Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » tokyo design guide

today’s city guide comes from d*s reader, and fellow blogger, johnny strategy of spoon & tomago. johnny grew up in tokyo and has written a fantastic guide with links to a custom tokyo google map and plenty of links for shopping, food and lodging. click here for the full guide or just click “read more” below to continue. thanks, johnny!

[image above via ucla website]

My parents moved to Tokyo when I was 1 and I spent almost 18 years there before traveling to the States for college (where I underwent reverse culture shock). Tokyo is my home and it’s a vibrant city where ancient and modern, liberal and conservative, and east and west collide. That’s right, east and west. Japanese culture has often been likened to a salad bar, in which, over the course of history, has had the luxury of picking and choosing aspects that they like from other cultures, effectively converting and incorporating them into their own. The Japanese aesthetic is a great example of this. And to understand it, all you have to do is look at the art and design that has come out of the country.

The following is a selection of shops, museums and architectural sites that have influenced me as an artist. It’s my pleasure to share them with you in this guide to design in Tokyo.

Google Map Link (Sorry, the map’s in Japanese but I’ve done my best to label shops and train stations in English )

Area: Kagurazaka (Iidabashi Station)

SHOPS

Kojien
This is a paper factory turned flower shop. But don`t think it`s any old flower shop. The fashion-influenced owner creates stylistic flower arrangements that blend aesthetics from the east and the west.
Tel: 03-5261-0229
3-4 Akagimotomachi, Shinjuku-ku

La Ronde d`Argile
The building was built in the 1950s but the store showcases the work of Japan`s younger generation of ceramic artists. The odd mix of traditional Japanese ceramics and French antiques create a unique atmosphere.
Tel:@03-3260-6801
3-4 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

Sada
This is a great little shop that specializes in small accessories, tote bags, and leather goods. The modern-Japanese pieces are almost all the work of the owner.
6-58 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

ARCHITECTURE

Iidabashi Station
Architect: Makoto Watanabe Architects
Completed: 2000
2-1 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku

FOOD

Ishikawa
Come here for Kaiseki Ryori, the ultimate in traditional Japanese cuisine. 8-9@courses are prepared by the head chef, who changes the menu on a daily@basis. But be prepared to pay between $100~$150.
Tel: 03-5225-0173
3-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

Mugimaru 2
Originally a watering hole for the locals, this cafe was recently
redesigned by artist Nagato Iwasaki, who substituted shelving with drift wood
and stuck bamboo into concrete. Enjoy some homemade manju (Japanese
bun filled with sweet bean) and tea as you take some weight of those legs.
5-20 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

STAY

The Agnes Hotel and Apartments
This hotel is geared towards long-stay guests. Rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, kitchen, and washing machine. The location is ideally situated in a quiet part of the area but still within walking distance of all the shops and entertainment.
Tel: 03-3267-5505
2-20-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

Location: Shinjuku (Shinjuku Station)

SHOPS

In The Room
This is possibly the equivalent of Crate & Barrel in Japan. And their flagship store right in the middle of Shinjuku is sure to satisfy all your design cravings.
Tel: 03-3354-0101
3-1-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku

Nippon Form
Nippon form has an extensive collection of furniture and home furnishings that I would characterize as “modern-traditional” Japanese.
Located in Park Tower between the 3rd and 8th floors.
Tel: 03-5322-6500
3-7-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku

One’s
Beddings and home furnishings with a Scandinavian influence
Tel: 03-5353-6899
3-20-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku

ART

Wako Works of Art
This is a great little gallery that has operated in the same location for 15 years. They have an impressive roster of both overseas and domestic artists from Wolfgang Tillmans to Yuji Takeoka. “from/to,” a side project with up-and-coming Japaneses writers is also very interesting.
Tel: 03-3373-2860
Sunview Heights Shinjuku 101-103
3-18-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku

Location: Ebisu (Ebisu Station/ Hiro Station)

Art Up Deco Tokyo
This is the first overseas shop of the France-based boutique shop of original art pieces. Prices are very reasonable, making this a great way to give your room an artsy touch!
TelF03-5459-0548
13 Hachiyama Cho, Shibuya-ku

Assemblage
Assemblage has lamp shades from Denmark, photo frames from France, hand soap from Sweden…I think you get my drift.
Tel: 03-3770-7911
Moncheri Daikanyama 2nd floor
20-20 Daikanyama Cho, Shibuya-ku

Cocca
Cocca is a great place to find original textiles, as well as lamp shades and other items that utilize their fantastic fabrics!
Tel: 03-3463-7681
1-31-13 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku

Cow Books
A bookstore slightly off the beaten path. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese. Cow Books has a great selection of art/picture books from the U.S. and abroad.
Tel: 03-5459-1747
1-14-11 Aobadai, Meguro-ku

Cushu Cusyu
A great resource for natural furniture and small accessories, even plants. Perfect for adding a warm “organic” feel to your home. They also host a variety of artists and artisans so if you’re planning a trip be sure to check that out as well.
Tel: 03-6415-7550
1-31-16 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku

Franc Franc
Franc Franc has been a leader in providing good design at an affordable price. The flagship store just opened July 18, 2008. Dispersed across 4 large floors are everything from sofas and beds to lighting, bath goods, and stationary. Also keep your eye opened for numerous collaborative products between various companies.
Tel: 03-6415-7788
JouLe SHIBUYA B1-3F
12-9 Utagawa Cho, Shibuya-ku

Gallery Zen
This is a must-see for anyone who loves good old traditional Japanese style; from Noguchi-esque lighting to custom designed ceramics and interiors. But be careful because they are only open from 1-6pm.
Tel: 03-3440-3844
Closed Wednesdays and Sundays
Mansion New Ebisu # 408
4-9-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

MANAS
MANAS is your one-stop-shop for everything wallpaper. I enjoy coming here for inspiration, even if I’m not in the market to redecorate my walls.
TelF03-5721-2831
Nakameguro Oak Bldg 4th Floor
1-26-9 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

non gassata
A great collection of imported antique and new furniture and accessories.
Tel:03-3710-2202
1-9-7 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku

ROCKSTONE
The furniture design company of Eiri Iwakura, winner of a Good Design award in 2006.
Tel:03-5465-0609
4-7-2 Komaba, Meguro-ku

SHOP innovator&CASABLANCA
SHOP innovator&CASABLANCA focuses on simple Scandinavian style.
Tel: 03-3475-0241
3-50-11 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku

WAAZWIZ
If anyone went to ICFF2008 I hope they were lucky enough to stop by WAAZWIZ’s booth. They have a really great line-up of acrylic-based products ranging from functional furniture to esoteric art pieces.
Tel: 03-5784-0236
3-17-8 Aobadai, Meguro-ku

Y’s for living + fabric furnishings
Come here for all your modern bedding and fabric product needs from tote bags to felt cushions.
Tel: 03-5795-1520
SK Bldg. 1F
2-36-13 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

Zero First Design
I love this store! They really have a knack for bringing to together original, as well as imported, furniture and home furnishings. I especially love their cushions!
TelF03-5489-6101
Kosugi Bldg. 1st Floor
2-3-1 Aobadai, Meguro-ku

ARCHITECTURE

Aoyama Technical College
Architect: Makoto Watanabe
Completed: 1990
7-9 Uguisudani Cho, Shibuya-ku

ART

Kaikaikiki
The gallery space of artist Takashi Murakami and his many proteges.
2-3-30 Motoazabu, Minato-ku

Kodama Gallery
A healthy representation of contemporary Japanese artists including painters, sculpters and photographers.
Tel: 03-5449-1559
3-1-15 Shirogane, Minato-ku

MA2 Gallery
An excellent little gallery with a roster of Japanese and international contemporary artists.
Tel: 03-3444-1133
3-3-8 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

Mizuma Art Gallery
One of the first art galleries to emerge in this area, Mizuma Art Gallery boasts a fairly impressive roster of artists.
Tel: 03-3793-7931
Fujiya Bldg. 2nd Fl
1-3-9 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

NADiff
After closing it’s doors in mid-2007, the bookstore/cafe/art space reopened in July of 2008. It is now equipped with 5-floors of creative fun!
Tel: 03-3446-4977
1-18-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku

SPIRAL
Spiral is a multi-purpose cultural center that hosts a variety of events from contemporary art and design exhibitions, to dance and theater performances, concerts, fashion shows, and eve parties. Something is guaranteed to be happening whenever you go!
Tel:03-3498-1171
5-6-23 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

Cha no Ma
A very stylish cafe adorned with mid-century furniture and chandeliers. Their menu is quite tasty as well!
Tel: 03-792-9898
Kangyo Bldg 6th Fl
1-22-4 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

Kuro Hitsuji
A restaurant specializing in “Genghis Kahn cuisine,” a Mongolian inspired Japanese lamb dish. With an interior designed by Ichiro Katami, your stomach and your eyes are guaranteed satisfaction.
Tel: 03.5457.2255
1-11-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

Location: Omotesando (Omotesando Sta./ Gaien-Mae Sta.)

Day by Day
From tableware to stationary and small accessories, this store has everything that is fabulous. Be careful. I always spend too much money here.
Tel: 03-6892-1010
3-7-10 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku

DETAIL
A treasure trove of imported and original small and enchanting things.
Tel: 03-5474-0708
2-28-3 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku

F.O.B COOP
I love this store. Just think of it as the equivalent of anthropologie. But they also have a great little cafe where you can rest in between your shopping.
Tel: 03-5770-4826
CI Plaza 2nd Floor
2-3-1 Kita Aoyama, Minato-ku

FORM ASH + BARN
Offers a great line-up of prefab houses and designer kitchens. They recently completed a home in my neighborhood and I love walking by it! The furniture in their showroom is stunning.
Tel: 03-5775-641
2-16-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

I+STYLERS
Pure and simple. That’s what this store is all about. With an emphasis on handmade designs, you’ll find everything from furniture to wooden and ceramic tableware.
Tel: 03-5464-0511
4-23-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

KAGIROI
A provider of wafu,or Japanese style, interior products. Personally I love their tea towels, but they also have some really nice lighting and small accessories.
Tel: 03-5474-8508
3-9-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

Kagura
If you are looking for high-quality wooden furniture, you’ll want to check out Kagura first!
Tel: 03-3797-1700
5-9-5 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

SEMPRE
If you favor modern designs in any way, SEMPRE will have something for you. They have original collections of furniture and home accessories, as well as some imports.
Tel: 03-5464-5655
5-13-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

Wise Wise
An interior design/coordination shop. I’ve often dropped in just for inspiration. They have the most amazing sample rooms!
Tel: 03-5467-7003
5-12-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

KINO
An adorable little shop with antique-style lamps, coffee tables, mirrors, and anything else your antique heart desires.
Tel: 03-5485-8670
2-3-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku

Kisoartech
Beautifully crafted wood furniture and small home furnishings with a distinctly Japanese feel.
Tel:03-5775-1513
3-38-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Winged Wheel
A fantastic stationary store stocked full of awesomely designed business cards, letters, and wedding invitations. And prices are surprisingly reasonable!
Tel:03-5785-0719
4-5-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Wood You Like Company
This is a great little shop that specializes in natural wood furniture. But I especially like their small goodies like wooden cube lamps, bookends and plates.
Tel: 03-5468-0014
5-48-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

ARCHITECTURE

Collezione
Architect: Tadao Ando
Completed: 1989
6-1-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

Dior Omotesando
Architect: SANAA (Kazuyo Sejima / Ryue Nishizawa)
Completed: 2003
5-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Louis Vuitton Omotesando
Architect: Jun Aoki
Completed: 2003
5-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Prada Boutique Aoyama
Architect : Herzog&de Meuron
Completed: 2003
5-2-6 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku

Watari-Um Art Museum
Architect: Mario Botta
Completed: 1990
3-7-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

TO EAT

Lotus
Established in 2000, Lotus was responsible for igniting a wave of cafes (later know as the ‘cafe boom’) that popped up in Tokyo in the years to come. Designed by Ichiro Katami.
4-6-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

montauk
Opening in 2002, montauk was born as an antithesis to the branding of the famous Omotesando street. It was designed by Ichiro Katami.
Tel: 03.5486.5928
6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Location: Meguro (Gakugeidaigaku Station)

SHOPS

Baden Baden
One of my all-time favs, Baden Baden features work by undiscovered Japanese designers…and there is some really beautiful stuff in their shop!
Tel: 03-5722-3779
2-31-7 Chuocho, Meguro-ku

GALLERY.S
Used furniture and accessories shop.
Tel: 03-3791-5594
5-18-20 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

GEOGRAPHICA
Encompassing an entire building, GEOGRAPHICA is a treasure trove of used antiques from the late 1800s and early 1900s. They also have a media library and restaurant, which means you could spend hours there!
Tel: 03-5773-114
1-25-20 Nakamachi, Meguro-ku

Meister
I really admire this shop for their diverse collection of items, from furniture to tea cups and face wipes, that you just don’t find in other stores. They also host artist exhibitions!

Tel: 03-3716-2767
4-11-4 Meguro, Meguro-ku

Modernica
Retailer of classic modernist furniture.
Tel: 03-3792-1950
1-1-3 Takaban, Meguro-ku

nonsense
This shop gets its name from their eclectic selection of furniture, fabrics, and lighting.
Tel: 03-3794-0469
1-17-9 Chuocho, Meguro-ku

Prisma
Mid-20th Century modernist design
Tel: 03-3712-1721
1-19-14 Chuocho, Meguro-ku
-

Kakinokizaka Takumi
Custom and ready-made warm wooden furniture with a modern, minimal twist.
Tel. 03-5731-7991
4-10-30 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku

TO STAY

Claska Hotel
A boutique hotel that went under the knife and emerged with a brand new look, which is fantastic if I might add, earlier this year. Rates range from about $120 to $900/night. They also have good deals for weekly residences.
tel 03.3719.8121
1-3-18 Chuocho, Meguro-ku

Location: Roppongi (Roppongi Station)

ART

Gallery Yume no Katachi
A gallery devoted strictly to the life and works of Shiro Kuramata, one of the most important and influential Japanese industrial designers.
1-8-4 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku

Mori Art Museum
Situated at the top of the 54-story Mori Tower, Mori Art Museum, with no permanent collection of its own, hosts exhibitions devoted to contemporary Asian art and international exhibitions. The view alone is worth it!
Tel. 03-5777-8600
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku

National Art Center Tokyo
Designed by Japan’s star-architect Kisho Kurokawa, this is the largest museum in the country. Make sure you eat at Salon de The Rond, which sits atop a gigantic rotunda.
Tel. 03-5777-8600
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku

what a great guide, it makes me want to go back to japan next week (well, i often feel like that). good to know that NADiff has reopened.

i would recommend: 21 21 design sight, a small but lovely space designed by tadao ando behind tokyo midtown in roppongi: http://www.2121designsight.jp/index-e.html

and also the hara museum, which is also not too large, but always has excellent exhibits. it’s a little out of the way, a bit of a walk from JR shinagawa station, but well worth it:
http://www.haramuseum.or.jp/generalTop.html

I am so excited to see this travel guide. My pre-husband and I just returned from our first trip to Tokyo and Kyoto last week. We truly loved Japan and everyone should visit if they can. The people we met were all so kind, helpful, and generous. The architecture new and old is breathe taking. The food is unreal…even fried whole little fishies. Oh and the fashion, I wanted everything! Also visit Kichijoji, west of Metro Tokyo. The train system is amazing and a fun adventure as well. Thank you again for writing about Japan!

Got to see Japanese Theater if possible. Depending on the season, various traditional shows play throughout the day and night. The only thing is if you do not speak Japanese the best way to get a ticket is arrive an hour before and stand in line at the actual performance venue. Things to look out for: Kabuki, Bunraku (puppets!) and Noh.

gah, this would have been so useful a few months ago!

I would also recommend in the Omotesando area, eating at Mominoki House, checking the current out the current exhibition at La Foret Museum (top floor). Watarium also has a cafe, an awesome MOMA-esque shop, and great exhibits if you can catch them. Ebisu and Daikanyama are the areas to wander if you want to find smaller galleries and shops related to contemporary art and design.

For those wandering to Osaka, check out the Orange Street district, it’s a district dedicated to all things design and was a complete discovery for me.
I love-love-loved Japan - I met lots of wonderful people who helped me with my wandering, and I think I might need to return with this guide!
p.s. another tip for any foreigners travelling in Japan is to get a Rail Pass BEFORE you leave - talk to a travel agent, you’ll save loads of cash.

Brilliant guide, thanks! I spent a month in Tokyo in June this year and it’s such a fantastic city. I want to get back there as soon as I can.

A few other shops which I consider essentials: Tokyu Hands - they have stores all over but the one in Shinjuku is huge. It’s fantastic for paper goods, stationery, and wonderful craft supplies. Itoya in Ginza is a great stationery store too, and be sure to head out the back door into the lane to find the 2 Itoya annexes which sell the most divine papers. Sekaido in Shinjuku is the art supply store of my dreams. And of course you must visit Muji while in Japan. The flagship store is at Ginza station, but again, there are stores all over Japan.

I love Tokyo, I lived there for 3 months this year, and I’d like to return as soon as possible.

I found many great stores, especially in my fav districts Daikanyama, Shimokitazawa, Kichijouji and Naka Meguro.

I’d like to recommend this book for anyone interested in art and/or interior design in Tokyo. It’s in japanese but has a great map and good pictures of the stores. It’s name is 東京アート&インテリアマップ (Tokyo Art & Interior Map) and you can buy it from amazon.jp.

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/book/4473899/

for people going to japan soon! don’t forget to head out to odaiba for design festa–it’s a HUGE art/design show going on the 8th and 9th.

http://www.cic.net/Home/Projects/SharedCourses/TScholar/AppInfo.aspx

And for people heading to japan in march, takashi murakami’s giant art festival geisai (anyone can participate) is held at the same location. (artists can register now for a place)
http://www.us.geisai.net/app.php/g12/welcome

Very cool! I have lived in Tokyo for around six months, so I still have to learn a lot, but I recognize some of these places, and I’ll have to check out a few more! Thank you for the wonderful guide!

P.S.: To echo Lisa, Muji and Tokyu Hands are definitely to-visit places! There’s a Muji near Ayoama that would fit right into this guide…

what timing on this guide … i landed in tokyo on the 22nd but decided i would also take a vacation from blogs. oh well. i’m sure my boyfriend is glad i didn’t drag him to all these additional places … i’m actually just starting to write up some of my favorites

hey I may be heading to Tokyo for a day or two. I am a printmaker and I am in search for fine japanese paper in rolls for printmaker/bookmaking. Do you know of any art supply stores in or near Tokyo??

Hello.

Thanks for an interesting blog.
We are going to Tokyo in sept. and we really would love to meet som young illustrators. Do you by change know some we could get in contact with.

Thanks from Copenhagen Denmark

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