Vol. 2 - Tokyo
Shopping in Tokyo is like nowhere else
Nowhere else in the world can match Tokyo for shopping.
One of the things I love most about Japan is dedication to a singular product or craft.. Japanese retailers really know their stuff, whether you're in a basement record store in Harajuku, a concept store in Daikanyama, a graphic design studio-turned specialty rice store, or in the world's most impressive department stores. The experience is unparalleled. Assistants wrap your purchase, however small, with origami-like precision and bow deeply at the door until you turn a corner, as though your leaving is their loss.
I love getting lost in the backstreets of neighbourhoods like Aoyama, Harajuku, Daikanyama, Ebisu and Yanaka and making new discoveries. But there are now a few places I'll always return to every time I visit. Come with a suitcase that has room in it.
Kodomo Beams store in Daikanyama
For kids...
Kids rarely need new stuff, but Kodomo Beams is gorgeous kids store that's worth seeking out when you're in Daikanyama. Part of the Beams fashion group, it has a terrific selection of its own brand of kids clothes and a pick of others including limited edition North Face.
For stationery...
It goes without saying that Tokyo is the mothership for beautiful stationery. Some of my favourites include:
Papier Labo, which has comparatively few things but each deserves its place in this diminuitive store. I love that you can order a bespoke page press.
Paper Tree, owned by my friend Sakura Okamoto and a one-stop shop for anyone interested in stationery, calligraphy, penmanship or Japanese washi paper.
Postalco, for retro vibes and some of my favourite hand-stitched pocket notebooks.
Ito-ya, an 8-floored stationery mecca in Ginza. It's epic, but not particularly edited.
Paper Tree and Rice+Design
For lifestyle...
Bonjour records in Daikanyama, good vibes with a listening station and pour-over coffee. Big Love records in Harajuku also has a good curated selection and beer on tap.
POST bookstore, south of Ebisu, with a rotating specialism of one author or publisher at a time.
Pigment, a jaw-dropping art supplies store. A little out of the way but our Tokyo itinerary has a suggestion of how you can integrate it into your route.
Tokyo flea market, held monthly at the International Forum. I've picked up cheap-as-chips vintage kimono, kokeshi dolls, and even some good European vintage homeware here.
Over The Counter, in Aoyama, is one of stylist Sonya Park's several Arts & Science brand stores across the city and one of my favourites.
RAGTAG, with branches in Aoyama and Harajuku, is an easy stop for vintage fashion with a vast selection.
Rice+Design, in Azabu, specialises in rice from Japan's small, chemical-free farms, which is freshly husked while you wait. It's a project from graphic design studio Yoko Inc.
Don't forget...
Neither small nor independent but you have to check out the Yurakuchō branch of Muji, Daikanyama T-Site, Tokyu Hands, and Spiral Market. And as far as Tokyo's department stores go, my favourites are Mitsukoshi (old-school but beautiful - like Harrods!) and Isetan (the most dynamic of the department stores - more like Harvey Nicks!)
