RECESS ABROAD: JAPAN
Recess is in Japan! We've been in Tokyo this past week surrounded by natural beauty, exquisite design, amazing shopping, and tasty treats. On our third trip to Japan, we are still very deeply inspired, and want to share our adventure. Here are a few of our favorite things:
(This is in no way a comprehensive list, but we hope you enjoy our recommendations!) by Erica Sanae
We love experiencing the bustling excitement of markets and fleas in every city we visit; it gives us a taste of the local culture. We visited the biannual Setagaya Boro Ichi Market Festival outside of Tokyo, one of the city's oldest markets going strong at 439 years. Tokyo puts on a great show when it comes to shopping, and this market is no exception. Considered to be a cultural asset, the market attracts an average of 80,000 visitors per run, and it was definitely crowded! This is definitely worth a stop for anyone who happens to be in Tokyo during the yearly scheduled dates.
SETAGAYA BORO ICHI MARKET
Boroichi-dori Street, Setagaya 1-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
January 15-16, December 15-16
Google Map Link
A visit to Tsukiji Fish Market is an exhilarating experience for sushi lovers. Not for the squeamish, you get a close look at a working fish market. Fishermen and fish mongers are buzzing with daily tasks: butchering, cleaning, portioning, and selling fish. You really get a feeling of the respect they have for the fish, and for their trade. Even if you don't catch the famed early morning tuna auctions (which we didn't), you can still witness the bustle of this busy market- and of course, whet your appetite for a sushi breakfast.
TSUKIJI FISH MARKET
5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0045
Google Map Link
ICHIBA SUSHI TSUKIJI
〒104-0045 東京都中央区 築地５−２−１市場内施設８号館１３号
Google Map Link
The visual merchandising in Tokyo is as much a product as what's for sale. Multi-layered displays are fun, quirky, effective, and most of all, memorable. Many Tokyo boutiques are tiny, and need to come up with creative solutions to maximize the available space in a visually pleasing manner; even ones that have the luxury of space make an effort to keep it fresh. What we learned? Go Vertical! Stores made beautiful use of their wall space (and even ceilings!)
QOO VINTAGE
4-3-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Central Omotesando Room 515
Google Map Link
PASS THE BATON
150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−12, 10 表参道 ヒルズ 西館 B2F
Google Map Link
RIYAD VINTAGE
@riyadvintage.tokyo
5 Chome-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
Google Map Link
UTA
@utashimokitazawa
世田谷区北沢2-9-25下北沢ビル2F
Google Map Link
From beer and ramen, to ice cream and train tickets, you can buy aaaaalmost anything at a Japanese vending machine. We had fun clicking all the buttons and trying different treats and drinks throughout the day (ice cream for breakfast, anyone?). We know we're not the only button-pushers around- make sure to play roulette if you're ever in Japan!
You've probably heard of kaiten sushi, also known as conveyor belt sushi or sushi train. At Genki Sushi Uobei, they have upgraded to kaiten sushi 2.0. Every customer is seated at a station with their own personal ordering ipad, and all sushi is made to order. Your sushi zips out on a high speed "bullet train" that arrives right to you when it's ready. It's a great option for anyone who doesn't speak or read Japanese, and you can be certain of what you're ordering and how much it costs. We had a great time pressing all the buttons and eating way too much.
GENKI SUSHI UOBEI
2 Chome-29-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043
Google Map Link
Dark alleyways, narrow rooms, tiny bars, and tons of personality make up the tangled network of small bars in Shinjuku's Golden Gai district. Many of these establishments can fit few more than five people at their tiny counters, and each of the 200+ bars have a unique theme or "hook"- but all seem to be frozen in a moment in time. The challenge (and fun) is finding your perfect match.
Our favorite is Kuro Bar, run by the spunky septuagenarian Kuro herself. Kuro has travelled the world, professes a love for rum and cigars, and decorated her bar with striking photography by her friend, Daido Moriyama. We always try to swing by Kuro's spot when we're in town; make sure to visit her bar when you're in Golden Gai.
Of course, we haven't come close to visiting every bar in Golden Gai- but we try! Our other find of this trip was Piece Bar, where the owner has a love of Jack Daniels and Rock. The adorable Maaya was tending bar that night, and we found out that she also had her own fan club, with regulars who only visit every Tuesday just to see her. We love that loyalty. Let us know where we should visit next!
GOLDEN GAI
1 Chome Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
Google Map Link
KURO BAR
歌舞伎町1-1-9 Shinjuku, 東京都 〒160-0021
Google Map Link
