Experience ‘Life Along the Line’ Through Tokyo Sakura Tram

Filipino-Japanese Journal Apr 11, 2019 0 Comments

The Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) is the only Toden streetcar left in central Tokyo, running from Minowabashi to Waseda stations, and is used by approximately 48,000 commuters every day. To promote the charm of the line, Toei Transportation and Airbnb, Inc. have collaborated to offer Japanese arts and crafts experience programs.

This collaboration resulted in a project called Toden Life Tourism, which aims to share “life along the tracks” to foreign tourists. Among the experience hosts participating in the program are Kinji Kato, an Arakawa Ward registered holder of Intangible Cultural Properties, who has worked to promote the shamisen – a Japanese traditional instrument with a history of more than 400 years, along with husband and wife Shigeo and Yoshie Takenaka, fellow Arakawa Ward registered holders of Intangible Cultural Properties, who have been hand-crafting ishoningyo (traditional costume dolls) for more than 50 years.

Toden Life Tourism offers five types of experience programs: a shamisen performance experience, card case making from materials used in doll-making, hand drawing on a bag using Yuzen dyeing techniques, doll house accessory crafting and shingenbukuro (drawstring bag) making.

Toden Life Tourism Program Experience Hosts (as of Jan. 17)

1. Minichuboan

Activity: Doll house accessory production

See the doll house parts production process and make a miniature food.

Price: 2,000 yen

Address: 5-13-2 Nishiogu, Arakawa-ku

Website: http://minityuan.ocnk.net/

2. Shamisen Katoh

Activity: Shamisen performance experience

See the shamisen manufacturing process and maintenance. View and experience a performance in the 2F live performance space. Each participant will receive a shamisen plectrum key holder.

Price: 2,000 yen

Address: 6-26-4 Higashiogu, Arakawa-ku

Website: http://www.shamisen-katoh.com/en/