A small museum filled with the warmth of handmade glass and the artisans’ passion.
A warm, welcoming museum where you can experience the glass culture of downtown Tokyo
【Little Glass Book Museum】
In Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, quietly nestled between Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa, “Little Glass Book Museum” is, as its name suggests, a unique space where two different elements—glass products and books—are fused together. It is recognized as one of Sumida Ward’s “Small Museums (3M Movement)” and serves as a hub for culture rooted in the local community. Inside, about 850 books related to glass are on display, and beautiful handcrafted glass items made by artisans are available for purchase. Not merely an exhibition facility, it is a hands-on museum where visitors can engage with Japanese craftsmanship and turn memories into something tangible, loved by travelers from both Japan and abroad.
Top 3 Recommended Points
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1. Around 850 glass-related books and valuable materials
Inside, you can freely browse approximately 850 books and materials related to glass. Particularly noteworthy are materials titled “Memories of Bulbs” and “Memories of Glass,” handwritten in a college notebook by a glass craftsman who joined Shotoku Glass in 1947, shortly after the war, covering the history of Shotoku Glass, types of glass, methods of making, and more. From the hand-drawn illustrations and text, you can feel the scenes of the time and the artisan’s passion for glass—an invaluable volume that can only be seen here.
In the retro, cozy interior, you can take your time immersing yourself in the world of glass.
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
2. Glass engraving with a rotary tool that even beginners can enjoy
A popular activity lets you easily carve pictures or letters on the surface of glass using a machine called a rotary tool. On hand-crafted glass made by artisans in Sumida Ward, you can engrave your own designs or messages to create a one-of-a-kind original piece.
The director, a graduate of an art university, provides careful advice, so even those who are not good at drawing can feel at ease. Templates are also available, so first-time visitors can complete wonderful works. It is popular for anniversary presents, making birthday and wedding gifts, engraving pet names and portraits, and creating merch for your favorite artists.
※ Reservations are required for the experience, and bookings are accepted until 8:00 a.m. on the day. For details,click here.
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
3. Sale of retro glass products from the late Showa era
We sell dead-stock colored glass that was produced at Shotoku Glass until the late Showa period. These are precious handmade glass items that are no longer in production, and each piece, available only while supplies last, has special value.
A wide variety of items is available, including glasses, beer mugs, chopstick rests, vases, and candle holders, making it an unmissable spot for those who love a retro atmosphere or collect vintage glass.
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
Facility information
| Name | Little Glass Book Museum |
| Address | 1st Floor, Yazaki Building, 1-19-8 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0001 |
| Access |
Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Honjo-azumabashi Station A3 Exit, 3 minutes on foot Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Asakusa Station, 6 minutes on foot Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Asakusa Station, 6 minutes on foot Tobu Isesaki Line, Asakusa Station, 6 minutes on foot Tobu Isesaki Line, Tokyo Skytree Station, 6 minutes on foot Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line／Keisei Line, Oshiage Station, 15 minutes on foot |
| Business hours |
Wed–Sun 10：00～19：00 Tue & public holiday Mondays 11：00～18：00 ＊Any changes will be announced via Twitter（X) etc. |
| Closed days | Monday（open on public holidays; closed the following Tuesday） |
| Official website | https://chiisanaglass.jp/ |
Other recommended information
Also supports school trips and field studies
Limited to school-group use on weekdays, special programs are available. For elementary school students in Sumida Ward, a special course using “Harokaru” is also offered, conveying the joy of making things to children.
Online reservations
Online reservations are available on Asoview and Klook, and bookings from overseas are also supported.
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
©ちいさな硝子の本の博物館
References
- Official website of Little Glass Book Museum：https://chiisanaglass.jp/
- Official Instagram of Little Glass Book Museum：https://www.instagram.com/chisana_glassbook/
BASIC INFORMATION
| Name |
Little Glass Book Museum (Little Glass Book Museum) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 03-6240-4065 |
| Address | 1F, Yazaki Building, 1-19-8 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Access |
| Official URL | https://chiisanaglass.jp/ |
| Official Social Media |
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FACILITY INFORMATION
- Children
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Children welcome
- Other
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Near the station -
Recommended for families -
Recommended for couples -
Groups allowed -
Rain or shine