— Summer 2015 —

The Thousands x tokyobike: Yanaka Bike Guide

A slow-paced area where busy roads and bumper-to-bumper traffic give way to slender streets and winding laneways, Yanaka’s rich mix of history, culture and g...

Graphpaper

Not just selling products but presenting them as works of art, Graphpaper is the latest specialty store to be produced by Takayuki Minami, a creative directo...

Mag by Louise

Following on from its charming and slightly hard-to-find predecessor, Mag by Louise is a shop that lifts your mood with a unique mix of music, literature, ho...

My favourite wagashi with Yuichi Murakami of Bondo

Yuichi Murakami is the owner of Kichijoji's Bondo, an independent store focusing on well-crafted, handmade goods that gain beauty through use. For the la...

Dhaba☆Kunitachi

West of the city centre lies a place where curry maniacs gather: Dhaba☆Kunitachi. And for those in the know, the authentic and deliciously spicy South Indian...

Akasabi Hotel

For those looking for a casual and modern kaiseki meal, Akasabi Hotel (not actually a hotel) offers delicate dishes that capture the beauty of contemporary J...

My favourite hideaway with Junya Matsumura of Tabi B...

Junya Matsumura is the self-taught baker and spice maker behind Tabi Bagel, a pocket-sized Yanaka bakeshop with an undeniable sense of charm. For the first i...

Souen

Offering a refreshing and refined take on Japanese tea, Souen is a place to appreciate a selection of brews, whether it be served straight-up over the counte...

TOLOT/heuristic

A former factory turned art space on the verge of Tokyo Bay, TOLOT/heuristic brings together large scale works and white cube galleries to create an off-cent...

Utrecht

An influential bookstore in a city where the heart of publishing still beats strong, Utrecht is a must-visit for those looking to uncover publications from l...

7x7

Whether it's mixing and matching West Coast vintage or joining forces with an aizome workshop to over-dye all manner of daily wear, 7x7 is a store built ...

Kaiso

With French-inspired baked goods and a tempting selection of sweets lining the counter, Kaiso is a neighbourhood favourite that warrants a journey of its own...

Photo Diary by Yumiko Kikuchi and Matsuki Narishige

“Hello Tokyo. How was your day. It's been 15 years since I first met you. I love you by the way. I really do. I know you don't even see me, and...

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