Kikukawa

 

Kikukawa Station lies on the Toei Shinjuku Line in Sumida Ward of Tokyo.

 

Sumida, in the eastern part of Tokyo, is the ward that still holds on to the Edo character. This Edo charm is evident from its many temples, parks, and museums that date back to those days. Sumida is mainly known as the center of sumo (a Japanese style of wrestling) and for its many museums – both large and small. The small museums alone number 23, each specializing in one particular thing. Three of these small museums are situated a short walk from Kikukawa Station. These are:

 

Construction Tools and Wooden Frame Museum

This museum exhibits various documents and materials relating to construction tools and wooden frames. Actual wooden frames of various kinds and sizes are also on display. The museum is open every Saturday and fourth Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Tabi Museum

 

Tabi Museum exhibits material related to tabi and its history. Tabi are traditional Japanese socks worn by both men and women – the men wear black tabi and the women wear white. Tabi worn outside are crafted of leather, while those worn inside are made of cotton. This specialty museum exhibits various kinds of tabi as well as tools used to make them. Displays also include tabi worn by famous sumo wrestlers, as well as their footprints. The museum is open every day (except Sundays) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Takinami Glassware Museum

 

This specialty museum exhibits various kinds of glassware, tools and the procedures used to manufacture glass. The museum is open every day (except Sundays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.