Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

There is an original furoshiki in Chuo-ku called "JAPAN / FIRSTS".

As we were born in March, 2014, we think that it is not well known yet, but originated in Chuo-ku.

29 items, including those that are considered to be and those that have spread from Chuo-ku, have been designed poply.

It is painted on the furoshiki.

　

This furoshiki is sold in Kyobashi Plaza, Nihonbashitomizawacho's Karakusaya Edo no Takumi.

This is a limited product only for the Chuo-ku Tourism Association and some department stores in Chuo-ku.

Why don't you use Chuo-ku's original furoshiki as a souvenir?

The price is 2,000 yen (excluding tax). The size is 90 centimeters x 90 centimeters. Two colors of 100% cotton, red and black.

　

In addition, "Arakusaya Edo no Takumi" also holds a "wrapping class" for furoshiki at any time.

"Arakusaya Edo no Takumi"

7-2, Nihonbashi Tomizawacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1st floor of Morimoto Building

Tel： 03-3661-3938 Business hours from 11:00 to 18:00

Regular holidays: Fire, Wednesday, and Holidays

 

 

I went to Ningyocho Kameido, a famous shop for tiled rice crackers.

It's on your right, tens of meters from the intersection of amazake Yokocho toward Hamacho Park.　

One of the most famous and established Japanese confectionery is Kawarasenbei made and sold at Ningyocho Kameido.　The head store is located along Amazake Yokocho Street.

In fact, tiled rice crackers weren't my favorite.　However, the concept was overturned after receiving the tiled rice cracker of Ningyocho Kameido. What have you eaten so far? Why is it so different? When I suddenly hit the simple question with the president, Mr. Sasaki, he answered with a full smile.

"We are stubbornly obeying the manufacturing method that has been founded.　No ingredients other than sugar, flour, eggs or honey are used.　In addition, no preservatives will be used, and puppet ware in bags after 3 days will be removed from the store. "　Protecting tradition and thorough quality control seemed to be the secret of deliciousness.　It's like this to protect the curtains.

For long time, Kawarasenbei, which is the nomenclature of the traditional japanese bisquit, was not one of my favorite sweets, but after I have experienced Kameido's delicacy, my whole image of this bisquit have changed.  What have I been eating before? Why is this so good and special? 

Mr. Kenji Sasaki, the president of the company gave me an answer distinctly and that is;

"We have not changed the recipe ever since company's foundation.  We only use sugar, flour, egg, and honey.  No preservative included and no display if the product (packed ningyoyaki) is over 3 days."

So, traditional recipe and strict quality control may be the key points.

And the president told me the origin of Ningyocho Kamei-do.

In 1873, Kamei-do Sohonten, which was founded in Kobe Motomachi, was assigned to the first Ningyocho Sasaki family, an old house living in Tokyo since the early Edo period in 1929. The master of Kamei-do, Akiha Sasaki Genpatsu.　It is the grandson of Sasaki Shoin who wrote the name of the bridge of the main pillar of Kyobashi.

In addition, Shinano Kamiakinobu, the father of Sasaki Branch, was the heavyweight of late Tokugawa shogunate and a large flagship book.

The first Kameido store, famous for its product Kawarasenbei, had started its business in Kobe in 1874.  In 1927, Mr. Sasaki's grandfather Genpatsu Sasaki was given privilege to use the name "Kameido" and start a business of his own in Tokyo after many years of training. 

Genpatsu's grandfather was Shiin Sasaki who is famous for the calligraphy of the Kyobashi bridge pillar.

Genpatsu's great grandfather, Shinanonokami Akinobu who was great grandfather of Genpatsu was high ranked magistrate during Edo era.

 

 

Morning Daio Shinano Moriaki (Chosandaifushina no Kamiakinobu)

At the end of the Tokugawa period, he served as Edo Nambokucho magistrate and foreign magistrates, and his name magistrate can be known through rakugo "Sasaki Masadan".

In addition, the mission of the Imperial Court, which proclaims Shinano Mamoru from the Imperial Court, is listed at the head office.　

It is the great-grandfather of Ningyocho Kameido's first store owner, Genpatsu.

Shinanonokami Akinobu

During Edo era, Akinobu was high ranked magistrate bugyo in charge of finance, law, and foreign affairs. His management competence is known through Rakuko (Japanese comic story), "Sasaki Seidan (political talk) ".  He was honored by Emperor as Shinannookami.  The written imperial order can be seen at Ningyocho Kamiedo.

Akinobu is the great grandfather of the founder of Ningyocho Kameido, Genpatsu Sasaki.

Sasakishiin

He is the eldest son of Moriaki Shinano, a Chinese scholar and poet.　The main pillar of the calligraphy "Kyobashi" still gives the personality of Ginza Chuo-dori as the "Kyobashi Monument" and is designated as the ward Tangible Cultural Property in Chuo-ku.

This is the grandfather of Kenpatsu.

Shiin Sasaki

The firstborn son of Akinobu who was scholar and poet. The name of the Kyobashi bridge engraved on the pillar of the bridge which is registered as tangible cultural asset of the city of Chuo-ku, had been written by Shiin.

Shiin is the grandfather of the founder of Ningyocho Kamiedo, Genpatsu Sasaki.

Akira Sasaki (Sasaki)

The first owner of Ningyocho Kamei-do.　A cheerful boy who went to service from an early age while being a samurai, ran through the turbulent era such as confusion after the shogunate's dissolution, the Great East Japan Earthquake of the Taisho era, and the Great War of Showa with his wisdom and genius.　Recognized by the founder of the Kamei-do Sohonke in Kobe and the owner of Ueno Kamei-do, he is entrusted with one store.　"~ Kamei-do Monogatari-Tokyo Shitamachi Story" is a record document written by Masaha Sasaki, the third son of Akira, from his father, and details the cityscape at that time and the historical facts from the latter half of the Meiji era to the high economic growth period of Showa. It is a book that can be enjoyed as a historical book.

Akira is the grandfather of the current president.　

Genpatsu Sasaki

The founder of Ningyocho Kameido.  Though born in noble family, Genpatsu had to make a living after the great reform of the government.  He had gone through the confusion of Meiji era, survived the great earthquake of Taisho era, and lived through the World War of Showa era, and won his success with his wit and talent.  After years of training, he was given privilege to use the name "Kameido" and start his own business in Tokyo.   Genpatsu's biography "Kameido Story" written by his third son can also be enjoyed as a history book which also writes about the culture and historical events from Meiji to Showa.

Genpatsu is the grandfather of Mr. Kenji Sasaki, now president of the company.

Ningyocho Kameido's tile crackers and Ningyo-yaki are made on the 3rd and 6th floors of the head office building, and you can always buy freshly made items.　And the tile rice crackers are light, easy to carry, and can be stored at room temperature for 3 months, so they are useful as gifts regardless of the season.　There is no need to worry about moisture because the tiled rice crackers are packaged in small pieces of 2-3 pieces.　In addition, persimmon peanuts made from domestic peanuts born from the president's idea are very popular, and some customers buy them in bulk.　Since it is not mass-produced to maintain quality, it is recommended that you go to buy it as soon as possible.

Kawarasenbei (japanese bisquit) and Ningyoyaki (sponge cake filled with red bean paste) are freshly made at the upper floor of the store. Kawarasenbei is made without any perservative, neverthelesss keeps at least for two months. It is wrapped in a small portion to avoid moist.  Since Kawarasenbei is so light to carry, many people buy them for souvenirs. 

The current popular selling line is Kakipea (peanuts and spicy rice crackers mix) using peanut only made in Japan, which came through the idea of Mr. Sasaki.  Since it is so crispy and good, some customers buy them in bulk.  To keep the good quality of the product, Kakipea is not produced in large quantitiesass, so if you buy them, visiting the store in early hours is recommended.

The number of items is abundant, so you may get lost, but you can advise on how to choose according to the application.

Varieties of products are displayed, but you can have an appropriate advice at the store.

<Supplement>

(From "~ Kamei-do Monogatata ~ Tokyo Shitamachi Story")

Quote from "Kameido Story"

*************************************************************

Around this time, Junichirou Tanizaki and Mrs. Matsuko came to shop.　Tanizaki, wearing a black inverness, did not enter the store, stood at the end of the sidewalk, looked up at the signboard of the store, and sometimes looked into the store, but Mrs. Matsuko was close to the store and talked in various ways.

In these days, *Junichiro Tanizaki visited the store with his wife Matsuko.  He wore black inverness coat, did not get in to the store but stood at the edge of the sidewalk, looking up at the signboard, sometimes peeking inside.  Matsuko walked in and chatted with the shopkeeper.

*Junichiro Tanizaki: Japanese author, one of the major writers of modern Japanese literature.

*************************************************************

I'm a little glad if Mrs. Junichiro Tanizaki had a tiled rice cracker at home or brought it somewhere as a souvenir, and I think it's the same taste as at that time.

Did Tanizaki and his wife tasted the sweets at home or did they brought it to someone as a souveniour?  Kawarasenbei that you can have now tastes as same as their time.

Mr. Sasaki, thank you very much.　

Please keep sending delicious sweets to the world forever.

Thank you very much Mr. Sasaki!

A great appreciation for the great story.

 

 

 

I went to Kofunecho for lunch.

　

１） First, we had a lunch with "Funasushi" and it was a reward for the weekend.
It has a quiet appearance, and the crisp sushi held by Mr. Itamae is delicious.

　

２） And if you go a little to the right, you will find Iwashiro Inari Shrine, a banner that says Success XX.
After all, in the Edo period, it was just said to be "Iseya, Inari, dog droppings", and everywhere.
You have Mr. Inari.

　　

３） Then, as a souvenir to my house, I bought a dorayaki of the confectioner "Higetsudo". On the spot
He put the bean paste (the seal of rabbit and cherry blossoms), and put it in such a wonderful bag (200 yen).
Did you know that you will make dorayaki with an original brand seal here? By all means, please.
http://nitigetudou.com/

　　

４） Finally, we went to the Kanji Art Exhibition of "Iba Sen" who was worried about Zutting.
Looking closely, I finally found that the character "Ki" is written like a person's laughing face.
I understand (the mouth is open and you can see it on a smiling face - the mouth part represents a vessel for sake and cooking -
Description of hieroglyphic characters unraveled by Shizuka Shirakawa, a master of ancient kanji studies.

　

　

I hope you all have a good weekend when you feel refreshed.

　

 

 

　We took a walk around Tsukuda 1-chome before noon in the fine autumn weather.　

　Cats also take a nap on the bench of a liquor store.

　Visit the Sumiyoshi-jinja Shirine, head to the Sumida River, turn left at the torii gate and walk.

　　The whistle of the ship resonates. ・・・・・

Beyond the right bank is the Sumida River. ・・・・・・

　

　If you go shortly, the sound of a big ventilation fan turns.

And the pure white water vapor makes a "bo-bo" sound and comes out of the house.

　The whole area is filled with savory soy sauce.　My stomach has decreased, and in the direction of smelling.

　"Welcome" A full-fledged "Edoben" with a high tail.

　The source of the scent is goby Tsukudani. At the back of the store, it was in the middle of the store.

　　　

　

　When I asked the landlady, he said that he was always ready by this time.

 

　Here Tsukuda is the birthplace of Tsukudani.

　In 1590, Ieyasu Tokugawa was relocated to the Kanto region, and then the residents of Tsukuda moved here from Osaka to Ieyasu. It is said that he started making Tsukishima and Tsukudani in 1645.

　

It seems that this shop has been making Tsukudani for generations since the first generation Genemon.

　With the scent of Tsukudani that goes to the store and the story of the history ... a time slip to Edo immediately.

　All of Tsukudani is sold by weight. Clams, shirasu, and leaf peppers are all cooked.

The color is different. I'm curious. Good soy sauce so that you can buy it right away and open the bag.

Scent.

　・・・ It was a full-fledged Edo-mae Tsukudani that goes well with beer and sake.

 

Genda Tsukuda Nakaya　

Address 1-3-13 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, telephone 03-3531-2649

It is a 5-minute walk from Tsukishima Station on the Yurakucho Line.

Business hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

               Sunday holiday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Last time, I wrote about Ningyocho, but I haven't written enough yet, so I'll add it.

　

There is a Western restaurant called "Koharuken" along the street of "Tamahide" in Oyakodon (next to Mima).

This is a restaurant started by a chef with Aritomo Yamagata of the Meiji era.

It is a very casual shop for the common people.

Last time, I had a lunch box for dinner and had it delicious at home.
　

　

Next, I would like to introduce the shops on the back side of "Edo Fire Flame Karakuri Ogura", "My French", and
It's Mina Fuku, a take-out shop for Odenone, reminds me of Osaka, a super common shop.
　

　

This time, as I walked all the way through amazake Yokomachi, I found a nostalgic candy store on the way (originally at Suitengu).
However, it has been relocated here) and Meijiza (Kabuki), which has been founded for 140 years. There
Turning the corner and walking a little bit, the long-established knife shop "Ubukeya", I like the sharpness and the file part.
I use a small nail cut.
　

　

　

Ningyocho, where many such private shops remain, has a remnants of Osaka (Shitamachi) in the early to mid-Showa period.
Perhaps there is something that reminds me of, it reacts to the trees in front of the store and the drums of fire prevention water.
(I lived in Tomishima-cho, Nishi-ku, Osaka when I was little--it seems that everything is now Kawaguchimachi.)

　

Finally, this Ningyocho is a city that has undergone many hardships during the Great Fire of the Meiryaku era (1657) of the Edo period.
It has a long history as a stylish downtown area such as Kabuki, which was also a entertainment for the common people, and a flower street.
I thought to convey that atmosphere, I would like to introduce a photograph of the reproduction pattern at the Edo Tokyo Museum and write a brush.

　

 

 

＊"Sukeroku" dressed as Danjuro Ichikawa,
＊Kabuki hut in Nakamuraza
＊A stall in Nihachi soba

 (2.8 = Jurokubun soba is less than 400 yen when converted to the current value)

　

 

 

 

Speaking of the city of water, Venice and Amsterdam are famous.

Edo was a city of water, where the transportation of ships was the mainstream and the riverbank was developed.

Today's Tokyo, especially Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Various rivers and diggings have been reclaimed by the development.

Still, there are many rivers and bridges, and it's still a water front.

 

With the image of the city of water that continues from Edo, the motif was designed with a characteristic bridge in Chuo-ku.

The original Tenugui "ACROSS CLOTH", which is finished with light blue dye, has been released.

From the top, Kiyosu Bridge, Minami Takahashi, Toyomi Bridge, Nihonbashi, Eitai Bridge, Chuo-ohashi Bridge, and Kachidokibashi.

It is a dish that conveys the charm of Chuo-ku, composed of a bridge with high design.

100% cotton, about 35cm x 90cm, ￥1,000 (excluding tax)

Only the Chuo-ku Tourism Association and the Tokyo Karakusaya, a furoshiki specialty store in Ningyocho, can be purchased.

 

It's a great deal.

Eight bridges (in turn from the mouth) over Okawa (Sumida River) in Chuo-ku.

Let's take you to the other three bridges, which are the motifs of Tenugui. 

 

[Bridge over the Okawa (Sumida River)]

①Kachidokibashi

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

The largest movable bridge in the East was built using technology.

Chicago-type Futaba Jumping Bridge =, that is, a spring bridge.

It seems that opening and closing has been stopped at the end of November 29, 1970 (1970).

What happens when it opens? For those who are interested.

We recommend watching the movie "Blues Brothers".

It's not Kachidokibashi, but it's not Kachidokibashi.

There is a famous scene where the Chicago-type Futaba Jumping Bridge is used effectively.

The light-up is emphasized in a blue straight line and the Futaba arch is green.

 

②Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge

Tsukuda's ferry, which lasted for about 320 years, is a bridge built over the place where the ferry port to Tsukuda Island was located.

Near the 36km Tokyo Marathon

The bridge is also the estuary of the sloped uphill + Okawa (Sumida River).

It is also known as the biggest difficulty in the course, where the sea breeze blows relentlessly and frustrated people come out.

Standing on a part of a bridge,

There is a point where you can see the Sky Tree well and the Tokyo Tower at the same time.

 

③Chuo-ohashi Bridge

Harp Bridge connecting Shinkawa and Tsukuda

Hashigami was presented by the city of Paris to commemorate the friendship between the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Seine in Paris.

"Messenger statue (by sculptor Osship Zackin)" is installed.

At first glance, it looks flat, but the bicycle is so inclined that you want to stand up.

Combined with the skyscrapers of Tsukuda, the iconic landscape of the water front spreads out.

 

④Eitai Bridge

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

Heavy and robust steel arch bridge

When the arch is lit up, it becomes a big blue rainbow.

Blue is reflected on the surface of the water, and its beauty is so often used in the background of trendy dramas.

While drinking beer, twilight, and

It's also fun to watch the lights up of the bridge and the navigation of the houseboat.

⑤Sumida River Ohashi

A bridge with a two-layer structure characterized by a function-oriented design

The upper part is the Metropolitan Expressway Route 9 and the lower part is the general road.

It's light green and unpopular as a bridge that blocks the landscape.

On the other hand, you can enjoy the view of Kiyosu Bridge and Chuo-ohashi Bridge from this bridge.

It is useful for photographers.

 

⑥Kiyosu Bridge

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

The elegant shape is modeled by suspension bridge in Rhine.

It looks like the word "M" written flat. The bridge color is grayish, nuanced blue.

The light-up looks like an actress mirror with round light bulbs lined up at equal intervals, but

Because the color is pink, it is reflected in the color of the gray-blue bridge.

The bridge is a little purple and very bewitching.

 

⑦Shinohashi

The "Human Assistance Bridge" that saved many lives during the Great Kanto Earthquake

Up to now, it has been damaged, washed away, or burned more than 20 times.

It has survived as a key point of transportation.

The yellow support of the current bridge looks like an American football goal.

At last, I want to kick the ball.

By the way, Van Gogh replicates his work influenced by Ukiyo-e, but he is

It is often featured in the topic, and if you look at it, the work you think "Oh, that's right?"

Hiroshige Utagawa's last year's "Large Hashitake Evening" was drawn.　(Hiroshige on the left and Van Gogh on the right)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

　

　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

 

⑧Ryogokubashi

Tokyo selection Historic buildings

A bridge that connects "Musashinokuni" and "Shimousakuni".

The red line under the railing is impressive, with the main pillars, balustrades, bridge lights, sidewalk fences, paving stones, etc.

There is an elaborate work on everything.

 

 

 

[Other bridges with the motif of Tenugui]

＊Minami Takahashi

Central ward Tangible Cultural Property

A bridge built over the Kamejima River, which was 1 km long, where Funami Bansho was located in the Edo period.

Due to the lack of budget for reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake, Japan

The central part of the former Ryogoku Bridge is reused as part of the main body.

It has a retro feeling of Meiji period and is cute like a railway model railway bridge.

 

＊Toyomi Bridge

Central ward Tangible Cultural Property

An unusual design like a ladder lying down

This bridge spans the mouth of the Nihonbashi River pours into the Sumida River.

It is said that it was designed in consideration of the landscape balance with the nearby Eitai Bridge.

Inside the white bridge, the balustrade is dark blue, and the contrast is refreshing.

When it is lighted up, it looks like the train is stopped from its unique form.

 

＊Nihonbashi

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

In 2011, the bridge was built, a two-story stone arch bridge that entered the first century.

The starting point of all national roads "Japan Road Mark"

The bronze sculpture of the Kirin and the lion is as sophisticated as gargoyl.

There is no use as a rain gutter, representing prosperity and protection.