Gift-giving can be tedious as every season. We try to find newer and more elaborate ideas to share with our family and friends. A new take on gift-giving comes from one of the oldest traditional tools in Japan, a folding fan. Luckily, there is an eye-catching shop that has something new to offer.

In the downtown Tokyo Metropolitan area, we can easily get lost. So to find your way, you must be willing to find your bearings and landmarks to guide your way to Ibasen.

Location

About 15 minutes northeast walking distance of Tokyo station, you can find Ibasen. This fan shop is located at:

〒103-0024 Tokyo, Chuo City, Nihonbashikobunacho, 4−1 伊場仙ビル １階

〒103-0024 東京都中央区日本橋小舟町４−1 伊場仙ビル １階

Operating Hours:

11:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 17:00 every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

The Ibasen folding fan shop

The Ibasen website has a variety of cute pictures to follow.

Since 1590, The Ibasen folding fan shop has held the longest-reigning history of fan sales and unique artist collections over its hundreds of years open. The wonders of a fan shop radiate history and magnificent artworks showcasing art from generations onwards. The works can be based directly from ukiyoe prints of the more relaxed artwork transcending culture and adaptation to the times.

The staff is extremely helpful at locking in what you are looking for. With a variety of colors and styles, it is easy to get lost in Ibasen's selections. I recommend asking the shop staff to help guide you on what fan styles and the artwork you are searching for. This process could be tedious and can be a puzzle but worth your time, effort, energy and possibly saves you money.

I recommend asking the staff about how to find the best gift for each occasion. The range of gifts starts with different sizes of fans followed by non-folding fans, playing cards, postcards and a range of different artworks for both displays and for use. There are matching cups, plates, bowls and even chopsticks to help broaden your gift arsenal.

The staff even has a gift wrapping service if needed, more for convenience and an additional bonus for gift shopping and less hassle for your gift-giving needs.

This place is especially special with a sense of historical patience. I guarantee you will spend most of your time browsing!

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift can be a struggle to find the right item but Ibasen provides uniquely artistic fans that showcase Japan in a beautiful and historical love and light.

I recommend this shop for a different type of gift for the season. The history and background of the shop alone gives for interesting storytelling as you are transported to a world before our time.

Be sure to check out Ibasen Fan Shop during your visit to Tokyo and grab yourself a beautiful ukiyoe printed folding fan, for yourself, family and friends!