Exploring Japan | Pt.1 | Tokyo (region)
Last September I paid my first visit to Japan. It was a long awaited trip and an opportunity to experience so many things that before I could only imagine. While Japan is a place I’ve longed to visit and that I’ve studied on different facets I had no predetermined expectations on how things would be there. This made the mountain of impressions that Japan allocates you all the more imposing.
In this feature you’ll find fragments of these impressions that I was able to capture on film with some background information or personal notes. You could consider these fragments to be recommendations, however what made my trip to Japan such a great experience was by predominantly following what seemed interesting and making impromptu decisions.
This journal entry covers ‘Exploring Japan | Pt.1 | Tokyo (region)’.
Pt.2 will cover Kyoto, Okayama & Osaka (region).
Tokyo (region)
Alaska Zwei | Vegan Cafe | 2 Chome-5-7 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan
Vegan food in a relaxed atmosphere, the staff was friendly and accommodating
The Fhont Shop | Clothing store | 2 Chome-5-7 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan
Right around the corner of Alaska Zwei is the Fhont Shop. It’s the flagship store of the Brown by 2-Tacs brand.
YAECA APARTMENT STORE | Clothing & goods store | Japan, 〒153-0043 Tokyo, Meguro City, 21, 東山１丁目２１−２２RIVIERA 2B
The Yaeca store was my first time finding a store housed in an apartment building. Later I found that it wasn’t uncommon for (clothing) stores to have their retail location in apartment buildings. I love the concept.
The Japan Folk Crafts Museum | Mingei museum | 4 Chome-3-33 Komaba, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0041, Japan
Yanagi Sōetsu’s love letter (book) to mingei ‘The Beauty of Everyday Things’ led to the visit of The Japan Folk Crafts Museum.
Vincent van Gogh book on display.
Upon entering the museum you find the sliding doors with its wear marks around the door handles. A beautiful display of what’s to discover in the museum.
Little Nap COFFEE STAND | Coffee stand | 5 Chome-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Little Nap is located on the edge of Yoyogi Park in a relaxed neighborhood. The staff and customers really seemed to have formed a community which was great to see. Their coffee and cake were outstanding as well.
Meiji Jingu | Shinto Shrine | 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
A Shinto shrine in the middle of Tokyo surrounded by the forest.
Talk | General Store | Japan, 〒248-0015 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Sasamemachi, 6−6 大栄ビル 2F
This general store in Kamakura is run by Hanawa-san who I had the pleasure to meet and speak to for a bit. Very accommodating and the store offers a variety of fun & vintage goods for all to enjoy.
Little Soul Cafe | Music Cafe | Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−20−2 大成ビル ２階
A music library like cafe to spend your Tokyo evenings. Owner Nobuo Miyama handles all the drinks and records and does so magnificently.
17Banchi Shimokitazawa | Izakaya | 1 Chome-45-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
A gem of an Izakaya with memorable servers, cooks, customers and of course food (+ drinks).