Omori Nori Museum

For centuries, the shallows of Tokyo Bay were covered in a chequerboard pattern of nori seaweed plantations. Using little more than nets and bamboo sticks, marine farmers would venture out in their small boats to cultivate the species of marine algae used to make this beloved staple of Japanese cuisine.  

At the Omori Nori Museum (near Heiwajima Station, not far from Haneda Airport), you can learn all about Tokyo’s history of nori production. The museum has an extensive collection of tools used in nori production, including the incredible geta stilts used by farmers to walk along the seafloor. You can also see the only remaining wooden noribune boat, along with dioramas, maps, photographs and paintings that bring this once-flourishing artisanal industry to life. 

Other exhibits illustrate the process of transforming clumps of soggy algae into crisp delicious sheets of nori, but you can go one better on this if you’d like. The museum offers a hands-on experience where you can make your very own nori sheets to take home for a snack (reservations required).