bottle is designed to evoke the delicacy, gradation and quiet harmony with nature that define the ukiyo-e tradition. Wearable art, made in Japan.
Velas Corporation Ltd.: Beppu-inspired skincare
Inspired by the healing waters of Beppu, Onsensou delivers scalp-first haircare powered by a patented hot spring algae extract that boosts scalp vitality and provides deep, lasting hydration. Each formula — from shampoos to masks and targeted scalp treatments — evokes the calm of a Japanese onsen, allowing you to experience that soothing, restorative feeling at home. Onsensou transforms everyday haircare into a nourishing ritual rooted in Japanese bathing culture.
Manavis Cosmetics Inc.: Evidence-led Japanese skincare
Since its founding in 1987, Manavis has been dedicated to creating skincare rooted in simple, sustainable routines and the power of naturally derived ingredients.
The company believes the key to beautiful skin lies in creating a skin environment that is receptive to care. By gently removing impurities and unlocking your skin’s natural vitality, its products will guide you toward a healthy, clear, and radiant complexion.
Visitors can freely sample the company’s full lineup at Engawa Asakusa — including its Medicated Skin Wash, Medicated Skincare Mask, Flora First Serum, Flora Skincare Oil, Vitamin D Plus Premium and Cleansing Oil. Designed to be effortlessly incorporated into your daily routine, these products allow you to experience tangible improvements in your skin’s condition the longer you use them.
Beneficia: A self-care brand connected to the forests of Yakushima
The grounding aroma of Yakusugi cedar from Yakushima’s ancient forests, the soft citrus freshness of locally grown tankan and pure, pristine water come together in the Kami no Shima (“Island of the Gods”) series — a self-care brand that brings the island’s natural energy into everyday life.
Created to offer moments that feel like a deep, restorative breath, these products are designed to help the mind unwind and restore a sense of calm and balance.
Soaps, hand creams, room mists, sea salt and more capture the quiet blessings of Yakushima, blending effortlessly into daily routines like small gifts from the island itself. Even on the busiest days, they carry with them the stillness of the forest and a gentle feeling of renewal.
Embrace self-care infused with the natural power of this World Heritage island — and take a moment to truly care for yourself.
Aureo: Science-driven wellness supplements
For more than 26 years, Aureo has been committed to creating safe, high-quality products made with natural and naturally derived ingredients. Using its proprietary fermentation technology, Aureo produces Black Yeast β-Glucan, a water-soluble, fermentable, gel-like dietary fiber.
Known for its probiotic-supporting and gut-friendly properties, Black Yeast β-Glucan helps maintain a healthy intestinal environment and supports everyday wellness by serving as a nutrient for beneficial bacteria (such as butyric acid bacteria) that produce short-chain fatty acids. Free from chemical refining, Aureo’s products are designed to be gentle and suitable for people of all ages.
All products are manufactured in Japan at a Health Food GMP–certified facility that is also registered under the U.S. Bioterrorism Act and certified Halal in the UK. Aureo has acquired 52 patents. Through ongoing collaboration with research institutions and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, Aureo continues to deliver globally trusted quality while working toward a more sustainable future.
Tsutsuwabi: Sake-inspired skincare
Tsutsuwabi is a Japanese skincare brand that harnesses the ancient wisdom of sake brewing to create luxurious, fermented-based products. Using fermented rice, koji and sake lees — rich in amino acids, vitamins and enzymes — their products deeply hydrate and promote elasticity, giving skin a supple, radiant glow. Developed in collaboration with Japanese breweries, each item embodies the natural benefits of fermentation, transforming traditional wisdom into modern skincare rituals.
Biond: Naturally derived skincare
Biond is a 100% naturally derived skincare line crafted to reveal your skin’s natural radiance while keeping it deeply hydrated throughout the day. At its core are sericin and fibroin — rare silk components whose structure closely resembles human skin. Extracted without heat or chemicals, these ingredients absorb gently and effectively, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.
The formula’s refined, non-sticky texture creates a light protective veil that helps prevent moisture loss while still feeling smooth and comfortable. Together, sericin (for hydration) and fibroin (for skin support) work to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and improve overall resilience. With continued use, skin feels softer, clearer and more supple — a calm, moisturized finish that elevates everyday care.
Deodorant One: A compact deodorizing and sanitizing device for shoes
Deodorant One is a compact device designed to deodorize and sanitize shoes without sprays or powders. Insert it into a pair of shoes, press a button and it works to reduce odor-causing bacteria, allergens and moisture buildup using the company’s proprietary radical sheet technology. Flexible tips allow it to fit everything from leather dress shoes and sneakers to heels and boots, while both quick and standard modes make it practical for daily use, travel or storing shoes between seasons.
Developed by the Japanese brand ataraina, the device reflects the company’s focus on solving small but persistent everyday frustrations through technology. The team designed Deodorant One to feel straightforward and low-maintenance rather than overly technical: battery-powered, portable and easy to use in cramped entryways, closets or suitcases.
Traditional Japanese Items and Souvenirs
Edo Kiriko Nami Fuji and Kikukagome old-fashioned glass: Art you can hold in your hand
Edo Kiriko is one of Tokyo’s most celebrated craft traditions — glass cut by hand into intricate geometric patterns, a technique passed down through artisans since the Edo period. Tableau’s stunning amber and deep blue crystal glass brings that heritage into dialogue with Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave off Kanagawa, rendered through delicate sandblasting that creates real depth and subtle shading.
The classic “Kikukagome” chrysanthemum lattice frames the design in signature Kiriko style. Presented in a paulownia wood box, it’s as much a collector’s piece as it is a drinking glass.
Sealing Stamp Full Set: Everything you need to start wax sealing
Wax sealing has made a quiet comeback — and this beautifully curated pink set from Woodpepe makes it easy to start straight out of the box. Everything is included: stamps, wax, and tools, all ready to use from the moment it arrives. The wax is made exclusively from natural beeswax and soybean oil, so it’s safe to handle and lovely to work with.
Use it to seal letters, dress up gift wrapping or add a personal touch to any occasion. A thoughtful gift for beginners and craft lovers alike.
Case Corporation: Picture tenugui
Based in Yokohama, Hamamonyo reimagines the traditional tenugui hand towel with colorful, modern designs that bring joy to everyday life. Using the classic Yokohama Nassen dyeing technique, artisans create pre-packaged textiles in a range of sizes and uses—from small decorative cloths to larger wraps perfect for gifts or home display. Each piece blends tradition with playful artistry, transforming functional items into vibrant expressions of Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Imai Daruma Naya: Daruma charms
From Takasaki, Japan’s famed Daruma hub, Imai Daruma Naya combines nearly a century of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Using recycled paper and natural clay, their dolls honor the symbolic role of Daruma as a charm for perseverance and luck, while offering a stylish, modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into today’s interiors. Each piece is both a meaningful talisman and a decorative accent, making it ideal for gifting or personal inspiration.
Sozo: Incense
A new form of Japanese incense, balancing tradition with modern design. Sozo crafts fragrances that evolve as they burn, offering a dynamic sensory experience that clears the mind and calms the space. Made with carefully selected domestic and international ingredients, each stick reflects over 35 years of craftsmanship, perfect for daily rituals or as a thoughtful gift.
Kitchenware
Kobayashi Hoon Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Kireknife): Japanese knives
Blending industrial engineering with culinary artistry, Kireknife creates blades designed for precision and effortless cutting. With friction-reducing coatings and a uniquely wavy edge, these knives allow users to cut not only soft foods but also dense ingredients cleanly, without applying unnecessary force. The blades are crafted to avoid becoming excessively sharp at the tip, making them easier to handle and safer for everyday use.
Minimalist and ergonomically refined, the design balances functionality with elegance, embodying Japan’s craftsmanship and innovation.
In-store, visitors will find the Kireknife, the Ultimate Wavy Blade Knife, and a three-piece set with blade covers — versatile tools suited for home cooking as well as a wide range of daily tasks. They also make an ideal gift for design and tool enthusiasts.
Yoshida Metal Industry (Yoshikin): Precision knives
Yoshikin crafts metal tools that combine professional performance with thoughtful domestic design. Their Global-ist series, designed specifically for Japanese home kitchens, features finely sharpened, straight-edged knives that glide through ingredients for clean, precise cuts. From small paring knives to larger utility and bread knives, each piece balances industrial reliability with understated elegance, making everyday cooking a precise and satisfying experience.
Astrex Co., Ltd., Yoshimune Knives: Knives forged by craftsmen
Yoshimune Knives in Kyoto carries on the traditions of Japanese swordsmithing and operates as the factory-direct store for Tosa forged knives from Kochi Prefecture — an art with more than 400 years of history.
Each knife is hand-forged by skilled artisans using the finest Japanese steels such as Aogami, achieving both rugged beauty and exceptional precision.
The signature kuro-uchi finish highlights deep tradition and individuality, while meticulous shaping ensures outstanding balance, sharpness and durability — qualities that once allowed a single knife to be passed down through three or four generations.
These knives are ideal for chefs and cooking enthusiasts who appreciate uncompromising craftsmanship in every detail.
ChaPod2: A modern teapot designed to make loose-leaf tea easier to enjoy
ChaPod2 is a lightweight teapot with an unusually simple structure: just a lid and a body, with no built-in mesh strainer to scrub afterward. Instead, tea is filtered through a narrow slit between the lid and the rim of the pot, allowing leaves to stay inside while the tea pours cleanly from any point along the edge. The rounded shape gives tea leaves room to open fully as they brew, helping bring out more aroma and flavor, while the transparent body lets you watch the process unfold.
Ao Labo, the company that developed the teapot, originated from a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Uji tea culture. After years of introducing tea through schools and public events, the team noticed that many younger households no longer owned teapots at all. ChaPod2 was created as a response to that shift: something practical enough for everyday use, but still able to bring out the flavor and ritual of properly brewed loose-leaf tea.
Apparel and Accessories
Kamipita: No-crease ribbon hair clip
This ribbon-style hair clip is designed to hold your hair securely without leaving creases, making it a practical alternative to traditional hair ties. The soft fabric, finished with delicate patterns, adds a subtle, feminine touch that feels easy to wear both casually and for slightly more dressed-up occasions.
What sets Kamipita apart is its structure: it grips the hair firmly while staying gentle, so you can tie your hair up and take it down without worrying about dents. It is especially useful for everyday moments like getting ready, working or being out and about — simple, functional and thoughtfully designed.
Nikke Textile Co., Ltd.: Japanese wool denim
With over 120 years of history, Nikke Textile specializes in wool materials, creating luxurious fabrics that combine the softness, warmth and breathability of wool with the elegance and structure of traditional denim. Crafted with generations of Japanese expertise, this fabric is perfect for both contemporary fashion and timeless pieces. In-store, customers can explore a variety of styles — including men’s straight, women’s straight and women’s relaxed wide cuts — allowing them to feel the refined texture and quality of this unique material firsthand.
N Bijoux: “Wa-lingerie”
Jewelry for your skin: delicate, empowering and distinctly Japanese. N Bijoux crafts “Wa-lingerie” in Asakusa, blending traditional textiles like Tango silk and artisanal embroidery with contemporary design. Each piece is handcrafted in Japan with an emphasis on quality, durability and sustainability, celebrating the country’s rich fiber heritage while making women feel confident and celebrated.
Teitetsu Necklace: A handcrafted glass necklace inspired by the shape of a horseshoe
This necklace reimagines the traditional horseshoe motif in transparent heat-resistant glass, giving it a softer and more understated feel than typical metal versions. Each piece is handmade by artisans, with subtle variations in shape and texture that highlight the delicacy of the material. Lightweight and easy to wear throughout the day, it’s designed to work naturally with a wide range of styles, from casual clothing to more dressed-up looks. In Europe, horseshoes have long been associated with luck and protection, making the necklace an especially thoughtful gift or keepsake.
The piece was created by iriser, a glass accessory brand based in Minamisoma, Fukushima — a region with a long history of horse culture and home to the Soma Nomaoi, a horseback riding festival that’s said to have a history of over 1,000 years. The Teitetsu series draws from that local connection, combining the strength traditionally associated with horseshoes with the softer, rounded quality of hand-shaped glass.
Ceramics and Home Decorations
Kouraku Kiln (Tokunaga Ceramics): Arita porcelain
Founded in 1865 in Saga’s historic Arita region, Kouraku Kiln blends 400 years of porcelain tradition with contemporary design. Their hand-thrown Arita-yaki pieces celebrate the tactile beauty of clay and subtle imperfections that make each object unique. Perfect for slow meals and intimate gatherings, these ceramics bring a sense of joy and discovery to the table, turning everyday dining into a thoughtful, elevated experience.
Marumo Takagi Ceramics: Modern Mino ware
Since 1887 in Tajimi, Gifu, Marumo Takagi has blended 1,300 years of Mino-yaki tradition with modern creativity. Their tableware transforms everyday meals into moments of delight — for example, cold drinks reveal hidden patterns, like blooming cherry blossoms, while mugs and plates combine practicality with subtle whimsy. Durable, elegant, and full of charm, their pieces are designed to make the table both functional and joyful.
Sphelar Power Co., Ltd.: Spherical solar technology
Kyoto-based Sphelar Power transforms solar energy into elegant, human-scale designs using the world’s first spherical solar cell, Sphelar®. This technology captures light from all directions, powering innovative products such as lanterns, portable sticks, and small decorative cubes. Combining sustainability with refined design, Sphelar Power makes renewable energy both functional and visually striking for everyday life.
Kimono Tray by Sotansha Sadaemon Shoten: Unique tableware made from kimono fabric
Handcrafted from upcycled antique kimonos, the Kimono Tray turns traditional textiles into everyday art. Each piece is made using a special fabric-bonding method that pairs kimono cloth with durable resin, creating a tray that’s heat-resistant, washable, lightweight and shatter-resistant. The top surface preserves the texture of the original weave for a warm, refined feel, while the underside reveals vivid color combinations inspired by hakkake kimono lining.
Because every kimono is cut differently, each tray carries its own unique pattern — no two are the same. It’s an elegant way to bring Japanese craftsmanship into your home.
Updated On June 5, 2026
