There are people who love Japan, and then there are those who really do. These Japanophiles have mastered the language or visit the country at least four times a year. Here, they share their favourite spots.
“In the shadow of the giant Takashimaya department store in Tokyo lies an unassuming street lined with smaller shops, one of which is Kohoro. Reminiscent of an art gallery, it has handmade ceramics displayed in the raw concrete store. I usually see the shopkeepers there, crafting their products. It also has three sister shops on the same street: Lisette, a cafe and clothing boutique, Linen Bird, a linen speciality store, and another cafe called Tiny N.” – April Lee, founder of record label Kitchen and member of ambient band Aspidistrafly
“You follow a dark-robed ninja into the Kyoto restaurant, which is laid out like a cavernous labyrinth, and are entertained by a magician and wandering musicians. Be sure to try the seasonal sushi, with purple rice rolled in yuba (ultra-thin layers of tofu).” – Donna Sheffield, English teacher
“This is a collaboration between artist Yoshitomo Nara and industrial design firm Graf. Nara’s artwork on the wall, ceiling, tables and even under the tables make me feel like I’m eating in his wonderland. Plus, the hut in the middle of the cafe, made to look like his studio, is very quaint and nostalgic. The place is an escape from the rush of Tokyo.” – Jerry Goh, art director
“This Tokyo basement eatery is tucked away in a corner of Daikanyama, next to the Unit Tokyo store. The best time to go is in the afternoon because that’s when a lot of the locals hang out there. It’s not well known by tourists so it’s got that hidden-gem feel. It also serves the best mentaiko (codfish roe) pasta!” – Clara Teo, student
Image: @popopink6 Instagram
“I always try to have a fugu (pufferfish) set meal here, especially during winter as I heard it’s best then. I visit the Asakusa branch in Tokyo, located in between a small street along the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple shopping street. It serves fried fugu, fugu nabe (steamboat) and fugu BBQ – they’re all delicious!” – Ching Wai Yee, accounts manager
Image: @jessie_ny Instagram
“You get an authentic Japanese salon experience at this popular chain – it’s expensive, but you wouldn’t want to cut your hair anywhere else. I like the Aoyama branch best. The staff are stylish and more than willing to help with shopping information in Tokyo– they even drew maps for me. And my stylist actually sketched a picture of the hairstyle she wanted to give me so I could see how it looked before she started cutting.” – Matthias Phua, student
Image: @shima_aoyoma Instagram
“Get unusual or limited-edition magazines, comics, design books, tidbits, toys, CDs, fashion stuff and housewares. There are 327 stores in the country. I am always inspired after a visit.” – Meng, tour guide
An adapted version first appeared in Female’s June 2010 issue.
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