Notice of winter holiday

  Please note that we are going to be closed for the winter holiday from 31st December 2017 till 4th of January 2018.     We will be open for business as usual from 5th of January.     We are looking forward to seeing you in 2018!    The vase on the photo is my favorite…

Hagoita decorative wooden tray 羽子板のトレー

Hagoita （羽子板）is a rectangular wooden paddle to play Hanetsuki (羽根つき）, which is similar to badminton, but without the net. It is a game where two players hitting shuttlecocks which are made of soapberry seeds and bird feathers, and this game is often played during new year season. That is because it has been said that it is thought…

Shimenawa (しめ縄)/ Shimekazari(しめ飾り – An ornament for new year

The straw made ornaments are called Shimenawa (しめ縄) and it is also called Shimekazari （しめ飾り）. There are many different types and sizes of these ornaments and the designs can vary depending on where they are made. Shimenawa can be found in Shinto shrine all year around, but we normally decorate our home with the ornament…