Sensational
Quilts
This was one of
those days when you are so pleased someone else is responsible for knowing
where and when you have to be in certain places. Our schedule was punishing but we wanted to
make the most of a day in Tokyo and a visit to the Quilt Exhibition. We obligingly bought our bento boxed lunch, stopping
to admire a few interesting ones on the station platform, and marvelled at how
polite everyone was.
The train arrived on time, in exactly the right spot (marked on the platform) and within a short time we were speeding our way towards Tokyo on the Shinkansen – say that again, the Shinkansen.
Mt Fuji declined to make a show for us, although we took photos anyway because our trip back to Kyoto would be much later in the evening.
In contrast, it would seem that some of Tokyo’s youth prefer a more outlandish dress. We stopped on our way in Harajuku (also see Jingu Bashi) to people watch as the young ones strutted their stuff in wild to conservative costume; more for each other I think, than the many tourist cameras flashing. Close by is the Omotosando-dori area where we (over) indulged at the Oriental Bazaar, a wonderland of all things exotic for tourists, including textiles. I concentrated on buying fabric tailor samples which are just so lovely. Maybe I’ll stop looking and get on with some sewing? No promises – even to myself!
After negotiating the subway (& deciphering ticket machines) we made for the fabulous Ginza Quilt Exhibition. We were not able to take photos of this quilt show, so all I have is of a few that decorated the front window and entrance to the exhibits. The Empress’s Kimono was on display too (just one of many I’m guessing) but no photos so no memory… The exhibition was inspirational, the merchant’s stalls amazing and we took a headful of ideas away with a few notes & sketches; and a certain envy of the high quality workmanship!
Outside the Quilt Exhibition, we were fortunate to meet up with one of Margaret’s friends. We spoke briefly before heading off for some more shopping, this time “real” fabric stores. A highlight was the multistorey Yuzawaya (I think?), although a cash only policy came as a shock to us at the end of a big spend day. Y & I were already over our daily limits having hit Mitsukoshi in Nihonbashi and were weighed down by our earlier purchases anyway. But soldier on we must; somehow our wallets stretched to buy just that little bit more.
(There’s plenty of helpful & up-to-date information on the internet if you want to visit fabric & craft stores in Tokyo. Try this advice from comeonilene who can direct you to some interesting shops. Enjoy the planning process!)
The train arrived on time, in exactly the right spot (marked on the platform) and within a short time we were speeding our way towards Tokyo on the Shinkansen – say that again, the Shinkansen.
Mt Fuji declined to make a show for us, although we took photos anyway because our trip back to Kyoto would be much later in the evening.
Meiji Shrine is located in a park, a tranquil spot in a
busy city. Built in 1920 in honour of
Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it was destroyed in WW2 and reconstructed in
1958. It’s the place to see traditional
Shinto weddings. Somehow, our timing was
perfect and we saw some lovely traditional costumes.
 |
| Shinto Wedding at the Meiji Shrine |
In contrast, it would seem that some of Tokyo’s youth prefer a more outlandish dress. We stopped on our way in Harajuku (also see Jingu Bashi) to people watch as the young ones strutted their stuff in wild to conservative costume; more for each other I think, than the many tourist cameras flashing. Close by is the Omotosando-dori area where we (over) indulged at the Oriental Bazaar, a wonderland of all things exotic for tourists, including textiles. I concentrated on buying fabric tailor samples which are just so lovely. Maybe I’ll stop looking and get on with some sewing? No promises – even to myself!
 |
| Nurses & Doctors were the theme for this year.. |
After negotiating the subway (& deciphering ticket machines) we made for the fabulous Ginza Quilt Exhibition. We were not able to take photos of this quilt show, so all I have is of a few that decorated the front window and entrance to the exhibits. The Empress’s Kimono was on display too (just one of many I’m guessing) but no photos so no memory… The exhibition was inspirational, the merchant’s stalls amazing and we took a headful of ideas away with a few notes & sketches; and a certain envy of the high quality workmanship!
Outside the Quilt Exhibition, we were fortunate to meet up with one of Margaret’s friends. We spoke briefly before heading off for some more shopping, this time “real” fabric stores. A highlight was the multistorey Yuzawaya (I think?), although a cash only policy came as a shock to us at the end of a big spend day. Y & I were already over our daily limits having hit Mitsukoshi in Nihonbashi and were weighed down by our earlier purchases anyway. But soldier on we must; somehow our wallets stretched to buy just that little bit more.
(There’s plenty of helpful & up-to-date information on the internet if you want to visit fabric & craft stores in Tokyo. Try this advice from comeonilene who can direct you to some interesting shops. Enjoy the planning process!)
