ARTICLES
ART
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RECOMMENDED GIFTS & VALUABLE NEW PRODUCTS
In Japan’s culture of gift-giving, the elegance and quality of souvenirs from Tokyo are matched only by their variety. From the finest kitchenware to exquisite handcrafts, the best of Japan is found here.
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TOKYO'S CULTURAL HOT SPOTS
Ultra-modern Tokyo is built on ancient foundations. Explore the city's living cultural traditions at world-class museums and shows.
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TOKYO'S NEW ART SPACES
Ride the cutting edge of culture in an ever-changing city. Creative collaborations, virtual worlds, and organic installations await at Tokyo's art museums.
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A MODERN TASTE OF KINTSUGI
From a rare encounter with a legendary kintsugi artist to an exquisite tea ceremony-inspired cocktail experience - slow down and explore the rich cultural landscape that lies beneath the surface of Tokyo’s fast-paced urbanism.
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"BEAUTY" IS POWER
At Ippodo, beauty is power. The owner and curator of this gallery in Tokyo's luxurious Ginza district is Keiko Aono, a knowledgeable art connoisseur who is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art by Japan's top artists and rising stars alike. Savor Japanese art and culture in the intimacy of Ippodo's private tearoom - a tranquil, exclusive space for experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony while admiring exquisite works of art.
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APPRECIATING NATURE, THE JAPANESE WAY
In the art of bonsai, little pots hold fascinating miniature worlds encapsulating many of Japan’s ancient aesthetic ideals and philosophies. Meet an acclaimed bonsai master in Tokyo, and discover a new way to appreciate nature and Japanese culture through his timeless works of living art.
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TOKYO'S MANY LAYERS
Monocle Magazine's Asia Bureau Chief Fiona Wilson has spent more time than most exploring the mix of old and new that make Tokyo such a unique place. Here, she shares a few of her favorite finds in the city.
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NO(H) WHERE LIKE TOKYO
Noh actor Noboru Sano guides us to three of his favorite places in Tokyo to experience authentic Japanese culture at its best.
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COLLABORATION OF BLOWING AND CARVING
Edo Kiriko glass – a handmade artistic tradition crystallizing the spirt of Tokyo. Glass hand-blown by Tajima Glass and carved and polished by artisan workshops such as Hanashyo offer you a perfect, breathtaking memento of Tokyo that will endure for generations.
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JAPAN BLUE MEETS THE FUTURE
Indigo – the color of victory, the color of tradition, and the color of the future. Using all-natural ingredients and techniques passed down from the 8th century, Tateisucanna offers fashion imbued with the wisdom and beauty of Japan’s aizome indigo dyeing tradition.
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NEW WAVE MEETS TRADITION
Ukiyo-e – the striking woodblock prints that inspired Monet and Van Gogh and set the course of fashion in Edo-era Japan. Uncover your own authentic masterpiece at Hara Shobo in Kanda, and bring home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of Japanese art.
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RETAINING TRADITIONS WHILE GO BEYOND TRADITIONS
The kimono–a symbol of Japanese beauty and tradition – is continuing to evolve through the work of contemporary artisans. At a bright, airy boutique in Tokyo, HIROCOLEDGE reimagines the kimono for modern life with vivid designs based on timeless motifs.
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TOKYO—A UNIQUE BLEND OF EAST AND WEST
Tokyo based interior designer Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall shares a few of his favorite must-visit spots in Tokyo.
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HOSPITALITY PRO: “HOME IS A FEELING”
Aman Tokyo general manager Tomoko Yagi spoke with us about ways that travelers can feel right at home even while immersing themselves in authentic local experiences that might at first seem anything but familiar.
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MEET AN ART LEGEND AT GALERIE NICHIDO
In trendsetting Tokyo, the styles, stories, and tastes of the time are constantly being reinvented across all genres of art. For lovers of contemporary oil painting, Galerie Nichido in Ginza has been keeping the field fertile for nearly a century.
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MORNING YOGA IN A VERITABLE MUSEUM
Morning yoga classes at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo in Meguro ward invite yogis of all levels from beginner to advanced to practice in beautiful art-filled surroundings. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed healthy breakfast in the boutique hotel’s top-floor lounge.
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MEDITATION GALLERY KURENBOH
Visit this unique gallery run by the art-loving head priest of Chohouin Temple for a meditative conversation with the carefully selected art pieces on display.
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The Pinnacle of Craftsmanship : Bespoke Shoes by Sonomitsu
Lovingly tailored to each customer, Sonomitsu’s handmade shoes are a superb example of Japanese craftsmanship. Cap your exploration of the charming, history-laden area of Yanesen in northeast Tokyo by visiting shoemaker Hajime Sonoda at his atelier for a personalized shoe consultation.