Travel List — Tokyo by Ianthe Wright
Words by Patter
Our regular rundown of places to discover and things to do in the world’s most vibrant cities, compiled by the women we love.
When London-based stylist Ianthe Wright visited Tokyo recently she brought back more than just an impressive collection of local football scarves. Here she shares her tips for memorable spots to visit, things to eat and places to stay. Ianthe and her partner Tom both wore the Courtney sunglasses by our friends at Sun Buddies on their trip to Japan. Shop them here.
Maru, Shibuya
An incredible sushi restaurant near Shibuya. We ate what felt like dozens of miniature plates of ornate, tasty dishes including strawberries with crushed edamame. Yu-um.
www.maru-mayfont.jp
Hara Museum, Shinagawa
This gallery houses a great collection of Japanese and international artists, including some special Francesca Woodmans, all housed in a beautiful Bauhaus-style villa built in the ’30s. Go for a glass of wine in the sculpture garden afterwards and you can gaze across the lawn at some incredible Isamu Noguchis and Sol Lewitts, all the while pretending that you live there.
www.haramuseum.or.jp
T-Site, Daikanyama
I could’ve spent all afternoon at this behemoth of a bookstore. It boasts an extensive collection of art & photography books, and is situated in the trendy neighbourhood of Daikanyama.
www.tsite.jp
Sfera, Kyoto
We saw an incredible show by Japanese photographer Go Itame at this chic interiors store, cafe and gallery space, as part of the annual Kyotographie photographic fair that takes place for a month every year over April and May. Not to be missed.
www.ricordi-sfera.com
Benesse Museum & Art Site, Naoshima
You can relive that Ben Stiller movie classic, Night At The Museum, by actually staying overnight in the Tadao Ando-designed gallery cum hotel. No sign of Stiller himself, but work by Bruce Nauman, James Turrell and Hiroshi Sugimoto were enough to keep us occupied. A truly special experience. There were even two original Josef Albers in our room (see embarrassing selfie).
www.benesse-artsite.jp
Big Love Records, Harajuku
A super cool record store slash bar where you can easily feel like a super un-cool tourist whilst pretending not to take furtive photos of the sexy staff. Haha. True story.
www.bigloverecords.jp
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