Learn About Traditional Japanese Candy Crafting "Amezaiku" at Ameshin
Amezaiku is a traditional Japanese craft where meticulous artisan skills are used to shape candy into gorgeous sculptures. At Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, located in the Solamachi shopping facility beneath TOKYO SKYTREE, you can watch the magic of the detailed candy craft unfolding right before your very eyes. You can even buy some to take with you! One look at this gorgeous work of art and you'll be completely captivated by this intricate display of fine Japanese artistry!
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About Amezaiku
Amezaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that involves heating candy until it is soft and crafting it into various shapes and colors. It is said to date back to the Edo period (1603 - 1867), and it has been passed down ever since.
Ameshin's Shinri Tezuka, one of the leading amezaiku craftsmen of Japan, acquired the skills to craft these pieces himself, then developed his own unique style. The amezaiku he makes are a fine representation of Japanese art.
With just a single pair of tweezers in hand, he is able to skillfully shape the candy into figures with delicate details, such as the fin of a goldfish.
After quickly and carefully shaping the details, he finishes off the piece with a bit of color.
You'll be surprised at how realistic the transparent frog appears! Of course, since it's candy, you can eat it, too! But it seems like such a waste to eat such a beautiful piece of art, right?
In addition to the gorgeous goldfish, frog, and dragon seen above, Ameshin also sells cutely shaped candies like cats and bunnies.
They also accept custom-made orders such as the lion in the picture above (reservations and consultations required).
Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Solamachi Branch
At the TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN Solamachi location of Asakusa Amezaiku Ameshin, you can witness Tezuka and his apprentices at work, and purchase these delicate amezaiku as souvenirs. Their wares range from reasonably priced amezaiku to artistic and delicate amezaiku in the shape of goldfish and the like, so find the one that suits your tastes and budget!
*The schedule for the crafting performance is set, so be sure to check it in advance.
Head to the Hanakawado Studio for Hands-On Amezaiku Workshops
You can also try your hand at making amezaiku yourself at Ameshin! The Hanakawado location, which is located a 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station, offers amezaiku workshops, so if you're interested in trying it out, be sure to head over to the Hanakawado Studio!
*Reservations required for workshops (refer to the official website for more details)
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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