All stories about "Jean Snow"

For serious art lovers/buyers on the lookout for galleries during a stop in Tokyo, chances are you'll have had the Tomio Koyama Gallery recommended to you. This fall saw the opening of an extension to the famous gallery, this time in the city's stylish Daikanyama district and featuring an interior design by renowned architect Ryue Nishizawa (one half of SANAA, whose latest project is the recently opened New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York). TKG Daikanyama (29-18-A1 Sarugakucho, 03-3780-2150) is currently showing a collection of works from a diverse group (Damien Hirst, Dennis Hollingworth, Mika Ninagawa and Peter Wu), and even though both galleries include small shops, make sure to check out the TKG Editions gallery shop in Ginza (Ginza Casa 1F, 1-22-13 Ginza, 03-5250-1561) for a rather nice assortment of goods from artists that have shown at the two galleries.

Tomio Koyama Gallery [Official site]

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Even if you don't know the name TRANSIT, in Tokyo, chances are that you've frequented some of their slick cafes (OFFICE, Sign, TOKYO SWEETS FACTORY), bars (Kita-Aoyama Salon), or even hotels (Claska, Dojima Hotel). It's no surprise then that the company has decided to export its brand of stylish cafe/bars, starting with the Tokyo Bar in New York. With an interior brimming with Japanese-inspired pop graphics -- the logo is by Kashiwa Sato, who produced the look of Uniqlo's entry into the US -- and a menu that promises "new Japanese comfort food" (which means a taste of the typical Japanese/western mix found in Tokyo cafes), you get a good sampling of the Tokyo cafe/bar experience.

Tokyo Bar [Official site]

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It would be easy to write a month's worth of posts on Tokyo's Akihabara district alone -- the "electric town" certainly has a lot to offer, especially if you're on the hunt for the latest and best deals in electronics and/or otaku culture. Even though the area has been undergoing startling changes to better cater to the less hardcore (translation: a mass sanitization effort), there's still reason for the collector to make a stop. If gachapon -- toys sold in plastic capsules from vending machines -- is your thing, then you can't really miss the Gachapon Kaikan.

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A few months ago, I was promising to better explore the cafes of Tokyo's busy Shinjuku district, and I'm afraid I haven't been doing a very good job. Even though Shinjuku has the city's biggest station, and there's certainly no lack of shopping or eating options, I continually find myself gravitating to other parts of the city. But I haven't given up, and so a recent stop in the area brought me to a branch of the Cafe La Boheme chain of budget Italian eateries.

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The unadorned concrete facade is certainly one of the city's most noticeable aesthetics -- no surprise then that it's the material of choice for Japan's most famous architect, Tadao Ando. So what's the deal with all the concrete? In order to get to the bottom of this, and to help enlighten all who visit the city, the site Neojaponisme enlisted architect Keiji Ashizawa to help answer some questions regarding this mystery. [Neojaponisme]

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Finding yourself on Tokyo's brand-alicious Omotesando avenue, the recently opened GYRE shopping center catches your eye and turns into your next destination. After a look through the MoMA Design Store, all the walking and shopping has induced a need for sustenance, and so time to head down to the basement floor for the Cinagro (GYRE B1F, 5-10-1 Jinguame, 03-3400-4796) "kitchen and market."

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Girly Harajuku-style fashions are known the world over. Although a few American knockoff brands have popped up, there is still only one way to get to the true source, and that's by coming to Japan and checking out the shops. Shopping department Marui (OIOI) has always been a friend to the girl in need, and luckily for the rest of the world, this past weekend saw the launch of their new international online store. If you have brands such as Super Lovers, Sexy Dynamite London, or Baby, The Stars Shine Bright on your shopping list, rejoice -- they're now but a credit card order away. Japanese pop culture guru Patrick Macias (of Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno: Tokyo Teen Subculture Handbook fame) is one of their consultants, and he'll be contributing original content to the site as well.

MARUIONE.JP [Official site]

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Rolling Stone magazine, that institution of rock, finally launched a Japanese edition earlier this year -- strangely enough, featuring Kurt Cobain on the first two covers -- and already they're taking over a shop space. The Rolling Stone Cafe, which opened earlier this week in Roppongi, should please those in need of themed dining. With a great location (opposite the Tsutaya Roppongi bookstore, near Roppongi Hills) and the love this city has for anything new and branded, you can bet the place will find some quick success. I'll be going for the nice interior and hearty meals -- lots of burgers, steaks, and lamb chops!

Rolling Stone Cafe [via]

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If you're in town as a tourist, chances are you're not really looking to burden yourself with furniture (for great souvenir ideas, see the MUJI Xmas collection of suitcase-friendly items). But the thing with the best interior shops -- especially in Tokyo -- is that they pretty much double as sleek design museums, with all the latest and greatest in the world of Japanese (and international) interior design on display, and with free "admission" to boot. Do make a point of checking the sleek stylings of the Maruse store, located midway between the Shibuya and Daikanyama stations (2-12-205 Sarugaku-cho, 03-3461-7330). Designed by Makoto Koizumi, expect an interior that matches the items on sale. Keep in mind that interior also covers glasses and tableware, so you may in fact be able to find a souvenir that matches the size of your luggage after all.

Maruse [Official site]

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One thing to look forward to every year is the arrival of MUJI's Christmas collection -- a series of tastefully selected items from around the world with the express purpose of providing perfect gifts for friends and family. Some are festive (like a blocky tree-shaped advent calendar with little drawers for presents) and some are not, but they all share some common traits: They're small, affordable, and cute enough to please pretty much anyone. And since this is MUJI, you get a good amount of functionality thrown in (handkerchiefs featuring maps of cities). The best place to experience all of this is of course the MUJI flagship store in Yurakucho, where you'll be greeted with some very festive knits (pictured above). You can also experience the full catalog online (on this page, scroll down and then click on the wide red banner image with "MUJI Xmas" on it).

MUJI Xmas [Official site]

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I don't just write for magazines -- I also have an extreme love for them, one that can get, I'll admit, a bit dirty. It's therefore my obligation to point out the current exhibition taking place at the Ginza Graphic Gallery, "Welcome to Magazine Pool: Ten Creators Crossing Boundaries for Magazine Design." In celebration of the Japan Magazine Publishers Association and the Japan Book Publishers Association's 50th anniversary, the show brings together the works of ten top magazine art directors and designers, with the first floor dedicated to work created specifically for the show -- and also published as a special limited print run issue of the Singaporean magazine WERK. The second floor is devoted to examples of each participant's groundbreaking work.

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Giorgio Armani has come to Ginza in the form of a brand new flagship store located not far from the iconic Sony Building, and even closer to fellow luxury purveyor Dior. Why head there over any of the other Tokyo branches? Behind the Massimiliano and Doriano Fuksas-designed Armani Ginza Tower's striking facade you'll be greeted by 12 floors that include the complete Giorgio Armani and Emporio Armani collections, the Armani interior furniture line, and a private bar on the top floor -- membership does indeed have its privileges. It also has the very first Armani Spa, with three private rooms offering 3-hour courses that can run up to 60,000 yen.

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You're at Tokyo station, about to hop on the Shinkansen or maybe the Narita Express, and you've just realized that you forgot to pick up some obligatory souvenirs (in Japan, the omiyage industry is huge and usually takes the form of food, as in cookies or snacks), or maybe you forgot to pick up a bento (single-portion boxed lunch) for the long train ride. You've always had access to a reasonable selection at the station itself, but now things just got a bit better. Accompanying the newly opened GranTokyo North Tower shopping/office complex is the opening last week of a new branch of the Daimaru department store (B1F to 14F). Daimaru is a Kansai institution -- Tokyo is ruled by Tobu and Seibu -- but the convenient new location just outside the ticket gates to the Shinkansen tracks offers up a ground floor and basement level filled to the brim with souvenir options, as well as more bento choices that you can reasonably deal with. I'm a big fan of picking up a bento before I board the train, and now I'm looking forward to a trip just to sample some of the Daimaru offerings.

Daimaru [Official site]

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After last week's opening of the GYRE shopping center on Omotesando, you'd think things would calm down a bit in terms of big retail premieres. But since this is Tokyo, you couldn't be more wrong. Next up, it's the GranTokyo North Tower, a new shopping and office annex to the very busy Tokyo station (or more precisely, part of the "Tokyo Station Yaesu Area Development Project," of which you'll also find the office-only GranTokyo South Tower). There's no denying that the Marunouchi area around the station has quite suddenly (well, not so suddenly, but it can sometimes feel that way) turned into a shouldn't-miss eating/shopping destination -- moving beyond its traditional office district image -- and if the Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi Building, Marunouchi OAZO, TOKIA building (great food options on the first floor and basement), and now GranTokyo aren't enough to convince you, then I don't know what will.

GranTokyo North Tower [Official site]

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Continuing on my tour of the Shin-Marunouchi Building's 7th floor "(marunouchi) HOUSE" area -- see previous posts covering the Wonderwall-designed Henry Good Seven cafe and the Soba Kichi restaurant -- next up is Rigoletto Wine & Bar (03-6270-0520). Offering a fusion of Spanish and Italian, everything I've had there has always been stellar, and I can't recommend their lunch menu enough -- ¥1,500 gets you an entree of tapas, salad, choice of main dish, dessert, and coffee. And yes, the extra ¥300 for one of the pizzas, served as a calzone, is well worth it. Evenings also make for an attractive setting for drinks (which you can take outside to the building's terrace).

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There's a new shopping center in town, but don't worry, I'm not about to write a post on yet another Tokyo mega-complex. GYRE (5-10-1 Jingumae) used to be known as Esquisse before it closed in 2006 to make way for this major renovation, which includes an entirely new building by Dutch firm MVRDV. The new establishment opened a week ago, and it includes a few luxury brand shops (from Chanel to BVLGUARI, and much more in between) and restaurants, as well as the Tokyo introduction of the MoMA Design Store. Located just at the entrance of Cat Street (that's the corner of Omotesando and Kyu Shibuya River Promenade for the more atlas-minded), it's not as if you really needed another reason to visit the area, but it sure makes it that much more fun to do so.

GYRE [Official site]

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I've covered plenty of Tokyo cafes and bars -- that seems to be my regular beat in terms of drink/food related outings -- and of course I always try to stay on top of the most interesting new retail openings. If there's one area I don't think I've ever covered, it would be something sports-related, and I think I've finally found a good example. The Nakataku Lounge in Nakameguro (1-3-13 Kami-Meguro, 03-5722-2860) is, well, a ping-pong lounge, where you can practice the admittedly geeky sport in the funky surroundings the area is known for. Produced by the same company that created many other great Nakame hangouts (the flash-based site doesn't permit direct links, so click around), it's just the sort of place that should make for memorable night out.

Nakataku Lounge [Man Fusion System official site]

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Design is in the air, and that's because today marks the start of the annual Tokyo Design Week, in which a few big design events -- Tokyo Designer's Week, 100% Design Tokyo, DesignTide, and Swedish Style -- join forces to bring lots of great exhibitions, events, and yes, parties to the city. Tokyo Designer's Week and 100% Design Tokyo return to the Jingu Gaien grounds, near Gaienmae station on the Ginza line, and this year's DesignTide, the main site at least, has moved to the nearby Olympic Gymnasium. Of course, events and exhibitions are also taking place in countless shops and cafes throughout Shibuya, Harajuku, Aoyama, and even Roppongi this year (check out Design Touch at the Tokyo Midtown shopping complex), so it shouldn't be too hard to get in on any of the action. Most of the festivities run until November 4, with Swedish Style going until November 8.

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The Tadao Ando-designed bunker-like satellite store for hhstyle.com's flagship shop in Harajuku has not disappeared, but a slight change has taken a hold of it as of this month. Gone are the furnishings of the luxurious Armani Casa line (and the old name of hhstyle.com/Casa), and in comes hhstyle.com/Limited (6-14-5 Jingumae, 03-3400-8821). It's a new concept store that looks to mix things up with a collection of interior goods not normally available in Japan, as well as a line from Vitra. The store has always been a popular stop on any retail tour of the area, and this renewal should make it that much more worthy of a return visit.

hhstyle.com/Limited [Official site]

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With a name like Tokyo Sweets Factory, you more than likely know what to expect: lots and lots of sweet-tasting desserts. After the opening of their first shop in Jiyugaoka (Fino JIYUGAOKA B1F, 5-28-1 Okusawa, 03-5483-8811) earlier this year on a rather auspicious day (July 7, 2007, or 07/07/07), quick success has led to the addition last month of a second branch, this time at the Printemps department store in Ginza (B2F). Why use the name "factory"? When you go to the original shop, you can actually see all of the sweets as they're being made, and a restaurant area lets you order specific desserts that are prepared on the spot. How sweet is that?

Tokyo Sweets Factory [Official site]

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Tokyo Midtown seems to have gotten most of the attention this year in the Tokyo mega-shopping-complex sweepstakes, but I'm here to remind you that the Shin-Marunouchi Building is not to be overlooked. I've written about it in the past, as well as its Wonderwall-designed Henry Good Seven cafe, and now I'd like to point out the Soba Kichi restaurant (03-5222-5133), also located on the 7th floor food area.

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When the Tokyo Midtown shopping complex opened its doors earlier this year, one major tenant was conspicuously absent -- the much-hyped Billboard Live TOKYO venue. Finally opening last month (in the fourth floor's Garden Terrace, part of the Galleria section, 03-3405-1133), the 300-seat venue and restaurant is already hosting a very busy schedule of live shows (pretty much every single night of the month is covered), with some big-name acts that are expectedly accompanied with big ticket prices. Unfortunately, this is something that you will experience with shows pretty much everywhere, as live music does not come cheap in this city. You can save a bit by staying in the "casual area" (as opposed to the "service area"). If Tokyo is not part of your Japan travel plans, they also have branches in Osaka and Fukuoka.

Billboard Live TOKYO [Official site]

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When I bring up Tyler Brûlé's Monocle magazine in conversation, I seem to get two basic responses. People either love it -- and I am firmly included in that camp -- or think that the mix of topics somehow doesn't work (although everyone seems to love the design). Whether you love it or hate it, it has to be said that the web component has slowly been creating a separate if complimentary experience, adding a lot of great original content. One of the latest features on the site has been the creation of a "Quality of Life Index," which is mostly an excuse to highlight some great spots from around the world. As you'd probably expect, I take particular interest in their Tokyo selections, and certainly agree with a lot of what's been covered.

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With the launch earlier this year of Timberland's new global concept relating to recycling and ecology, it was a given that their flagship store in Shibuya would follow through with the theme (following other concept stores in London, Singapore, and Milan). Opening last week, the new store--designed by multi-disciplinary designers Megumi Matsubara and Hiroi Ariyama (Assistant)--certainly offers an interesting take on the concept of recycling with its in-store urban forest. The idea was to present a story, in which different parts of the store -- where most materials are either recovered from construction scraps or even found, as in an old scaffold used to renovate a temple in Hiroshima -- can impart a tale that the staff are ready to share with customers. It's a new must-see stop on any retail tour of the area.

Timberland SHIBUYA [Official site]

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When I wrote about the Sanya area of Tokyo earlier, I just covered the cheap lodging options. The area actually has more to offer, including great retro eateries (just go where people are waiting in line) and a terrific location (walking distance to Asakusa, and a short train ride to Akihabara -- "Electric Town" -- and Ueno station, which connects easily to Narita Airport). But if you're looking for just one recommendation, it would have to be to Cafe Bach (1-23-9 Nihon-Zutsumi, 03-3875-2669).

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In general, I imagine most readers of this site probably do not fall into the backpacker/budget traveler category, but there may come a time when some of you would like to spend time in Tokyo without breaking the bank -- or maybe with a priority on shopping and not lodging. If you have access to the NHK World network, this week's episode of their Tokyo Eye program includes a report by me on the Sanya area, located just north of Asakusa. Known for its numerous (more than 170) cheap hotels and the day-laborers who stay in them, recent years have seen Sanya focus on backpacker customers, with hotels and hostels catering to the super-budget traveler.

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My love for MUJI knows no bounds, which I'm sure pretty much anyone I know will quickly acknowledge once they spend a bit of time with me. Let's do a MUJI update then, this time in regards to major renovations that took place at the flagship store in Yurakucho, making this already must-see space even more attractive (if that's at all possible). First up, the introduction of a new "MUJI to Go" corner, which brings together all the MUJI travel goods you could ever need (and some you haven't yet realized you need).

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It's fair to say that a lot of visitors to the city would like to experience the beauty that is the Japanese garden, and now you can do it within the stylish confines of a new Nakameguro cafe. RAKURA (Court Modelia Nakameguro, 2-7-4 Kamimeguro, 03-5879-7021) really does care about its interior, nicely mixing concrete with the overwhelming greenery placed throughout, and the giant tree that greets you as you enter should quickly give you a good idea of the intended vibe. How much do they care about their plants? They actually sell some as well, so think of it as a new entry in the growing field of mixed-use Tokyo spaces -- this time, flower shop/cafe.

RAKURA [Official site]

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